This peanut butter chickpea curry vegan recipe is one of my favorite meals to make for busy weeknights. It’s such an easy curry that’s creamy, full of nutritious ingredients, and most importantly EASY! Peanut Butter Chickpeas and Curry is a delicious and healthy dish that combines the richness of chickpeas with the creaminess of peanut butter and the aromatic spices of curry. In this article, we’ll explore the origins of this delectable dish, its nutritional benefits, and how to prepare it at home.
Whether you’re a vegan or just looking for a tasty meatless meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds. If you are a fan of one-pot recipes you can check out my collection of One Pot Vegan Meals here.
If you’re looking for more plant-based chickpea recipes, feel free to explore my full collection of vegan chickpea recipes here.
What is Peanut Butter Chickpeas and Curry?
Peanut Butter Chickpeas and Curry is a vegan and plant-based dish that incorporates the wholesome goodness of chickpeas, the creaminess of peanut butter, and a medley of aromatic spices. This fusion of flavors and textures makes it a unique and savory dish that’s easy to prepare. This vegan peanut butter curry recipe is incredibly versatile and it’s a great way to use up leftover veggies.
Nutritional Benefits
This dish is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a nutritional powerhouse. Chickpeas are an excellent source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals. Peanut butter adds a creamy texture and a dose of healthy fats, while the spices in the curry provide antioxidants and flavor.
The addition of spinach contributes essential vitamins and minerals, making this dish a well-rounded meal. The best part about this chickpea curry is that it’s a healthy comfort food that tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients & Substitutions
When preparing this Peanut Butter Chickpea Curry Vegan Recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Chickpeas
Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained. White beans would also be delicious in this recipe.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is great in this recipe to add even more coconut flavors but olive oil is also good in this recipe.
Crushed Tomatoes
Crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes make this recipe super fast and easy, but fresh tomatoes make a great substitute. If you are using fresh tomatoes, try adding 1 tbsp of tomato paste to thicken it up.
Red Onion
Red onion: You can easily use white onions finely diced instead of red onions.
Ginger
Grated ginger: grated fresh ginger is the absolute best in this recipe and it’s so good for digestive health. However, 1/2 tsp of ginger powder can be used instead if needed.
Garlic
Cloves garlic, minced
Spinach
Spinach is great because you don’t have to chop it but feel free to add other veggies such as diced red bell pepper, or broccolini. Sweet potatoes are also super delicious in this recipe but I would recommend cubing them and boiling them before adding them into the curry.
Peanut Butter
All-natural peanut butter (I use creamy peanut butter instead of crunchy). If you have a peanut allergy, almond butter is a wonderful substitute.
Coconut Milk
Full-fat coconut milk: This makes the curry extra creamy however you can use a light coconut milk for a lighter choice. If the curry is too thick, simply add a splash of water or vegetable broth to thin it out.
Curry Powder
Curry powder: adds major depth of flavor and warmth to this dish. Hot curry powder is also delicious if you love spicy food. If you don’t have a mild curry powder, try using 1 tbsp of Thai red curry paste for a different flavor! A good curry will always need a lot of spice in my opinion. Taste the recipe as you go, and add more indian spices if needed. A turmeric peanut butter curry is also delicious so don’t be afraid to experiment with some different flavors.
Garam Masala
Garam masala is one of the key ingredients to this curry sauce!
Hot Chili Powder
Hot chili powder, red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to taste. This is such an easy way to add extra flavor to the dish with cheap ingredients. However, a diced serrano pepper or another fresh hot chili pepper would be delicious and add a depth of flavour.
Toppings
- Fresh chopped cilantro or other herbs such as green onions, or parsley if you don’t like cilantro.
- Juice of 1 lime to squeeze on top. A squeeze of lime tastes SO good but lemon juice is equally as delicious for a substitute.
- Serve this with naan bread, or basmatic rice to make this a filling plant-based meal.
- A few crushed peanuts are an optional topping that adds a little crunch and an extra boost of plant protein.
Helpful Tools
To prepare this dish, you’ll need:
- A large pan
- A wooden spoon for stirring
- A can opener
- Chopping board and knife
This is one of those healthy vegan meals that is so perfect for meal prep. Just store curry with rice or naan braed in 4 separate airtight containers and re-heat when you are ready for enjoy!
How To Make This Peanut Butter Chickpea Curry Vegan Recipe
In a pan on medium heat, add a little oil, and the diced onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until fragrant.
Add in garlic, ginger, and spices and continue stirring until lightly toasted, about 1 minute.
Add in crushed tomatoes, coconut milk, chickpeas, and peanut butter. Stir and simmer for 5-6 minutes.
Add the spinach and cook for another 1-2 minutes or until it wilts.
Top with a garnish of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve with rice or naan and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
- Adjust the level of chili powder to suit your spice preference.
- You can use almond or cashew butter as a peanut butter alternative.
- Serve with brown rice or whole wheat naan for a complete meal.
- This can also be made in a slow cooker, but you may need to add some extra vegetable broth. Wait to add the spinach until this easy midweek dinner is almost done. It’s so perfect for any curry and peanut butter lover!
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
FAQ: Peanut Butter Chickpea Curry
Yes, Peanut Butter Chickpeas and Curry is a vegan and plant-based dish.
Absolutely! Canned chickpeas are convenient and work well in this dish.
You can reduce the amount of chili powder to make it milder.
The dish is gluten-free, but be sure to check the labels of your ingredients for any hidden sources of gluten.
Peanut Butter Chickpeas and Curry can be prepared in advance and reheated when you’re ready to serve.
Peanut Butter Chickpea Curry Vegan Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 19oz can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 19oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups spinach
- 2 tbsp all natural peanut butter
- 1 19oz can full fat coconut milk
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- hot chili powder, salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- fresh chopped cilantro
- juice of 1 lime to squeeze on top
Instructions
- In a pan on medium heat, add a little oil, and the diced onion. Cook for 2-3 mins or until fragrant.
- Add in garlic, ginger, and spices and continue stirring until lightly toasted about 1 min.
- Add in crushed tomatoes, coconut milk, chickpeas and peanut butter. Stir and simmer for 5-6 mins. Add the spinach and cook for another 1-2 minutes or until it wilts.
- Top with a garnish of fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lemon juice, serve with rice or naan and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Conclusion: Peanut Butter Chickpea Curry Vegan Recipe
Peanut Butter Chickpeas and Curry is a delightful fusion of flavors that brings the best of chickpeas, peanut butter, and curry spices to your plate. It’s a healthy, vegan option that’s easy to prepare and bound to please your taste buds. Try this recipe and savor the unique combination of nuttiness and spice!
Yum this was a delicious and easy recipe thank you!
Thank you so much Jacquline!
Loved the creaminess of this dish, came together very nicely. Thank you for posting!
Thanks so much Tay!!
This is SO easy to put together perfect for a weeknight I used a masala spice blend instead of all the spices and turned out beautifully
Thank you so much for your feedback!
This chickpea dish was delicious loved the peanut butter curry flavours. Absolutely delicious.
Thanks so much Donna!
I made this the other night and I’m back to make it again. I thought this time I will review because it was just that good.
Thank you, so happy you liked it!
Super delicious recipe and was fairly easy to make and I do not cook that often lol
Thanks Jamie!
Loved the creamy sauce and was very quick to make
Thanks so much Cassidy!
Delicious recipe nice and creamy and great that’s its also very healthy!!
I’m thrilled you found it delicious and healthy! Thank you for your feedback!
I added extra peanut butter to this, and it was super creamy. Love the flavour and super easy to make. This will be going into my rotation for the week. Thanks so much.