Name: Indian Butter Chickpeas
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 tbsp oil (olive or coconut); 1 onion, finely chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp grated ginger; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1 tsp garam masala; 1/2 tsp turmeric; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional, for heat); 1/2 tsp salt; 400g (14oz) canned chopped tomatoes; 2 tbsp tomato puree; 1 tsp sugar; 2 x 400g (14oz) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 200ml (3/4 cup) coconut milk; Fresh coriander, for garnish; Cooked rice or naan, to serve

Why You’ll Love Indian Butter Chickpeas Recipe

It gives you all the warmth and richness of butter chicken — but meat‑free.
It’s quick and simple: one pan, about half an hour, minimal fuss.
You can easily adjust it: make it vegan, boost protein, control the spice level.
It reheats well and develops deeper flavor over time.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Butter (or ghee / vegan butter)
Chickpeas (canned or cooked from dried)
Red onion, diced
Garlic, minced
Fresh ginger, grated
Tomato paste
Turmeric powder
Ground cumin
Ground coriander
Chili powder (or fresh red chili)
Garam masala
Salt
Crushed tomatoes (canned)
Heavy cream or coconut milk
Lemon juice
Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Directions

Melt the butter in a pan, then add diced onion and sauté for about 5–6 minutes until softened.
Add garlic and grated ginger; cook another minute. Then stir in tomato paste and all the spices/seasonings. Cook 1–2 minutes to toast spices.
Pour in crushed tomatoes; at this point you can optionally blend the mixture until smooth (for a creamier texture) or leave it chunky.
Add chickpeas to the sauce and simmer for about 10 minutes so the chickpeas absorb flavor and the sauce reduces slightly.
Lower heat; stir in cream (or coconut milk) and lemon juice, heating gently until warmed through.
Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve.

Servings and timing

Yield: 4 servings
Cook time: ~ 25 minutes
Total time: ~ 25 minutes

Variations

Vegan version: Use vegan butter and coconut milk instead of dairy.
Extra protein: Add cubed paneer, tofu, or more chickpeas.
Increase heat: Add more chili powder or fresh chilis.
Smoother sauce: Blend the tomato mixture before adding chickpeas.
Different greens: Stir in spinach, kale or other leafy greens near the end.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

What if I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Soak them overnight, then cook until tender before using in the recipe.

Is this curry very spicy?

It has mild heat by default, but you can adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder (or fresh chilis).

Can I make this dish dairy‑free?

Yes — substitute the butter with vegan butter (or oil) and use coconut milk instead of cream.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. In fact, the flavors often deepen after sitting overnight.

Will the sauce thicken over time?

Yes — as it cools, the sauce may thicken. You can loosen it with a little water, broth, or extra cream/coconut milk.

Can I serve this with something else aside from rice?

Yes — it pairs well with basmati rice, naan, roti, or even quinoa.

How do I adjust it for fewer servings?

You can scale down proportionally (e.g. half everything for 2 servings). Just watch the cooking times for onions and sauce reduction.

Can I add vegetables to this curry?

Yes — peas, spinach, cauliflower, or bell peppers can be added. Add firmer vegetables earlier so they cook through.

Is this recipe gluten‑free?

Yes — all main ingredients are naturally gluten‑free (just check labels on any processed items).

Can I double this recipe?

Yes — you can scale it up. Use a larger pot or pan and monitor simmering so the sauce reduces properly.

Conclusion

This Indian Butter Chickpeas recipe brings together creamy richness and vibrant spices in a reassuringly simple dish. Whether you want a weeknight vegetarian dinner or a cozy meal to impress, it’s versatile, comforting, and satisfying. Try it as is or customize it to your taste—and enjoy every aromatic bite!