A calm pantry dinner
Chickpea Coconut Curry
A forgiving curry framework built around canned chickpeas, aromatics, and coconut milk.
The flexible formula
- 1 can chickpeas
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 aromatic base
- 1–2 tablespoons spice blend
- 2 cups vegetables
This is a blueprint, not a laboratory-tested recipe. Quantities are designed to be adjustable. Taste as you go and use your judgment for your ingredients and equipment.
Make it happen
- 01
Wake up the aromatics
Cook onion, garlic, or ginger in oil until fragrant. Stir in the spices briefly so they bloom without burning.
- 02
Simmer the base
Add chickpeas, coconut milk, and tomatoes or a splash of water. Simmer gently until the sauce begins to thicken.
- 03
Balance before serving
Add vegetables according to their cooking time. Finish with salt and something bright such as lime juice or vinegar.
Useful swaps
- Use lentils or white beans instead of chickpeas.
- No coconut milk: use stock and finish with yogurt or a spoonful of nut butter.
- Curry powder, garam masala, or Thai curry paste each create a different direction.