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Easy Chickpea Curry with Potatoes Recipe

I absolutely love how this Easy Chickpea Curry with Potatoes Recipe comes together—it’s comfort food at its best, with just the right balance of spice and heartiness. When I first tried this dish, I was amazed by how simple pantry staples turned into something so flavorful and satisfying. You’ll find this recipe perfect for weeknights when you want a warm, filling meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Besides being easy and delicious, this curry is packed with healthy ingredients like chickpeas and potatoes, making it a nutritious option you can feel good about. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week ahead, this Easy Chickpea Curry with Potatoes Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes—and I think you’ll love it just as much!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple Ingredients: Most are pantry staples, making it super easy to whip up on a whim.
  • Hearty & Healthy: Chickpeas provide protein and fiber, while potatoes add comforting texture.
  • Flavorful & Spiced Just Right: The blend of spices balances warmth and a gentle kick without overpowering.
  • Family Friendly: My family goes crazy for this curry, and it’s perfect for leftovers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Easy Chickpea Curry with Potatoes Recipe work together beautifully to create layers of flavor and texture. Each spice adds its own character, and the potatoes soak up the curry sauce, making every bite satisfying. When shopping, look for good-quality canned chickpeas and tomatoes for the best taste and convenience.

  • Curry Powder: Choose a blend you like—this is the star spice mix.
  • All Spice Powder: Adds a subtle warmth that complements the curry spices.
  • Nutmeg Powder: Freshly grated nutmeg makes a big flavor difference if you have it.
  • Smoked Paprika: Gives a lovely smoky depth, but regular paprika is fine too.
  • Dried Thyme Leaves: Adds herbal notes that brighten the dish.
  • Cumin Powder: Essential for that earthy undertone.
  • Cayenne Pepper: Adjust this to control your heat level.
  • White Pepper: Offers mild heat and aroma; black pepper works as a substitute.
  • Cooking Oil: I use vegetable oil for a neutral flavor, but feel free to use your favorite.
  • Garlic Cloves: Fresh and minced—don’t skip for that punch of flavor.
  • Onion: Brown, white, or yellow onions work great, just diced finely.
  • Potatoes: Peeled and cubed—Yukon gold or red potatoes hold up well.
  • Canned Chickpeas: Drained but no need to rinse completely; the liquid adds some flavor.
  • Canned Crushed Tomatoes: These add tanginess and body to the curry sauce.
  • Vegetable or Chicken Broth: Low sodium is best so you can control saltiness.
  • Salt: Start with less and adjust toward the end—everyone’s taste buds are different!
  • Scallion/Shallot Stems: Sliced for a fresh bite at the end.
  • Fresh Parsley or Coriander/Cilantro: For finishing touches that brighten the dish.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love to make this Easy Chickpea Curry with Potatoes Recipe my own by switching up a few ingredients here and there, depending on what’s in my fridge or what my family is craving. You can easily adjust the heat, swap herbs, or add extra veggies to keep things fresh and exciting.

  • Add Greens: Sometimes I toss in spinach or kale towards the end for extra nutrition and color—it wilts beautifully in the curry sauce.
  • Make it Creamy: Stir in a splash of coconut milk or a dollop of yogurt to soften the spices and make the curry richer.
  • Spice it Up: If you like more heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add fresh chopped chili to taste.
  • Keep it Vegan: Use vegetable broth and plant-based yogurt to keep this 100% vegan-friendly.

How to Make Easy Chickpea Curry with Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating your cooking oil in a large pot or a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, toss in the diced onions and minced garlic. Cook these for about 3 minutes until the onions turn translucent and fragrant—this is when the flavors really begin to build. Be careful not to let the garlic burn; stirring occasionally helps keep everything even.

Step 2: Toast the Spices

Add your curry powder, allspice, nutmeg, smoked paprika, thyme, cumin, cayenne, and white pepper to the pot. Stir continuously for about 1 minute to toast the spices. This step unlocks all the essential aromas and deepens the flavor of your curry sauce. Keep an eye on the pot to avoid burning the spices—if you notice anything sticking or browning too fast, a splash of water helps loosen things up.

Step 3: Coat the Potatoes

Now, add your cubed potatoes to the spices and stir well to evenly coat each piece. The potatoes absorb the spice mixture, which makes them incredibly flavorful once cooked. This also prevents the spices from burning on the bottom of the pan. If you find the mixture too dry or starting to stick, don’t hesitate to add a tiny splash of water to keep it moving smoothly.

Step 4: Simmer the Curry

Pour in the drained chickpeas, crushed tomatoes, and your choice of vegetable or chicken broth along with the salt. Bring everything up to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium and let it cook uncovered for about 15 minutes. The potatoes should be tender and the sauce thickened at this point. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and help the flavors marry. This is where the magic really happens!

Step 5: Final Touches

Give the curry a taste and adjust the salt if necessary—it’s always easier to add more later. Finally, stir in the sliced scallions and fresh parsley or coriander. These fresh herbs brighten the dish and add a beautiful pop of color just before serving.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Chickpea Curry with Potatoes Recipe

  • Toast Your Spices: I learned to toast spices just briefly to really awaken their flavors—don’t skip this or the curry tastes flat!
  • Potato Size Matters: Cut the potatoes into uniform cubes so they cook evenly and in sync with the chickpeas.
  • Use Low Sodium Broth: This way, you control the saltiness better and avoid a too-salty curry.
  • Add Herbs Last: Fresh herbs lose their bright flavor if cooked too long, so add them at the end for the freshest taste.

How to Serve Easy Chickpea Curry with Potatoes Recipe

Easy Chickpea Curry with Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I always top this curry with a handful of chopped fresh coriander or cilantro leaves for that fresh, zesty punch. A cooling dollop of plain yogurt balances the spices beautifully and adds creaminess that everyone appreciates. Some scallions sprinkled on top add just the right bit of crunch and color.

Side Dishes

I like serving this curry with fluffy basmati rice, which soaks up the sauce perfectly. For a fancier touch, try coconut rice. On lazy days, I’ll grab some store-bought naan or make easy soft flatbreads to scoop up every last bit.

Creative Ways to Present

When hosting, I like to serve the curry in beautiful bowls with a sprinkling of toasted nuts or seeds on top for texture. You could also assemble a vibrant curry bowl with rice, curry, fresh herbs, and a wedge of lemon for an Instagram-worthy meal that tastes even better than it looks!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Easy Chickpea Curry with Potatoes Recipe keeps incredibly well in the fridge—store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. I usually separate a serving into smaller containers for quick lunches during busy weeks.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this curry several times with great results! Just cool it completely, then pack into freezer-safe containers. It lasts up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the curry has thickened too much. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to warm it evenly without drying out.

FAQs

  1. Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

    Absolutely! Just be sure to soak and cook the dried chickpeas fully before adding them to the curry. This will take longer prep time but can make the dish even more nutritious and fresh-tasting.

  2. What potatoes work best for this curry?

    I prefer Yukon gold or red potatoes because they hold their shape well and absorb the curry flavors nicely. Russets tend to break down too much and can make the curry thicker than desired.

  3. Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

    Yes! This curry actually tastes better the next day after the flavors meld. It stores well in the fridge and freezes nicely, making it perfect for meal prep and easy dinners.

  4. Can I make this curry spicier?

    Definitely! Increase the cayenne pepper or add fresh chili peppers when sautéing the onions and garlic. Just add a little at a time, then taste to get your perfect spice level.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chickpea Curry with Potatoes Recipe has truly become a beloved staple in my kitchen. It combines warmth, comfort, and simplicity in a way that feels both nourishing and indulgent. I can’t recommend it enough whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner!

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Easy Chickpea Curry with Potatoes Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 274 reviews
  • Author: Paula
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 5 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian-inspired
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Easy Chickpea Curry with Potato is a flavorful and hearty vegetarian dish combining tender chickpeas and potatoes simmered in a rich blend of aromatic spices and tomatoes. Perfect served with basmati rice and a dollop of yogurt, it makes a comforting meal that’s quick to prepare and packed with warmth and depth.


Ingredients

Spices

  • 2 tbsp curry powder
  • 1 tsp allspice powder
  • 1 tsp nutmeg powder (or 1/2 tsp freshly grated)
  • 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (or normal or sweet)
  • 2 tsp dried thyme leaves (or 3 tsp fresh)
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 3/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp white pepper (or 1/2 tsp black pepper)

Curry

  • 3 tbsp cooking oil (vegetable oil recommended)
  • 2 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 large onion, diced (brown, white, or yellow)
  • 1 1/2 cups potatoes, cut into 1.2cm / 1/2″ cubes (1 large, peeled)
  • 28 oz / 800g canned chickpeas (2 x 14oz/400g cans), drained
  • 14 oz / 400g canned crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth/stock, low sodium
  • 1 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt (adjust to taste; halve for table salt)
  • 2 scallion/shallot stems, sliced (green & white parts)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (or coriander/cilantro)

To Serve (Optional)

  • Chopped coriander/cilantro leaves
  • Dollop of yogurt
  • Basmati rice or white rice


Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pot or very deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and cook for about 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
  2. Add Spices: Stir in the curry powder, allspice, nutmeg, smoked paprika, thyme, cumin, cayenne pepper, and white pepper. Cook the spices for 1 minute, stirring constantly to release their aromas and prevent burning.
  3. Incorporate Potatoes: Add the 1.5 cups of cubed potatoes to the pot, stirring well to coat them evenly with the spice mixture. If you notice the spices starting to stick to the bottom, add a small splash of water to loosen and avoid burning.
  4. Simmer Curry: Pour in the drained chickpeas, crushed tomatoes, and 2 cups of low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth. Add 1 teaspoon of cooking salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium. Let it simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are cooked through and the sauce thickens to a rich consistency.
  5. Adjust Seasoning & Finish: Taste the curry and adjust salt if needed. Stir in the sliced scallions/shallots and chopped fresh parsley (or coriander). Mix well to distribute the herbs.
  6. Serve: Serve your chickpea curry hot with a side of fluffy basmati rice or white rice. Add a dollop of yogurt and sprinkle chopped coriander/cilantro leaves on top for a fresh finish. For a more elaborate meal, pair with soft flatbreads or coconut rice.

Notes

  • You can substitute fresh spices with pre-made curry powder, adjusting amounts based on intensity.
  • Using low-sodium broth helps control the saltiness of the dish.
  • If you prefer a spicier curry, increase cayenne pepper to taste.
  • The dish can be made vegan by omitting yogurt or using a plant-based alternative.
  • Leftovers store well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully.
  • Add extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for more nutrition and color.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 cup curry with rice)
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 9 g
  • Protein: 11 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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