June 23, 2026 · 10 min

Creamy Coconut Chickpea Curry with Basmati Rice

Dinner10 min659 cal / serving

Warm your heart and belly with this comforting vegetarian curry. Tender chickpeas, sweet bell pepper and onion are simmered in a luscious coconut-based sauce infused with curry powder, paprika and garam masala. The result is a deeply savory, slightly sweet dish that’s both satisfying and nourishing.

Serve this fragrant curry over fluffy basmati rice, then add a cool dollop of yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Each bite is a perfect balance of creamy, spicy and tangy-a truly soul-satisfying meal that comes together in just 30 minutes.


Recipe details

Dinner10 min659 cal / serving2 servings

Nutrition per serving

Calories659 kcalProtein26 gFat23 gCarbs89.5 gSugar23.8 gFiber17.4 gSodium4087 mg

Dietary labels

Gluten-free: yesLactose-free: noDairy-free: no

Allergen check

Gluten / wheat: not detectedMilk / dairy: containsEgg: not detectedFish: not detectedShellfish: not detectedPeanut: not detectedTree nuts: containsSoy: not detectedSesame: not detectedMustard: not detectedCelery: not detectedSulphites: not detectedLupin: not detectedMolluscs: not detected

Values are calculated per serving from ingredient amounts and the ingredient nutrition reference per 100g. Allergen and diet labels use available ingredient metadata and name matching; always check product labels for strict diets or allergies. Some ingredient amounts or nutrition values were incomplete, so this is marked as a partial estimate.


Ingredients

Yellow Onion1 unit Yellow OnionView ingredient guide
Garlic1 clove GarlicView ingredient guide
Bell Pepper1 unit Bell PepperView ingredient guide
Cilantro0.25 ounce CilantroView ingredient guide
Chickpeas13.4 ounce ChickpeasView ingredient guide
Basmati Rice0.5 cup Basmati RiceView ingredient guide
Curry Powder1 tablespoon Curry PowderView ingredient guide
Paprika1 teaspoon PaprikaView ingredient guide
Garam Masala1 teaspoon Garam MasalaView ingredient guide
Tomato Paste1.5 ounce Tomato PasteView ingredient guide
Coconut Milk5.07 ounce Coconut MilkView ingredient guide
Yogurt2 tablespoon YogurtView ingredient guide
Cooking Oil1 teaspoon Cooking OilView ingredient guide
Sugar0.5 teaspoon SugarView ingredient guide
Butter2 tablespoon ButterView ingredient guide
SaltSaltView ingredient guide
PepperPepperView ingredient guide

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry all produce. Peel and mince the garlic. Halve, peel and finely dice half the onion (use the whole onion if cooking for 4). Core, deseed and finely dice the bell pepper. Drain and rinse the chickpeas. Finely chop the cilantro.
  2. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a small pot over medium-high heat. Add half the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the basmati rice, ¾ cup water (1½ cups for 4 servings) and a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Cook until the rice is tender, 15-18 minutes. Keep covered off heat until ready to serve.
  3. While the rice cooks, heat a drizzle of oil in a medium pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper; cook until softened and lightly browned, 3-5 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste, curry powder, paprika, half the garam masala and the remaining garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. (Tip: If you love the earthy warmth of garam masala, feel free to add more!) Stir in the chickpeas, coconut milk, stock concentrate, ¼ cup water and ½ teaspoon sugar (for 4 servings, use ⅓ cup water and 1 teaspoon sugar). Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook until the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally, 4-5 minutes. If the curry seems too thick, add a splash of water. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon butter (2 tablespoons for 4 servings) until melted. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  4. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and season with salt and pepper. Divide the rice between bowls. Top with the curry, then dollop with yogurt. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve.

Recipe Tips

For extra depth, toast the curry powder and garam masala in the pot for 30 seconds before adding liquids.

If you prefer a thinner curry, add a splash of water or coconut milk during simmering.

Garnish with a squeeze of lime for a bright finish.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, you can substitute basmati with jasmine rice or long-grain white rice. Adjust cooking time and water according to package instructions.

Is this curry spicy?

This curry is mildly spiced. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes along with the curry powder.

Can I make this curry ahead of time?

Absolutely! The curry tastes even better the next day as flavors meld. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

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