Spiced Chickpea and Carrot Curry with Coconut Milk

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fragrant vegan curry featuring tender chickpeas and carrots simmered in a warming blend of spices and creamy coconut milk. This indian-inspired vegan ready in about 40 minutes pairs canned chickpeas, carrots, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp coconut oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 tbsp curry powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1/2 tsp ground turmeric; stir continuously for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk and 1 cup diced tomatoes, stirring to combine.
  5. Step 5: Add 2 cups drained chickpeas and 3 sliced carrots; bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook gently for 20 minutes until carrots are tender.
  6. Step 6: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then stir in 1 tbsp fresh lime juice and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Chickpea and Carrot Curry with Coconut Milk take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Spiced Chickpea and Carrot Curry with Coconut Milk?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep canned chickpeas from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Chickpea and Carrot Curry with Coconut Milk?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Spiced Chickpea and Carrot Curry with Coconut Milk for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Spiced Chickpea and Carrot Curry with Coconut Milk vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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