Spiced Indian-Style Chickpea and Tomato Curry

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

A hearty and aromatic chickpea curry simmered with tomatoes and warming spices, perfect for a comforting vegetarian meal. This Indian-inspired vegetarian recipe (gluten free), ready in about 35 minutes, pairs canned chickpeas, olive oil, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes until translucent and soft.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, and 1/4 tsp red chili powder. Cook the spices for 30 seconds to release their aroma.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 1/2 cups canned crushed tomatoes and 1 cup water, stirring to combine. Simmer the mixture for 8 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Step 5: Add 2 cups drained and rinsed canned chickpeas and 1 tsp salt. Stir well and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until the chickpeas absorb the flavors and the sauce thickens.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Serve hot with rice or flatbread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Indian-Style Chickpea and Tomato Curry take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Indian-Style Chickpea and Tomato Curry?

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 Indian-Style Chickpea and Tomato Curry?

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 Indian-Style Chickpea and Tomato Curry 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 Indian-Style Chickpea and Tomato Curry vegetarian?

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

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