Zero-Waste Chickpea Curry

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

A vibrant vegan curry made with pantry staples that transforms canned chickpeas into a creamy, aromatic dish. This indian-inspired one pot (vegan) ready in about 30 minutes pairs (15 oz each) canned chickpeas, medium chopped onions, minced ginger for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium chopped onion, 1 tbsp minced ginger, and 2 cloves minced garlic, sautéing for 3 minutes until onions are translucent and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 2 cans (15 oz each) canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed), 1 can (13.5 oz) canned coconut milk, 2 tbsp curry powder, 1 cup chopped tomatoes, 1/2 cup vegetable broth, and 1/2 tsp salt. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  3. Step 3: Cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat, stir in 1 tbsp lime juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and serve warm.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Zero-Waste Chickpea Curry take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Zero-Waste Chickpea 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 (15 oz each) canned chickpeas from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Zero-Waste Chickpea 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 Zero-Waste Chickpea 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 Zero-Waste Chickpea Curry 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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