Ingredients:

0.5x

1x

2x

4x

 

•   1 can chickpeas (drained & rinsed)
•   1 can tomatoes (crushed)
•   1 cup canned coconut milk
•   1 tbsp oil (olive or vegetable)
•   1 onion (diced)
•   3 cloves garlic (minced or 1 tsp garlic powder)
•   1 tsp ginger (optional but great)
•   1 tbsp curry powder
•   1/2 tsp cumin
•   1/2 tsp paprika (or chili powder - optional)
•   Salt (as needed)
•   pepper (as needed)
•   Frozen spinach (or peas - optional)
•   1 Lemon (lemon juice optional)

Ingredients are subject to availability at local stores. Unavailable items will be automatically substituted at best-effort.

Instructions

1. Sauté base
   Heat oil in a pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook 5–7 minutes until soft. Add garlic (and ginger if using); cook 30 seconds.
2. Bloom spices
   Stir in curry powder, cumin, and paprika. Cook 30 seconds to release flavor.
3. Build curry
   Add chickpeas, crushed tomatoes, and coconut milk (or water). Stir well.
4. Simmer
   Bring to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered 15–20 minutes until thick and saucy.
5. Season & finish
   Salt to taste. Add frozen veg if using and warm through. Finish with lemon or vinegar if desired.
6. Serve
   Serve over rice, with toast, or on its own.

A rich, warming chickpea curry made with simple pantry staples that delivers bold flavor, plant-based protein, and lasting fullness. It’s an easy, budget-friendly meal that feels comforting and satisfying without requiring expensive ingredients or complicated steps.

Grocery List + Prices

(National budget averages: Walmart / ALDI / Target)

Chickpeas (1 cans, 15 oz each) — $1.78
Crushed tomatoes (1 can) — $1.29
Coconut milk (1 can) — $1.79
Onion (1 medium) — $0.60
Garlic (1 bulb) — $0.50
Curry powder — $0.30 (portion cost)
Cumin — $0.15 (portion cost)
Paprika or chili powder — $0.10 (portion cost)
Oil (olive or vegetable) — $0.30 (portion cost)
Salt & pepper — $0.05 (portion cost)
Optional: Frozen spinach or peas — $0.75

Estimated Total: $6.86–$7.61

Per Serving (4 servings): $1.70–$1.90