Indian butter chickpeas is a very easy to make, lip-smacking, plant-based recipe all in an effortless process and one-pot meal. It’s jammed with flavor from simple masala spices and a dollop of vegan butter to pull it all together. I’ll give you the vegan and non-vegan options for this Indian-inspired, healthy, but addicting chickpea recipe.
Watch the Recipe Video for Vegan Butter Chickpeas
Table of contents
I fell in love with Indian food many decades ago in Santa Barbara of all places. I know, right? There was actually a very authentic restaurant, owned by an elderly Indian couple, right on State Street.
As you would walk in…the canopied boutique tables, white clothes, and terra cotta pots containing fragrant aromas made this a magical place. One could feel comfortable and transported just by the warm flavors and encapsulating aura of this quaint, foodie’s paradise.
Then enter Los Angeles Indian food. Rustic, traditional, authentic in a no-frills setting. Quite the opposite, and you wouldn’t want to go eat Indian in Los Angeles in a fancy looking spot. Rather the grocery store, half-cafeteria-style bodega of Sweets & Spices would do…and it would hands down, be the best.
Let me not forget to mention my London experiences. An Indian foodie paradise for sure. Butter chicken, Shahi paneer, and Korma on the left and to the right of me. What a wonderful way to have experienced the flavors of India in some of the cities that know how to represent this cuisine.
Now when will I get to go to India for the real deal is something I’m still figuring out.
Easy Homemade Indian Style Creations
I have always loved Indian food since then, and when it’s not always accessible near me, I have had to recreate these flavors in my home to fulfill my cravings.
While it’s not the same, I dabble in easy, Indian-inspired dinner ideas for the family like masala chickpea tacos, vegan red lentil curry, butternut curry, and this masala butter chickpeas.
Despite being translated into quick variations, I still get that feeling of being transported.
Indian butter chickpeas satisfy my appetite for those memorable flavors, but it’s done in a way that is so easy, homey, and it doesn’t have to compete. It has it’s own identity and the depth of flavor all on it’s own. Believe me, I make extra because plant-based never tasted so good.
What are Indian Butter Chickpeas
Butter chicken is probably one of the most popular Indian dishes, but using chickpeas takes this delicacy to new levels with a plant based, healthy twist. Plus, no marinating!
I love butter chickpeas…how the protein, bite, and flavor is all there. Since this is chickpeas, and not chicken, this is a sauce driven dish and it’s really simple to pull it together in a one-pot shot.
The sauce is the same as in butter chicken. Tomato base, sprinkled with Indian spices takes the simplest plant protein and makes it a creamy, vibrant, delectable meal.
Instead of heavy cream, a vegan substitute will do or even a spoon of vegan greek yogurt. I found vegan cream at my local store (Trader Joe’s) and it worked really well.
For the lactose tolerating, greek yogurt is a healthy addition.
The result, a super rich and perfectly balanced tomato sauce with some vibrant, bright flavor notes. I envelope this sauce all over toasted chickpeas.
Indian butter chickpeas have officially become a thing in my house.
Indian Spices for Butter Chick-Peas
Since this is a simple, homecooked feel-good recipe, the spices should be easy to find and simple to use.
You can use fresh turmeric, which is very accessible in many major grocery stores (at least in my city). If you use fresh turmeric, grate the turmeric. A half tablespoon will do as it is a bold ingredient.
Turmeric
Turmeric is known for its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help support a healthy immune system and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Consuming turmeric regularly has been linked to potential cognitive benefits and improved heart health, making it a valuable addition to a balanced diet.
Garam Masala
This spice is a crucial blend in Indian cuisine, is a fragrant and versatile spice mix that adds warmth and depth to dishes. Its combination of aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and cardamom lends a rich and complex flavor profile to both savory and sweet recipes.
Paprika
Paprika is not traditionally a part of traditional Indian cuisine, but it has been integrated into some modern Indian-inspired dishes for its color and mild smoky flavor. When used in Indian cuisine, paprika adds a vibrant red hue to dishes and contributes a subtle sweetness. Its inclusion in recipes like Indian butter chickpeas can enhance the visual appeal and provide a mild warmth to the flavor profile without overpowering the dish. It is chosen so this dish is non-spicy, making it kid friendly.
Cumin
Cumin is a fundamental spice in Indian cuisine, commonly used in both whole and ground forms. It provides a warm, earthy flavor and aromatic depth to a wide range of Indian dishes, from curries and stews to rice and breads.
Salt and Brown Sugar
These are staple ingredients that are in most pantries. They bring balance of savory and sweet to the mixture and are essential to round out the flavor of the sauce.
Ingredients
To make Indian butter chickpeas you will need the following easy to find ingredients that most major grocery stores carry:
- CHICKPEAS – 2 cans; strained
- OIL – 1 tbsp; Use GHEE if you are not vegan.
- TOMATO SAUCE – 1 can
- VEGETABLE BROTH – 3/4 cup
- GARAM MASALA – 1 tsp
- TURMERIC – 1 tsp
- BROWN SUGAR – 1 tsp
- CUMIN – 1/2 tsp
- PAPRIKA – 1/2 tsp; use Cayenne in place of paprika if you want it spicy
- FRESH GARLIC – 2-3 cloves; minced
- FRESH GINGER – 1 tbsp – minced
- VEGAN CREAM – 2 tbsp; You can also use plain greek yogurt or heavy cream for non vegan.
- PLANT BASED BUTTER – 2 tbsp; Any vegan butter works or you can use real butter.
- SALT & PEPPER– to taste
- FRESH LIME – Garnish
- CILANTRO – garnish; chopped
- RED CHILI – optional garnish
Equipment
- Wire Mesh Strainer
- Small Bowl
- Large Sauté Pan – A cast iron pan works well for even distribution of heat
- Deep Spoon Spatula
How to Make Indian Butter Chickpeas
- First, mix your spices with the tomato sauce and water in a bowl. Use a whisk or fork to get all the spice incorporated.
- Heat your pan over medium flame. When the pan is hot, add oil.
- Then add chickpeas. Let them sit so they toast and brown a little.
- Then add the garlic and ginger. Sauté one minute and mix so the ginger and garlic doesn’t burn.
- Next, add the tomato sauce mixture. Put the flame on low.
- Cover. Low simmer for 40 minutes.
- Uncover. Add plant based butter and add the vegan cream or greek yogurt.
- Boost flame a little and mix around. Simmer for five minutes.
- Remove from heat. Squeeze some lemon. Mix.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve.
Notes
- Premixing the spices with the tomato sauce ensures even mixing.
- Go low and slow on the flame so the spices cook into the sauce and chickpeas.
- Be sure to toast the chickpeas before adding sauce.
- Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best taste.
- Do NOT add cream and butter till the last part of the cooking process.
Add Ins and Variations
- Add baby spinach leaves in the sauce at the end; Serve when wilted.
- Sub the vegan cream with coconut milk.
- Include mushrooms, string beans, or eggplant; Sauté first before adding to the mixture.
- Make it spicy with chilis or cayenne powder.
What to Serve with Indian Butter Chickpeas
Butter chickpeas is simple, yet loaded with lip-smacking flavor. Therefore, it doesn’t require much because it’s a main dish.
Plain rice is the perfect backdrop to a saucy and bold butter chickpeas recipe. This makes for a great, gluten-free meal.
Other sides like naan, flatbread like lavash, and even baguette are beautiful selections for scooping up the Indian spiced sauce.
Vegetable sides like corn and string beans work well.
Grilled or fried tofu make more nice protein filled sides.
Questions
Is this gluten free?
Yes this meal is vegan and gluten free.
Are chickpeas healthy?
Chickpea recipes are some of the healthiest because they are full of fiber, protein, and plant based goodness.
Can I use regular cream and butter?
Yes, absolutely. This versatile recipe can be made with non-vegan ingredients to suit your taste.
Can I sub lentils or beans?
Lentils and white beans make a wonderful substitution to chickpeas. Cook and drain the beans first if you buy them raw. The toast them and use just like in the recipe.
Indian Butter Chickpeas (like Butter Chicken, but Chickpeas)
Equipment
- small bowl
- Large Sauté Pan A cast iron pan works well for even distribution of heat
- deep spoon spatula
Ingredients
- 2 cans CHICKPEAS
- 1 tbsp OIL Use GHEE if you are not vegan.
- 1 can TOMATO SAUCE
- ¾ cup VEGETABLE BROTH
- 1 tsp GARAM MASALA
- 1 tsp TURMERIC
- 1 tsp BROWN SUGAR
- ½ tsp PAPRIKA use Cayenne in place of paprika if you want it spicy
- ½ tsp CUMIN
- 3 cloves FRESH GARLIC minced; 1 tbsp amount
- 1 tbsp FRESH GINGER minced
- ¼ cup VEGAN CREAM You can also use plain greek yogurt or heavy cream for non vegan.
- 2 tbsp PLANT BASED BUTTER Any vegan butter works or you can use real butter.
- 1 pinch SALT & PEPPER to taste
- FRESH LIME garnish
- CILANTRO garnish; chopped
- RED CHILI optional garnish
Instructions
- First, mix your spices with the tomato sauce and water in a bowl. Have all your ingredients laid out.Heat your pan over medium flame. When the pan is hot, add oil.1 tsp GARAM MASALA, 1 tsp TURMERIC, 1 tsp BROWN SUGAR, ½ tsp PAPRIKA, ½ tsp CUMIN, 1 tbsp OIL
- Then add chickpeas. Boost flame. Let them sit so they toast and brown a little. Once they are toasting, lower the heat. Some chickpeas may pop and once you hear that, turn the heat down.2 cans CHICKPEAS
- Then add the garlic and ginger. Add a little oil if you need to. Sauté one minute and mix so the ginger and garlic doesn't burn.3 cloves FRESH GARLIC, 1 tbsp FRESH GINGER
- Next, add the tomato sauce mixture, and add the vegetable broth. Mix.Put the flame on low.1 can TOMATO SAUCE, ¾ cup VEGETABLE BROTH
- Cover. Low simmer for 15 minutes.
- Uncover. Add plant based butter. Add the vegan cream or greek yogurt.Boost flame a little and mix around. Low simmer for five minutes.¼ cup VEGAN CREAM, 2 tbsp PLANT BASED BUTTER
- Remove from heat. Mix with pepper to taste.1 pinch SALT & PEPPER
- Garnish with cilantro and serve. Have a side of lime and you can add chilis on top for spicy.FRESH LIME, CILANTRO, RED CHILI
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