Creamy Coconut Curry Chickpea (Printable Version)

Fragrant curry blending sweet potatoes, chickpeas, spinach, and coconut sauce in one skillet for a comforting dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 inch piece fresh ginger, grated

→ Legumes

06 - 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

→ Liquids

07 - 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
08 - 1/2 cup vegetable broth or water
09 - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

→ Spices and Seasonings

10 - 2 tablespoons mild curry powder
11 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
12 - 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
13 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional for heat
14 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Oils

15 - 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable oil

→ Garnishes

16 - Fresh cilantro leaves
17 - Lime wedges

# Cooking Steps:

01 - Heat the coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
02 - Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until soft and translucent.
03 - Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add the sweet potato cubes, curry powder, cumin, turmeric, cayenne if using, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the vegetables in the spices.
05 - Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable broth. Mix well and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender.
06 - Add the chickpeas and cook for another 5 minutes to heat through.
07 - Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until wilted.
08 - Remove from heat and add lime juice. Adjust seasoning as needed.
09 - Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges if desired. Pair with basmati rice or naan.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's truly one-pan magic: everything cooks together, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor development.
  • Ready in under an hour: weeknight dinners don't have to feel rushed or complicated.
  • Naturally vegan and gluten-free: it works for everyone at the table without tasting like compromise.
  • The sweet potato brings natural sweetness: balancing the spices so no single flavor overpowers the rest.
02 -
  • Don't skip rinsing the chickpeas: that cloudy liquid prevents the sauce from staying silky and affects the final texture.
  • Add spinach at the very end: it wilts in seconds, and adding it earlier causes it to break down into tiny pieces instead of staying as fresh strands.
  • Use full-fat coconut milk: lite versions won't give you that luxurious mouthfeel that makes this dish feel like a treat.
03 -
  • Cut your sweet potatoes uniformly: same-sized pieces cook evenly, so you won't have some mushy and some still firm.
  • Taste as you go: spice preferences vary wildly, and it's easier to add more cayenne or curry powder than to tone it down.
  • Don't rush the onion step: those few minutes of cooking develop sweetness that underpins the entire dish.
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