• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
My Pure Plants
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • About
    • Contact us
    • Media & Press
  • Meal Plans
    • FREE 7-day Vegan Meal Plan (Only Easy Recipes!)
    • Quick Vegan Meals
    • Vegan Christmas Dinner
    • Vegan Thanksgiving Dinner
  • Guides
    • Eggplant
    • Oyster Mushrooms
    • TVP
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Entrees
  • Soups
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Entrees
    • Soups
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home > Vegan Entrees

    Lentil Chickpea Curry

    By Nandor Barta on 05/02/2023 - May contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure.

    Jump to Recipe Print Pin

    Lentil chickpea curry is a popular vegetarian dish that is as nutritious as it is delicious. Hearty and flavorful, this dish is easy to make. It combines lentils and chickpeas with a blend of aromatic spices to create a filling and satisfying meal that will leave you feeling nourished and satisfied.

    A white plate with white rice, chickpeas, and lentils, in a creamy light brown sauce sprinkled freshly chopped cilantro. A spoon is placed inside. Naan bread, a bowl of rice, and the remaining curry in the pan are next to it.

    Want to save this post?

    Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox. Plus, I’ll send you budget recipes and money-saving tips every week!

    Save Recipe

    If you are looking for easy vegan curry recipes, check out our chickpea mushroom curry, sweet potato tofu curry, chickpea tofu curry, and vegetable korma.

    Jump to:
    • What to expect?
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Cooking tips
    • Variations
    • Serving ideas
    • Storing tips
    • FAQs
    • More vegan Indian curry recipes
    • Lentil Chickpea Curry

    What to expect?

    This lentil chickpea curry recipe delivers a mouthwatering combination of flavors and textures. The creamy sauce is rich and aromatic, with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. The lentils and chickpeas add a satisfying chewiness to the dish, while the blend of spices which includes turmeric, cumin, ground coriander, and garam masala, give it a warm and earthy flavor.

    The combination of spices used will create a delicious and complex flavor profile that is not overly spicy. If you prefer a spicier lentil curry, feel free to adjust the spice levels to your liking by adding more chili powder or cayenne pepper.

    Here’s what sets this recipe apart:

    • Flavorful and satisfying – This curry is both flavorful and satisfying, thanks to the combination of lentils, chickpeas, and a blend of aromatic spices. The resulting lentil chickpea curry is hearty, filling, and bursting with flavor.
    • Quick and easy – This recipe is easy to make and requires only a handful of ingredients readily available in most kitchens. It can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
    • Versatile – This versatile recipe can be customized to suit your taste preferences. You can adjust the spice levels, add more vegetables, or swap out the lentils or chickpeas for other legumes. 
    A white frying pan with chickpeas and lentils in a creamy light brown sauce sprinkled freshly chopped cilantro. A spoon is placed inside. Naan bread and a bowl of rice are next to it.
    A heart shape puzzle of vegetables with a text overlay saying 7-day meal plan
    FREE 7-Day Vegan Meal Plan

    Subscribe to our newsletters and download it right now.

    Ingredients

    For the best texture and flavor in this lentil chickpea curry recipe, we recommend using canned chickpeas and brown lentils. They provide a heartier and creamier base to the curry. And while the legumes are certainly delicious on their own, the real star of this recipe is the aromatic blend of warm spices and creamy coconut cream that come together to create a rich, flavorful sauce. Here are the other ingredients you’ll need to make this curry recipe sing.

    The ingredients of lentil chickpea curry is placed in small glass bowls like chickpeas, lentils, coconut cream, veggie broth, tomato paste, onion, ginger, cilantro, and various spices in different shades of brown, red and yellow.
    • Chickpeas – we used canned
    • Brown lentils – we used canned
    • Full-fat coconut cream → Use a coconut milk product with more than 20% fat content like this one. This recipe will not be the same if you use the light coconut milk you can drink.
    • Vegetable broth
    • Coconut oil
    • Onion
    • Garlic
    • Tomato paste
    • Ginger – freshly minced
    • Spices: garam masala, ground cumin seeds, turmeric, curry powder, and hot chili powder or flakes

    🛒 You can find detailed measurements for all ingredients in the printable version of the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    Instructions

    Preparing the ingredients

    1. Begin by peeling and slicing the onion and chopping the garlic.
    2. Drain the canned chickpeas and lentils. If you use dry legumes, precook them in advance in boiling water. Add a bit of baking soda to accelerate the cooking time.

    Making lentil chickpea curry

    1. Heat a frying pan or wok over medium heat and add coconut oil.
    2. Sauté the sliced onions for 4-5 minutes until they become translucent.
    3. Add chopped garlic and minced ginger and cook for 2 minutes.
    4. Add all the spices, which includes garam masala, cumin, turmeric, curry powder, and chili flakes. Stir well and cook for 2 minutes until aromatic.
    Onion slices with different heaps of spices in a white frying pan.
    1. Mix in the tomato paste and vegetable broth and stir well to combine.
    Onion slices in an orange brown sauce in a white frying pan
    1. Pour in the full-fat canned coconut cream, stir well, and bring it to a boil.
    White liquid is added to a dark brown sauce in a white frying pan.
    1. Finally, add the drained chickpeas and lentils, cover the pan with a lid, and let it simmer on medium heat for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
    Chickpeas and brown lentils are added with a wooden spoon to an orange light brown sauce in a white frying pan

    Cooking tips

    • You can blend some lentils and chickpeas for a creamier texture before adding them to the curry. It is one of the 20 ways to thicken soup and sauces, including curries.
    • Adjust the level of spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili powder or flakes according to your preference.
    • When sautéing the onions, cook them slowly over low heat to release their natural sweetness and avoid burning them. This will add a sweet and savory flavor to the curry.
    A white frying pan with chickpeas and lentils in a creamy light brown sauce sprinkled freshly chopped cilantro. A spoon is placed inside. Naan bread and a bowl of rice are next to it.

    Variations

    • Spices – This recipe uses a combination of garam masala, cumin, turmeric, curry powder, and chili flakes. You can adjust the spice levels to your liking by adding or reducing the number of chili flakes or omitting them altogether. You can also experiment with other spices such as coriander, paprika, or cinnamon.
    • Coconut cream substitution – If you can’t find coconut cream, you can substitute it with almond milk, soy milk, or cashew milk. To reach the desired thick consistency, you need to add a bit of flour or starch.
    • Vegetable additions – Feel free to add your favorite veggies to this lentil chickpea curry. Spinach, kale, sweet potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers work well in this dish.
    • Garnish – Top the curry with some fresh cilantro or chopped nuts such as almonds or cashews for added texture and flavor.
    A white plate with white rice, chickpeas, and lentils, in a creamy light brown sauce sprinkled freshly chopped cilantro. A spoon is placed inside.

    Serving ideas

    • Grains: White rice and basmati rice are classic pairings for lentil chickpea curry, but there are many other options to choose from, like brown rice, quinoa, buckwheat, or millet. Mix and match these grains for a unique blend of flavors and textures.
    • Riced veggies: Cauliflower rice is a popular choice for the light, fluffy texture it adds to the meal. Sweet potato rice is another option that adds a subtle sweetness to the dish and pairs well with the warm spices in the curry.
    • Noodles: If you’re in the mood for something different, try soba noodles, made from buckwheat flour. It is a great option to add a chewy texture. 
    • Toppings can add freshness and crunch to your lentil chickpea curry. Sliced green onion or scallions are a classic choice for adding a mild onion flavor and a bright green color to the dish. Sprouts are another option to add a delicate crunch and a fresh, earthy flavor. Fresh cilantro is a great way to add bright, citrusy flavor to the dish. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can add some toasted nuts or seeds on top for an extra boost of texture and flavor.
    A white plate with white rice, chickpeas, and lentils, in a creamy light brown sauce sprinkled freshly chopped cilantro. A spoon is placed inside.

    Storing tips

    Fridge: Store the curry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.

    Reheating: To reheat, microwave the curry for 1-2 minutes or heat it on the stove over medium heat until hot. Add a splash of vegetable broth or water to thin out the curry if it thickens in the fridge.

    Freezing: This curry freezes well, but the texture of the coconut milk may change slightly upon thawing. Store in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

    Thawing: To thaw the curry, transfer it from the freezer to the fridge and let it thaw overnight. Alternatively, you can microwave it on the defrost setting before reheating.

    A white frying pan with chickpeas and lentils in a creamy light brown sauce sprinkled freshly chopped cilantro. A spoon is placed inside. Naan bread and a bowl of rice are next to it.

    FAQs

    Can I replace chickpeas with other beans?

    Yes, you can replace chickpeas with other beans like kidney beans, black beans, or navy beans. However, keep in mind that different beans have different cooking times and textures, which may affect the overall outcome of the dish. Our recipe uses chickpeas because they hold their shape well and have a slightly nutty flavor that goes well with the spices in the curry.

    What does a lentil chickpea curry taste like?

    It has a rich, warm, and slightly spicy flavor from the combination of spices used in the recipe. The chickpeas also add a nutty and slightly creamy texture to the dish. However, the best way to find out what our version of lentil chickpea curry tastes like is to give it a try!

    More vegan Indian curry recipes

    • White frying pan full of vegetables like chickpeas, green beans, chopped carrots, green peas, chopped mushroom, and potatoes swimming in a brown-orange sauce. Naan bread and a brown bowl of rice are next to it.
      Vegetable Korma (in 30 Mins)
    • A white plate with white rice, pieces of naan bread and tofu cubes in a creamy orange sauce sprinkled with sesame seeds and freshly chopped cilantro. A spoon is placed inside.
      Tofu Korma (in 30 mins)
    • A white plate with white rice and chickpeas in a creamy orange sauce sprinkled freshly chopped cilantro. A spoon is placed inside. Naan bread and a bowl of rice are next to it.
      Chickpea Korma (in 25 mins)
    • A white plate with white rice and cauliflower florets in a creamy orange sauce sprinkled freshly chopped cilantro. A spoon is placed inside. Naan bread pieces are next to it.
      Cauliflower Korma (in 30 mins)
    • A white frying pan with tofu cubes, spinach leaves and orange sweet potato cubes in a thick orange curry sauce. Flatbread pieces are around it and a wooden bowl of white rice.
      Sweet Potato Tofu Curry
    • A white frying pan with tofu cubes, chickpeas and large red onion pieces mixed with a red-orange sauce and topped with freshly chopped herbs. Several pieces of flatbread and a wooden bowl of rice are next to it.
      Chickpea Tofu Curry
    • Large saucepan from above with brown-yellow liquid chickpeas and mushroom slices sprinkled with chopped green leaves
      Mushroom Chickpea Curry

    THANK YOU so much for visiting our website. Please comment below if you have tried this recipe. We LOVE hearing from you! If you loved the recipe, please don’t forget to give us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ RATING. We appreciate all of our readers.  

    Different colorful vegetables drawn as icons on an orange background in a shape of a heart.

    ⇒ GET OUR FREE 7-DAY VEGAN MEAL PLAN E-BOOK NOW! OR CHECK OUT ALL VEGAN MEAL PLAN RECIPES! ⇐

    A white frying pan with chickpeas and lentils in a creamy light brown sauce sprinkled freshly chopped cilantro. A spoon is placed inside. Naan bread and a bowl of rice are next to it.

    Lentil Chickpea Curry

    Nandor Barta
    Lentil chickpea curry is a popular vegetarian dish that is as nutritious as it is delicious. Hearty and flavorful, this dish is easy to make. It combines lentils and chickpeas with a blend of aromatic spices to create a filling and satisfying meal that will leave you feeling nourished and satisfied.
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 25 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 611kcal

    Equipment

    • Non-stick frying pan (10.5 inch / 26 cm)
    • Wok
    • Simple garlic press

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 14 oz Chickpeas (canned)
    • 14 oz Brown lentils (canned)
    • 13.5 oz Full-fat coconut cream (canned)
    • 1 cup Vegetable broth
    • 2 Tbsp Coconut oil
    • 1 Onion (medium)
    • 2 clove Garlic
    • 2 Tbsp Tomato paste
    • 1 Tbsp Ginger minced
    • 1 Tbsp Garam masala
    • 1 tsp Ground cumin seeds
    • 1 tsp Turmeric
    • 1 tsp Curry powder
    • ¼ tsp Hot chili powder or flakes
    • Salt and Pepper to taste
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    EXCLUSIVE 5-ingredient recipes for busy home cooks that are ready in 15 minutes!Check out our Express Vegan Cookbook!

    Instructions
     

    Preparing the ingredients

    • Peel and slice the onion and chop the garlic.
    • Peel and mince ginger. It is easy if you use a garlic press.
    • Drain canned chickpeas and lentils.

    Making the lentil chickpea curry

    • Heat the frying pan or wok over medium heat and add the coconut oil. Add sliced onions and saute them for 4-5 minutes.
    • Add chopped garlic, minced ginger and cook for 2 minutes.
    • Add all spices (garam masala, cumin, turmeric, curry powder, chili flakes). Stir well and cook for 2 minutes.
    • Add tomato paste and vegetable broth and stir well.
    • Add full-fat coconut milk (canned, shaken). Stir well. Bring it to a boil.
    • Add drained chickpeas and lentils. Cover with a lid and cook on medium heat for 5 minutes.
    Tried this recipe? Can we see it?Please share a picture with us by uploading an image to Pinterest below ours.

    Notes

    We served it with white rice. But there are lots of options. Here is our recommendation if you want to mix and match.
    • Grains like steamed, cooked, or fried white rice, brown rice, quinoa, buckwheat, millet, or a combination of them. 
    • Riced veggies like cauliflower rice or sweet potato rice
    • Noodles like soba aka buckwheat noodles. If you need to eat gluten-free, please choose gluten-free noodles as soba noodles may contain wheat flour which is not gluten-free.
    • Toppings like sliced green onion or scallions or sprouts, or fresh cilantro.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Nutrition Facts
    Lentil Chickpea Curry
    Amount Per Serving (1 serving (without sides))
    Calories 611 Calories from Fat 387
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 43g66%
    Saturated Fat 36g225%
    Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
    Monounsaturated Fat 2g
    Sodium 585mg25%
    Potassium 979mg28%
    Carbohydrates 47g16%
    Fiber 16g67%
    Sugar 5g6%
    Protein 18g36%
    Vitamin A 511IU10%
    Vitamin C 9mg11%
    Calcium 84mg8%
    Iron 8mg44%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    143 shares

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 4 votes (3 ratings without comment)

      Leave a comment Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating





      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Bob Nussbaum

      September 29, 2023 at 5:28 pm

      5 stars
      I only used 1/2 the amount of spices because I thought it would be too hot. It was a little bland but that is on me Also I did not use full fat coconut cream. It came out good but if you follow the recipe, I would say it would be a 5 star meal.

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Portrait of Emese and Nandi My Pure Plants

    Hi, we are Emese Maczkó and Nándor Barta, the founders and recipe creators behind My Pure Plants. We are sharing our knowledge and expertise in vegan recipes and encourage you to try home-cooked meals using locally-sourced, organic, whole foods.

    More about us →

    Reader Favorites

    • A large white bowl with white rice and sticky brown battered strips on top sprinkled with sesame seeds, orange peels and chopped spring onion
      Crispy Vegan Orange Chicken (Copycat Panda Express)
    • Lots of spring rolls cut in half and arranged in a semi-circular dish facing upwards around a brown dipping sauce.
      Crispy Rice Paper Spring Rolls
    • A burger with layers of green ruffled lettuce, yellow sauce, thin cheese slices, dark brown burger patty twice, sliced pickles and white chopped onion.
      Meaty Vegan TVP Burger (Big Mac Style)
    • Copycat IKEA Veggie Balls

    Hearty stews

    • Vegetable stew in a red white enameled Dutch oven with lots of chopped vegetables like potatoes, carrots, mushroom, celery and red kidney beans. Topped with freshly chopped green herbs.
      The Best Hearty Vegetable Stew
    • 2 white bowls with thick brown stew, lentils, chopped veggies and a couple of dumplings. The remaining stew is in a red-white Dutch oven.
      Vegan Stew with Dumplings
    • Red Dutch oven from above with a stew where you can see chopped potatoes, spinach leaves, carrot slices, tomatoes, and mushroom slices. Slices of bread is next to it. A hand is holding a spoon taking some from the middle
      Jackfruit Stew (Vegan Beef Stew)
    • Cast iron skillet with veggie stew topped with puff pastry in a lattice pattern.
      Vegan Pot Pie
    Portrait of Emese and Nandi My Pure Plants

    Hi, we are Emese Maczkó and Nándor Barta, the founders and recipe creators behind My Pure Plants. We are sharing our knowledge and expertise in vegan recipes and encourage you to try home-cooked meals using locally-sourced, organic, whole foods.

    More about us →

    Reader Favorites

    • A large white bowl with white rice and sticky brown battered strips on top sprinkled with sesame seeds, orange peels and chopped spring onion
      Crispy Vegan Orange Chicken (Copycat Panda Express)
    • Lots of spring rolls cut in half and arranged in a semi-circular dish facing upwards around a brown dipping sauce.
      Crispy Rice Paper Spring Rolls
    • A burger with layers of green ruffled lettuce, yellow sauce, thin cheese slices, dark brown burger patty twice, sliced pickles and white chopped onion.
      Meaty Vegan TVP Burger (Big Mac Style)
    • Copycat IKEA Veggie Balls

    Hearty stews

    • Vegetable stew in a red white enameled Dutch oven with lots of chopped vegetables like potatoes, carrots, mushroom, celery and red kidney beans. Topped with freshly chopped green herbs.
      The Best Hearty Vegetable Stew
    • 2 white bowls with thick brown stew, lentils, chopped veggies and a couple of dumplings. The remaining stew is in a red-white Dutch oven.
      Vegan Stew with Dumplings
    • Red Dutch oven from above with a stew where you can see chopped potatoes, spinach leaves, carrot slices, tomatoes, and mushroom slices. Slices of bread is next to it. A hand is holding a spoon taking some from the middle
      Jackfruit Stew (Vegan Beef Stew)
    • Cast iron skillet with veggie stew topped with puff pastry in a lattice pattern.
      Vegan Pot Pie

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    About

    • Contact
    • About
    • Media & Press
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Nutritional disclaimer
    • General Disclaimer

    Categories

    • Vegan Main Dishes
    • Vegan Soups
    • Vegan Desserts
    • Vegan Pasta Sauces
    • Vegan Sides

    Seasonal

    • Vegan Lentil Loaf
    • Vegan Shredded Chicken
    • Chickpea Mushroom Curry
    • Hokkaido Pumpkin Soup
    • Vegan Bechamel

    Quick links

    • TVP Recipes
    • Quick Vegan Meals
    • Creamy Vegan Soups
    • Rice Paper Recipes
    • Oyster Mushroom Recipes

    This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.

    Stock images for articles by Depositphotos.com.

    Copyright © 2018-2024

    143 shares

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.