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Craving warm, flavorful comfort food without the fuss? Look no further than this single serving Chickpea Curry! Adapted from my family’s favorite recipe, this dish is a vibrant blend of chickpeas, aromatic spices, and creamy coconut milk, all cooked in one pan in less than 20 minutes. No complicated ingredients, just wholesome goodness ready in a flash.

Level up your Chickpea Curry with sides! Enjoy your curry with soft naan or crusty French bread, savor the fluffy comfort of white rice, or add a cool crunch with cucumber salad. Each option complements the curry’s warmth and flavor for a truly satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Chickpea Curry Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes and requiring just one pan, this curry is perfect for busy weeknights or a satisfying lunch.
  • Packed with Flavor: The simple spice blend creates a depth of flavor that complements the creamy coconut milk and savory chickpeas.
  • Nutritious and Satisfying: Chickpeas are a great source of protein and fiber, making this curry a filling and healthy meal.
  • Easy to Customize: Swap veggies, adjust spice levels, or add tofu for a protein boost – the possibilities are endless!
  • Perfect for One: No need to worry about leftovers! This recipe is perfectly portioned for a single serving.

RELATED: The Best Soup Recipes For One

Ingredients

chickpeas, curry powder, coconut milk, and other ingredients needed to make curry on a wooden cutting board in a kitchen.

If you have any ingredients leftover from this curry recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.

  • Olive Oil: In this chickpea curry, I use extra virgin olive oil, as I do in most of my recipes. Extra virgin olive oil is the least processed, offering a robust olive flavor and preserving more vitamins and minerals from the olives. It’s my go-to choice for its quality and taste, though you can substitute with a lighter olive oil if you prefer.
  • Vegetables: The combination of chopped onions and garlic is essential, infusing the curry with rich, aromatic flavors.
  • Spices: The duo of curry powder and ground ginger forms the spice base, giving the dish its signature warmth and depth.
  • Broth: Choose vegetable or chicken broth based on your preference.
  • Coconut Milk: I recommend using unsweetened, full-fat canned coconut milk for its creamy texture and subtle sweetness. As an alternative, heavy cream can be used to achieve a similar richness.
  • Honey: A mere 1/2 tablespoon is enough to introduce a mild sweetness to the curry. For a vegan variation, agave syrup or another vegan sweetener can be used effectively.
  • Chickpeas: Also known as garbanzo beans, chickpeas are the centerpiece of this recipe. They are not only high in protein and fiber but also economical and pantry-friendly. Use a 15-ounce can for this recipe. Remember to rinse and drain them before use.

Pro Tip: Keep chickpeas in your pantry for budget-friendly, protein-rich meals!

Recipe Variations

  • Thai Twist: Add a dash of Thai red curry paste and a squeeze of lime for a Thai-style chickpea curry. This variation offers a unique fusion of flavors.
  • Extra Protein: Stir in cooked chicken or tofu for a protein-packed chickpea curry. This variation is great for those seeking a more substantial, protein-rich meal.
  • Spicy Version: For those who love a bit of heat, throw in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy chickpea curry.
  • Creamier Texture: Mix in Greek yogurt or sour cream for a creamy chickpea curry. This version is perfect for those who enjoy a richer, more indulgent curry.
  • Vegan-Friendly: Replace honey with maple syrup and ensure all other ingredients are plant-based for a vegan chickpea curry.
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How To Make Chickpea Curry

These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make a small batch of chickpea curry. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.

  1. Start Cooking: Begin by heating the oil in a medium-sized skillet (about 10 inches) over medium heat. This is the first step to creating a flavorful base for your curry.
  2. Sauté Onions: Add the onions to the skillet. Cook them for 1 to 2 minutes or until they start to soften. Remember to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
chopped onions softening in a skillet.
  1. Add Spices: Now, introduce the garlic, curry powder, ginger, and a pinch of salt to the skillet. Cook this mixture for about 1 minute, stirring frequently. This step is crucial for releasing the aromatic flavors of the spices.
onions and garlic cooking in a skillet with curry powder and ginger.
  1. Combine Liquids: Pour the vegetable broth, coconut milk, and honey into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil. This step is where the sauce starts to form, blending all the flavors together.
a curry simmering in a skillet.
  1. Simmer with Chickpeas: Add the chickpeas to the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer. Stir occasionally and allow the sauce to thicken. This should take about 10 minutes. Patience is key here as the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
chickpea curry simmering in a pot on the stove.
  1. Ready to Serve: Your Chickpea Curry is now ready to be served. Spoon it over a bed of rice for a complete meal. This final step brings the dish together, ready to be enjoyed.

RELATED: How To Bake A Single Serving Of Rice

chickpea curry over rice and topped with chopped parsley.

Expert Tips

  • Gather your ingredients before starting: This meal cooks quickly so it’s a good idea to have all of your ingredients handy before you begin.
  • Adjust the consistency: Add more broth for a thinner curry or simmer longer for a thicker one.
  • Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning like salt or additional spices as needed.
  • Garnish for Freshness: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro, chopped scallions, or a dollop of yogurt adds a finishing touch.

RELATED: 20 Single Serving Meatless Recipes

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I serve with curry?

Cooked rice, naan bread, or quinoa are all great options.

Can I use different spices in this chickpea curry recipe?

Sure! Experiment with garam masala, cumin, turmeric, or other curry blends to personalize the flavor.

Can I add vegetables to this chickpea curry recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add spinach, bell peppers, or carrots.

Can I use dried chickpeas in this curry recipe?

Yes, but you’ll need to soak and cook them beforehand. Follow the instructions on the package.

Can I double this chickpea curry recipe?

Yes. If you’d like to make extra coconut chickpea curry, just double the ingredient amounts in the recipe.

Top Single Serving Vegetarian Recipes

Discover our collection of popular single serving vegetarian recipes, perfect for those seeking delicious and nutritious plant-based meals. Here are a few of our favorites:

Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients

If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:

If you would like information on the cooking and baking dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit our FAQ page.

For examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit our Store page.

If you’ve tried this chickpea curry or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.

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Your Cooking For One Source
Because you’re worth it

Chickpea Curry For One

4.95 from 20 votes
Prep: 3 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 18 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Quickly prepare a flavorful Chickpea Curry in 20 minutes! A delightful dish with rich spices, creamy coconut milk, and hearty chickpeas.

Ingredients 
 

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ¼ cup chopped onions
  • 1 clove garlic , minced
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ cup vegetable broth
  • ¾ cup canned full-fat coconut milk
  • ½ tablespoon honey
  • 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas , drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup cooked rice

Instructions 

  • Start Cooking: Begin by heating the oil in a medium-sized skillet over medium heat.
  • Sauté Onions: Add the onions to the skillet. Cook them for 1 to 2 minutes or until they start to soften. Remember to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
  • Add Spices: Now, introduce the garlic, curry powder, ginger, and salt to the skillet. Cook this mixture for about 1 minute, stirring frequently.
  • Combine Liquids: Pour the vegetable broth, coconut milk, and honey into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  • Simmer with Chickpeas: Add the chickpeas to the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer. Stir occasionally and allow the sauce to thicken. This should take about 10 minutes. Patience is key here as the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
  • Ready to Serve: Your Chickpea Curry is now ready to be served. Spoon it over a bed of cooked rice for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Gather your ingredients before starting: This meal cooks quickly so it’s a good idea to have all of your ingredients handy before you begin.
  • Adjust the consistency: Add more broth for a thinner curry or simmer longer for a thicker one.
  • Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning like salt or additional spices as needed.
  • Garnish for Freshness: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro, chopped scallions, or a dollop of yogurt adds a finishing touch.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving, Calories: 480kcal, Carbohydrates: 55g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 24g, Saturated Fat: 12g, Sodium: 893mg, Potassium: 113mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 11g, Vitamin A: 250IU, Vitamin C: 3.9mg, Calcium: 16mg, Iron: 0.9mg

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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I’m Joanie and I’m incredibly happy you’re here! Our aim is to inspire individuals with access to single serving recipes, education, and a supportive community that will enable them to enjoy the preparation of a meal that will nourish both body and soul.

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52 Comments

  1. I love any kind of curry, but it’s nice to have a vegetarian one every once in a while when you feel like eating a little more “clean”.

  2. Wow, what a lovely dinner for one. My husband works a few nights a week and I often find myself foraging for dinner. Sometimes it’s pretty sad. I absolutely love this dish and I’ve always got those ingredients on hand!

  3. I love dishes meant for one! I really do not like leftovers.

    And this looks great! I definitely need to try to eat more chickpeas. So healthy and protein-packed!

  4. It’s just my husband and I and we both enjoy this dish along with one of your other side dishes. It’s perfect for us.