Thai Coconut Chickpea Curry
Why this recipe works
- Aromatic base: Briefly cooking the garlic, ginger and curry paste in oil helps release their fragrance before the coconut milk goes in.
- Creamy without dairy: Coconut milk gives the sauce body, while chickpeas make the curry filling and satisfying.
- Fresh finish: Lime zest, lime juice and coriander cut through the richness and keep the final bowl lively.
Get the most out of this recipe
Adjust the heat
- For a milder curry: Use a gentler red curry paste or start with less, then add more only if the sauce needs extra warmth.
- For more heat: Choose a hotter curry paste or add fresh chilli with the garlic and ginger.
- Keep the heat rounded: Finish with lime and coriander after simmering; their freshness helps balance the chilli and coconut.
Ingredient notes
- Curry paste strength varies: Thai red curry pastes differ noticeably in salt, chilli and aromatics, so taste the sauce before adjusting the final seasoning.
- Coconut milk affects richness: Fuller coconut milk gives a silkier sauce, while lighter versions produce a thinner, less rounded curry.
- Add lime at the end: Stirring in lime off the heat preserves its bright flavour and prevents the curry from tasting flat.
Common mistakes
- Do not scorch the curry paste: Cook it just until fragrant and slightly darker; if the pot looks dry, lower the heat before adding the coconut milk.
- Control the sauce thickness: Simmer uncovered for a thicker curry, or loosen with a little water if it reduces too far.
- Add spinach last: Baby spinach only needs a minute or two, so stir it in near the end to keep it green and tender.
Make-ahead tips
- Make the curry in advance: The chickpea curry can be cooked ahead, cooled quickly and refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze the curry, not the rice: The curry freezes well for up to 2 months; jasmine rice is best cooked fresh for the lightest texture.
- Reheat gently: Warm the curry in a saucepan until piping hot, adding a small splash of water if the sauce has thickened.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse the jasmine rice until the water runs mostly clear, then tip into a saucepan with the water. Bring to the boil, cover, and cook on the lowest heat for 12 minutes. Remove from the heat and leave covered for 10 minutes to steam.
- Meanwhile, peel and finely grate the ginger, and finely chop the garlic. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then cook the garlic and ginger for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the red curry paste and cook for 1 minute to toast it slightly.
- Pour in the coconut milk and soy sauce, then bring to a gentle simmer. Drain and rinse the chickpeas, then add them to the pot. Simmer for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce looks slightly thickened.
- Slice the red pepper into thin strips and add to the curry. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until the pepper is tender but still bright. Stir in the baby spinach and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until just wilted.
- Finely grate a little lime zest into the pot, then squeeze in the lime juice and stir. Take off the heat and fold through most of the fresh coriander, saving a little to finish. Serve the curry with the rice and scatter over the remaining coriander.
Recipe notes
Tips
- For the best flavour, cook the curry paste in the oil until it darkens slightly and smells fragrant before adding the coconut milk.
- If you prefer a looser curry, add a splash of water while it simmers; for a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
- If you are serving anyone who is vulnerable to foodborne illness, make sure the curry is simmering hot and the rice is served piping hot.
Substitutions
- Replace soy sauce with light soy sauce for a slightly lighter, saltier finish.
- Replace red pepper with yellow pepper for a sweeter flavour.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Cool the curry quickly, then refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 2 months; defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in a saucepan until piping hot, adding a splash of water if needed. Cooked rice is best made fresh, but leftovers can be chilled promptly and reheated until piping hot.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 3 servings
- Total time: 40min (15min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: Thai
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Allergens:
Soybeans
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