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Indian Butter Chickpeas Recipe

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This Indian Butter Chickpeas recipe is a rich, creamy, and comforting dish inspired by the flavors of traditional butter chicken. Using chickpeas instead of meat makes it affordable, wholesome, and vegetarian-friendly while still delivering deep, restaurant-style flavors at home.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans chickpeas (drained and rinsed) or 3 cups cooked chickpeas
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 cups crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup coconut cream or 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons oil or butter for cooking
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Water or vegetable broth, as needed

Instructions

  1. Drain and rinse canned chickpeas, or prepare cooked chickpeas if using dried ones. Set aside.
  2. Heat oil or butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring to prevent burning.
  4. Add cumin, turmeric, paprika, garam masala, and optional chili powder. Toast the spices for 30 seconds, stirring continuously.
  5. Pour in crushed tomatoes and stir. Let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down into a thick sauce.
  6. Lower the heat and stir in coconut cream or butter until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  7. Add chickpeas to the sauce and stir well to coat. Simmer gently for 15–20 minutes so the chickpeas absorb the flavors. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce becomes too thick.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or spices if desired.
  9. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
  10. Serve hot with basmati rice, naan, or flatbread.

Notes

For a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer uncovered.

To make it creamier, add more coconut cream or butter before serving.

You can add spinach, peas, or roasted vegetables for extra nutrition.

This dish stores well and tastes even better the next day.

Find it online: https://quickrecipetricks.com/indian-butter-chickpeas-recipe/