I make chickpea peanut butter curry when dinner needs to be fast, filling, and toddler-approved. It’s creamy, bold, and dinner-ready in 15 minutes flat. The chickpea + peanut butter combo may sound unexpected, but one bite and you’ll see why it’s on heavy rotation in my kitchen. Even my toddler loves it!
Chickpea, potatoes and peanut butter? Trust me, it works!
This chickpea curry started as a dinner emergency. I had a cranky toddler on one hip, a can of chickpeas in the pantry, and a half-empty jar of peanut butter that needed using up. I wanted something comforting but not too spicy, something we could all eat. I stirred in a spoonful of peanut butter to mellow out the curry paste, and suddenly the sauce turned silky and rich—with just enough heat to keep it interesting.
That quick fix turned into one of our most-made weeknight meals. It’s forgiving, flexible, and somehow feels cozy and satisfying every time. The potatoes soak up the sauce, the chickpeas add substance, and the peanut butter brings everything together with that perfect creamy texture. It’s mild enough for kids but bold enough that adults don’t feel like they’re eating “kid food.”
If you like this one, you’ll probably love my cabbage curry and mushroom masala. They’re also pantry-friendly and full of bold flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients and why they matter
This chickpea peanut butter curry recipe is all about hearty, feel-good ingredients. You’ve got potatoes and chickpeas for substance, coconut milk and peanut butter for that rich, creamy flavor, and curry paste with tomato purée to bring the spice and tang. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top ties it all together, making it cozy, flavorful, and super satisfying.
Full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the recipe card.
- Chickpeas: Pantry MVP. I use canned for speed, but if you’ve got cooked-from-dried, go for it.
- Peanut butter: Use smooth for the creamiest sauce. Avoid chunky or natural peanut butter—the texture gets weird in the sauce.
- Curry paste: Red curry paste gives you heat, depth, and body. If using curry powder instead, increase oil and aromatics.
- Coconut milk: Full-fat only. You want richness here to balance the acidity of the tomato and the heft of the peanut butter.
- Potatoes: These bulk up the dish and soak in all that curry flavor. Chop small so they cook fast.
- Tomato purée: Adds body and a touch of acidity to brighten the sauce.
- Cilantro: Not optional in my book. It cuts through the richness and adds freshness.
TIPS & TRICKS
Shruthi’s top tips
- Chop your potatoes small (½ inch dice) so they soften fast.
- Simmer the coconut milk and tomato together before adding chickpeas — it helps develop flavor and thicken the sauce.
- Use a splash of water if the curry gets too thick after adding peanut butter.
- Salt after adding the peanut butter—it amplifies the sweetness and rounds out the heat.
- Stir in greens like spinach at the end for an easy veggie boost.
- This curry thickens as it cools—perfect for stuffing into wraps or serving over rice.
- Red curry paste is bolder, but yellow or massaman paste works great too.
- Make it spicier with a squeeze of sriracha, red chilli flakes, or chili crisp on top.
How to make peanut butter chickpea curry
- Heat oil in a medium skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. Add potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in onion, curry paste, tomato purée, and coconut milk. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is slightly thickened and potatoes begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in chickpeas, peanut butter, and cilantro. Continue cooking until chickpeas are warmed through and sauce is creamy, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
How to serve vegan chickpea curry
Serve chickpea curry with fluffy basmati rice, warm naan, or roti to soak up the sauce. Add boondi raita on the side, roasted kabocha squash, or a side of pickled onions.
Storage and reheating suggestions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freeze the curry in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To reheat, place the curry in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also heat in a microwave-safe dish in 1-minute intervals, stirring between intervals, until hot.
More curry recipes
Love Indian curries? Here are a few more you’ll want to try next!
Easy Cabbage Curry
Aloo Gobi Masala (Indian Potato and Cauliflower)
Authentic Chana Masala
Mushroom Masala
Chickpea Peanut Butter Curry
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, extra-virgin
- 1 cup potatoes, peeled, chopped (½-inch dice)
- 1 medium white onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons curry paste, substitute 2 teaspoons curry powder
- ¼ cup tomato purée
- 1 can coconut milk, 13.5-ounce, full-fat
- 1 can chickpeas, 14-ounce, drained and rinsed
- 3 tablespoons peanut butter, smooth
- ¼ cup cilantro, fresh, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, adjust to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil in a medium skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in onion, curry paste, tomato purée, and coconut milk. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is slightly thickened and potatoes begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in chickpeas, peanut butter, and cilantro.
- Continue cooking until chickpeas are warmed through and sauce is creamy, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spoon into bowls and serve hot with rice or flatbread.
Notes
- Use red curry paste for a classic Thai-style heat, or opt for a mild curry paste if you prefer less spice. Note: Curry paste (like Thai red or yellow) includes oil, fresh aromatics (like lemongrass or garlic), and chilies, giving it a bold, punchy flavor and thicker consistency. Curry powder is a dry spice blend — great in a pinch, but you’ll want to compensate for flavor and texture.
- Smooth peanut butter melts easily into the sauce. Avoid chunky or natural peanut butter with oil separation for best texture.
- Stir in baby spinach, sliced bell pepper, or carrots for extra vegetables.
- The curry develops deeper flavor after resting—perfect for next-day lunches.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the curry in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Tips
- Stovetop: Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe dish in 1-minute intervals, stirring between intervals, until hot.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
