Creamy Indian Butter Chickpeas: A Comforting Plant-Based Delight

Indian butter chickpeas offer a tasty vegetarian twist on the classic butter chicken recipe.

This creamy dish is deeply rooted in the rich food traditions of North India.

Chickpeas soak up the flavorful mix of spices and smooth tomato-based sauce, providing a feast for those who love delicious meals.

The blend of tender legumes with silky, buttery gravy makes this dish both filling and luxurious.

Spices such as garam masala, turmeric, and cumin add layers of flavor that are both warm and complex.

Many enjoy this hearty meal that highlights how versatile chickpeas can be in Indian cooking.

How To Cook Indian Butter Chickpeas

Step 1: Awaken the Aromatics

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in onions with a sprinkle of salt and cook until they turn soft and translucent. Add tomato paste and stir constantly until it deepens in color. Introduce serrano chile and ginger, letting their fragrance fill the kitchen.

Step 2: Dance with Spices and Chickpeas

• Garam masala
• Cumin
• Chili powder

Stir frequently, allowing the spices to release their intense aroma.

Step 3: Create a Luxurious Sauce

Pour in heavy cream and water. Add fenugreek if desired. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat. Let the sauce bubble and thicken, stirring occasionally. Watch as it transforms into a rich, creamy delight.

Step 4: Serve with Love

Give the dish a final taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Nestle the butter chickpeas over fluffy rice or warm naan. Shower with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve piping hot and enjoy the explosion of flavors!

Easy Tips For Indian Butter Chickpeas

• Spice Infusion Technique: Toast whole spices in butter before adding other ingredients to unlock deeper, more complex flavors and enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Cream Consistency Control: Simmer sauce slowly and stir occasionally to prevent cream from separating and ensure a smooth, velvety texture that coats the chickpeas perfectly.
• Chile Heat Management: Adjust serrano chile quantity based on personal spice tolerance – remove seeds for milder heat or add extra for a more intense kick.
• Aromatics Optimization: Caramelize onions completely before adding tomato paste to develop a rich, sweet undertone that elevates the dish's depth of flavor.
• Texture Enhancement Tip: Use baking soda to help chickpeas absorb sauce more effectively, creating a more tender and flavorful final result.

Storing And Reheating Indian Butter Chickpeas

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled chickpea mixture to freezer-safe containers, where it will maintain quality for up to 2 months.
• Reheat on Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and maintain sauce consistency.
• Microwave Option: Heat in microwave-safe dish, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out, stirring midway through heating for even warmth.

Pairing Ideas For Indian Butter Chickpeas

• Pair with Cooling Yogurt Lassi: Blend refreshing yogurt with mint and a pinch of salt to balance the rich, spicy butter chickpeas, creating a smooth and tangy counterpoint.
• Complement with Garlic Naan Bread: Serve warm, soft garlic naan alongside the dish to soak up the creamy sauce and provide a delightful textural contrast.
• Match with Crisp Indian Lager: Choose a chilled Kingfisher or Taj Mahal beer to cut through the dish's richness and refresh the palate with its light, hoppy character.
• Enhance with Cucumber Raita: Prepare a simple side of yogurt mixed with diced cucumber and fresh herbs to cool down the spice and add a refreshing element to the meal.

Different Takes On Indian Butter Chickpeas

• Vegan Butter Chickpeas: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free alternative that maintains rich, creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all spices are certified gluten-free and serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional grain to accommodate gluten-sensitive diets.
• Protein-Packed Version: Add extra firm tofu cubes or tempeh alongside chickpeas for increased protein content, creating a more substantial meal for athletes or fitness enthusiasts.
• Low-Sodium Adaptation: Reduce salt quantity by half, use low-sodium vegetable broth instead of water, and incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance flavor without additional sodium.

Things People Ask About Indian Butter Chickpeas

• What makes this dish different from traditional butter chicken?

This recipe replaces chicken with chickpeas, creating a vegetarian version that’s protein-rich and equally delicious, maintaining the classic creamy and spiced flavor profile of the original dish.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level can be controlled by adjusting the amount of serrano chile. As written, it provides a mild to moderate spiciness that’s balanced by the creamy sauce and can be easily modified to suit personal taste preferences.

• Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, simply substitute butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, and replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream to create a fully plant-based version of the dish.

• Do I need any special equipment to make this recipe?

No special equipment is required. A large skillet, basic measuring tools, and standard kitchen utensils are all you need to prepare this Indian butter chickpeas recipe.

What Makes Indian Butter Chickpeas So Good

• Quick and Easy Weeknight Wonder: Crafting this Indian Butter Chickpeas dish transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal with minimal effort.
• Foolproof Flavor Explosion: Packed with aromatic spices like garam masala and cumin, the recipe delivers complex, restaurant-quality taste without advanced cooking skills.
• Vegetarian Protein Powerhouse: Chickpeas provide substantial nutrition, making this dish a hearty, satisfying alternative to meat-based curries that keeps you full and energized.
• Customizable Comfort Food: Easily adaptable for spice preferences, dietary needs, and serving styles – perfect for pairing with rice, naan, or enjoying as a standalone meal.

What Goes Into Indian Butter Chickpeas

• Chickpeas: Protein-packed legume that forms the heart of this vegetarian dish.
• Butter: Rich, creamy base that adds depth and traditional Indian flavor.

• Onion, Serrano Chile, Ginger: Fragrant trio that builds complex flavor base.
• Tomato Paste: Adds deep, concentrated tomato essence and rich color.

• Garam Masala, Cumin, Chili Powder: Warm, complex spice mixture that defines Indian cuisine character.
• Baking Soda: Helps tenderize chickpeas and soften texture.

• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, smooth sauce with silky texture.
• Fenugreek: Optional herb that adds traditional Indian flavor complexity.
• Salt: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance all flavors.
• Water: Helps create proper sauce consistency.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb for bright, final garnish.

Creamy Indian Butter Chickpeas Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy, aromatic Indian Butter Chickpeas bring comfort straight from traditional kitchens to your plate. Spices blend harmoniously with velvety chickpeas, delivering a luxurious vegetarian experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 2 (14.5 ounces) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup tomato paste

Spices and Seasonings:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided (or more to taste)
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Kashmiri chili powder (or ¾ teaspoon paprika + ¼ teaspoon cayenne)
• 1 tablespoon dried fenugreek leaves (kasoori methi, optional)
• ⅛ teaspoon baking soda

Aromatics and Herbs:

• 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
• ½ serrano chile, seeded and finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon grated or finely chopped peeled ginger
• ¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
• Cooked jasmine rice or naan, for serving

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Instructions

1. Melt butter in a spacious skillet over medium heat, introducing diced onions and a pinch of salt. Allow onions to transform into a soft, translucent landscape, gently caramelizing for approximately 7 minutes.
2. Incorporate tomato paste, stirring continuously until the mixture deepens in color and develops a rich, concentrated flavor profile. This process typically requires 4-5 minutes of dedicated attention.
3. Introduce finely chopped serrano chile and freshly grated ginger, allowing their aromatic essence to permeate the cooking environment for roughly one minute.
4. Fold in chickpeas and baking soda, creating a robust foundation. Sprinkle garam masala, cumin, and chili powder across the mixture, toasting the spices until their fragrance intensifies and becomes distinctly pronounced.
5. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, complementing the spices with fenugreek and remaining salt. Gradually add water, creating a luxurious sauce that will envelope the chickpeas.
6. Elevate heat to initiate a gentle simmer, then reduce to low. Allow the sauce to gradually thicken, stirring intermittently during a 10-15 minute transformation process.
7. Perform a final seasoning assessment, adjusting salt to personal preference. Elegantly present the fragrant chickpea creation atop fluffy rice or warm naan, garnishing with freshly chopped cilantro.

Notes

• Switch up the heat by adjusting the serrano chile quantity for mild or spicy preferences, ensuring perfect flavor balance for every palate.
• Replace heavy cream with coconut milk to create a dairy-free version that maintains the luxurious, creamy texture of the original recipe.
• Toast whole spices before grinding to elevate the depth and intensity of the garam masala and cumin, releasing their essential aromatic oils and creating a more complex flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg