How To Make Butter Chickpeas Perfection: Easy, Vegan & Packed with Flavor

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Butter Chickpeas are a mouthwatering, protein-packed dish that brings together bold Indian spices and creamy textures for a satisfying and hearty plant-based meal. These chickpeas are simmered in a luscious tomato and coconut-based sauce, enriched with garam masala, garlic, ginger, and the signature flavor of dried fenugreek leaves. Perfect for both weeknight dinners and entertaining guests, butter chickpeas recipes have surged in popularity among those seeking flavorful vegan or vegetarian options. Whether you’re new to Indian-inspired cooking or a seasoned plant-based food lover, mastering this butter chickpeas recipe will be a game changer for your meal rotation.

If you’re new here, welcome! At YummifyFood’s About page, you can learn more about why we’re obsessed with bold flavors and family-friendly recipes like this one. This recipe have become a staple in our kitchen, ever since we tested an easy Indian recipe while experimenting with chickpea curry for a weeknight dinner. Inspired by classics like this recipe Indian versions from our heritage and new-age twists like butter chickpeas NYT or Delish-style viral hits, this recipe is a delicious middle ground.

Table of Contents

Do Butter Beans and Chickpeas Go Well Together?

Yes! While traditional versions typically focus on chickpeas alone, some creative variations include butter beans for an added creaminess. The combo of both legumes creates a velvety, hearty texture that soaks up the spiced tomato sauce beautifully. For a more classic experience, stick to chickpeas, but if you’re out or want to stretch the recipe, butter beans are a smart, delicious addition.

Ingredients

Butter chickpeas served with white rice and herbs. — Creamy butter chickpeas served with rice—perfect for weeknight dinners.

8 oz canned tomato puree or passata (unseasoned; avoid tomato paste)
14 oz full-fat coconut milk or 1.5 cups cashew milk (blend 1/3 cup cashews + 1.25 cups water)
15 oz canned chickpeas (drained) or 1.5 cups cooked chickpeas
2 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp paprika or cayenne (or both)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp sugar
3/4 tsp garlic powder or 2 tsp ginger-garlic paste
2 bay leaves (optional)
1 tsp dried fenugreek leaves (Kasoori Methi)
2 tbsp nondairy cream or yogurt (optional)
Garnish: cilantro, sliced green chilies, and lime

Instructions

In a large skillet over medium heat, combine all the ingredients.
Stir thoroughly and bring to a boil. Taste and adjust for salt and spice.
Cook for 5–8 more minutes to thicken. Adjust with additional garam masala, cumin, or coriander as desired.
If too thin, mix 2 tsp flour with 2 tbsp water (or 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water for gluten-free) and stir into boiling sauce.
Turn off heat once desired thickness is reached. Sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
Serve over rice, quinoa, flatbread, or naan. Garnish with cilantro, green chilies, and nondairy cream.

People Also Search For

Vegan butter chickpeas topped with lime and green chilies. — Zoomed-in look at the velvety, spiced butter chickpeas topped with fresh garnish.

This flavorful dish also goes by names like chickpeas curry, Easy Indian butter chickpeas, or chickpeas vegan versions depending on your dietary preferences. You’ll also find variations like Butter chickpeas and veggies that include bell peppers or spinach, as well as TikTok-famous spins tagged under Butter chickpeas NYT or Indian butter chickpeas Delish.

For similar plant-based comfort food, check out this creamy vegan recipe from Vegan Richa or explore butter chickpeas styles on AllRecipes.

Indian butter chickpeas in a bowl next to warm naan bread. — Scoop and savor! Butter chickpeas and naan make a classic duo.

Conclusion

chickpeas recipes are more than a trend—they’re a wholesome, protein-rich comfort food that checks all the boxes. Whether you go with the classic chickpeas Indian version or a vegan chickpeas with veggies twist, this meal delivers flavor, nutrition, and cozy satisfaction. You can customize the heat level, add more veggies, and make it as creamy as you like. Plus, it’s meal-prep friendly and reheats beautifully. If you haven’t tried making this at home yet, now’s the time to make this recipe part of your regular meal plan!

Don’t forget to explore our full recipe archive by visiting our sitemap to discover more bold and nourishing meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are butter chickpeas made of?

Butter chickpeas feature chickpeas simmered in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce. The sauce is spiced with garam masala, ginger, garlic, and often includes coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free touch. It’s a plant-based twist on classic Indian butter chicken.

Are butter chickpeas healthy?

Yes! Chickpeas are high in plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like iron and folate. When made with coconut milk or cashew cream, butter chickpeas remain comforting yet nourishing—perfect for a balanced vegan meal.

Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Absolutely. Just soak them overnight, then cook until tender before using. You’ll need about 1.5 cups of cooked chickpeas to replace a 15 oz can.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, butter chickpeas freeze well. Let the dish cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.