Creamy Coconut Curry Chickpea

This vibrant skillet blends tender sweet potatoes and protein-rich chickpeas in a luscious coconut curry sauce. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients, while mild curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and a hint of cayenne pepper create a fragrant aroma. Cooked gently in one pan, it offers a comforting, nourishing meal ready in under an hour. Garnished with cilantro and lime, its balance of flavors is perfect for easy weeknight dinners, especially paired with rice or naan.

Updated on Sun, 15 Feb 2026 18:44:53 GMT
Creamy Coconut Curry Chickpea Skillet with Sweet Potatoes and Spinach in a fragrant sauce. Pin It
Creamy Coconut Curry Chickpea Skillet with Sweet Potatoes and Spinach in a fragrant sauce. | rapidtongs.com

Savor the vibrant and comforting flavors of this Creamy Coconut Curry Chickpea Skillet. This Indian-inspired, one-pan vegan dish brings together the natural sweetness of potatoes and protein-packed chickpeas in a luscious coconut sauce, creating a fragrant meal that is perfect for any weeknight dinner.

Creamy Coconut Curry Chickpea Skillet with Sweet Potatoes and Spinach in a fragrant sauce. Pin It
Creamy Coconut Curry Chickpea Skillet with Sweet Potatoes and Spinach in a fragrant sauce. | rapidtongs.com

Whether you are a seasoned plant-based eater or just looking to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, this skillet is sure to become a staple. The aromatic blend of turmeric, cumin, and mild curry powder ensures every bite is deeply satisfying.

Ingredients

  • Vegetables: 1 large sweet potato (peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes), 1 medium yellow onion (finely chopped), 3 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1-inch piece fresh ginger (grated).
  • Legumes: 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed.
  • Liquids: 1 can (13.5 oz / 400 ml) full-fat coconut milk, 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable broth or water, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice.
  • Spices & Seasonings: 2 tablespoons mild curry powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat), salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Oils: 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable oil.
  • Garnishes: Fresh cilantro leaves, lime wedges.
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Instructions

Step 1
Heat the coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Step 2
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.
Step 3
Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4
Add the sweet potato cubes, curry powder, cumin, turmeric, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the vegetables in the spices.
Step 5
Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable broth. Mix well and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 6
Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender.
Step 7
Add the chickpeas and cook for another 5 minutes to heat through.
Step 8
Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes, until wilted.
Step 9
Remove from heat and add lime juice. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 10
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges if desired. Enjoy with rice or naan.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the sweet potatoes cook evenly, try to keep the cubes at a consistent 1/2-inch size. Using full-fat coconut milk is recommended for the most luxurious and creamy sauce texture.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For extra protein, consider adding cubed tofu or tempeh during the simmering stage. If spinach isn't your favorite, you can easily substitute it with kale or Swiss chard, though these may require an extra minute or two to wilt completely.

Serviervorschläge

This curry pairs beautifully with a side of fluffy basmati rice or quinoa. Don't forget to serve it with warm naan bread and extra lime wedges to brighten the flavors just before eating.

A close up of the Creamy Coconut Curry Chickpea Skillet. Pin It
A close up of the Creamy Coconut Curry Chickpea Skillet. | rapidtongs.com

Nutritional Information (per serving): 355 Calories, 19 g Total Fat, 38 g Carbohydrates, 9 g Protein. Enjoy this healthy and delicious plant-based meal!

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Your Questions Answered

Can I substitute the spinach with other greens?

Yes, kale or Swiss chard are excellent alternatives that hold up well during cooking and complement the flavors.

How can I adjust the spice level?

Modify the amount of cayenne pepper or curry powder to achieve your preferred heat and flavor intensity.

What can I serve this coconut curry with?

This dish pairs wonderfully with basmati rice, quinoa, or warm naan bread for a complete meal.

Is it possible to add extra protein?

Yes, adding cubed tofu or tempeh during cooking enhances the protein content and texture.

What allergen should I be mindful of?

Coconut is a tree nut allergen for some; be sure to check personal dietary restrictions before serving.

Can I use water instead of vegetable broth?

Yes, water can be used, but vegetable broth adds a deeper flavor to the coconut curry base.

Creamy Coconut Curry Chickpea

Fragrant one-pan dish mixing sweet potatoes, chickpeas, spinach, and creamy coconut sauce for comforting meals.

Prep Duration
15 minutes
Cook Duration
30 minutes
Complete Time
45 minutes
Created by Lily Turner


Skill Level Needed Easy

Cuisine Style Indian-Inspired

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Preferences Plant-Based, No Dairy, No Gluten

What You'll Need

Vegetables

01 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
02 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
04 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated

Legumes

01 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

Liquids

01 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
02 1/2 cup vegetable broth or water
03 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

Spices & Seasonings

01 2 tablespoons mild curry powder
02 1 teaspoon ground cumin
03 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
04 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
05 Salt and black pepper to taste

Oils

01 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable oil

Garnishes

01 Fresh cilantro leaves
02 Lime wedges

How-To Steps

Step 01

Heat oil in skillet: Heat the coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 02

Sauté onion: Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until soft and translucent.

Step 03

Add aromatics: Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 04

Toast spices with sweet potato: Add the sweet potato cubes, curry powder, cumin, turmeric, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the vegetables in the spices.

Step 05

Add liquid and simmer: Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable broth. Mix well and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 06

Cook sweet potato: Cover and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender.

Step 07

Incorporate chickpeas: Add the chickpeas and cook for another 5 minutes to heat through.

Step 08

Wilt spinach: Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until wilted.

Step 09

Finish with lime juice: Remove from heat and add lime juice. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 10

Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Enjoy with rice or naan.

What You'll Need

  • Large skillet with lid
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Alerts

Always review every item for allergens. If unsure, talk to a healthcare expert.
  • Contains coconut, a tree nut allergen for some individuals.
  • Always check canned goods and spice blends for potential allergens.

Nutrition Info (per serving)

Use these numbers as a helpful reference, not as personal health advice.
  • Calorie Count: 355
  • Fat Content: 19 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Protein Amount: 9 g