Creamy Indian Butter Chickpeas Delight: A Hearty Vegetarian Recipe with Irresistible Flavors 🥘✨🌿
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a comforting and flavorful vegetarian dish that highlights the rich spices of Indian cuisine, look no further than this Creamy Indian Butter Chickpeas recipe. Perfectly seasoned and velvety smooth, this hearty chickpea dish is a wonderful addition to any Indian vegetarian recipes collection. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special gathering, this dish offers a satisfying and nutritious vegetarian option that everyone will love.
2. Ingredients for Creamy Indian Butter Chickpeas
- 2 cans of chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter or ghee
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 2 medium tomatoes, pureed
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (for color)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for vegan option
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
3. Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Creamy Indian Butter Chickpeas
Preparing the Base
In a large skillet or pan, heat the butter or ghee over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for about 30 seconds. Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Adding the Spices and Tomatoes
Mix in the garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, ground coriander, and paprika. Cook the spices for 1-2 minutes to release their aroma. Then, pour in the pureed tomatoes, stirring well. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Incorporating Chickpeas and Cream
Add the drained chickpeas to the sauce, stirring to coat them evenly with the spice mixture. Pour in the heavy cream or coconut cream, stirring continuously. Cook for another 10 minutes on low heat until the dish is creamy and heated through. Season with salt to taste.
Final Touches and Serving
Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves. Serve hot with basmati rice or warm naan bread for a complete meal. This hearty chickpea dish pairs beautifully with your favorite side and can be enjoyed any day of the week.
4. Tips and Variations for the Perfect Indian Butter Chickpeas
- For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.
- If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the chili powder or omit it entirely.
- This hearty chickpea dish stores well; keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to add chopped spinach or kale for extra greens and nutrition.
5. Storage and Reheating
Allow the creamy Indian butter chickpeas to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This dish maintains its creamy texture even after reheating, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
6. Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed basmati rice, naan bread, or roti. For an extra touch, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh cucumber raita. Exploring more Indian vegetarian recipes will give you more ideas to enjoy plant-based meals.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Indian Butter Chickpeas
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes! Simply replace heavy cream with coconut milk or almond cream, and use vegan butter or oil instead of ghee. This makes a delicious vegan Indian butter chickpeas recipe.
How long does it take to prepare and cook?
The entire process takes approximately 30-40 minutes, making it a quick and hearty chickpea dish suitable for busy weekday dinners.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Spinach, kale, or peas work beautifully in this recipe, adding extra nutrition and flavor. Add greens during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
What are some good side dishes for this recipe?
Serve with basmati rice, naan, or roti for a complete Indian vegetarian meal. You can also try pairing it with a fresh salad or vegetable side dishes.
8. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
To make this Creamy Indian Butter Chickpeas dish effortlessly, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Click these links for high-quality tools that will enhance your cooking experience:
- A reliable saute pan or skillet — Perfect for sautéing onions and cooking spices evenly, ensuring your dish develops rich flavors.
- A good garlic press — Simplifies mincing garlic efficiently, saving you time and effort.
- Measuring spoons and cups — For accurate spice measurements and ingredients, making your cooking precise.
- Immersion blender or regular blender — To easily puree the tomatoes or create a smooth sauce.
9. Conclusion
Discover the magic of Indian spices combined with creamy textures in this Creamy Indian Butter Chickpeas recipe. It’s a hearty, vegetarian dish packed with flavor and nutritional benefits, perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this comforting meal that will become a staple in your recipe arsenal. Elevate your vegetarian meals today and enjoy the delicious taste of Indian cuisine—anyday, anytime!
Print
Creamy Indian Butter Chickpeas Delight
A flavorful and creamy Indian butter chickpeas dish that’s perfect for a hearty meal. Made with simple ingredients, it’s quick to prepare and bursting with authentic spices.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons butter or plant-based margarine
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and cook until fragrant.
- Sauté onions until golden brown. Add garlic and ginger, cook for 1 minute more.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, and cinnamon. Cook until the mixture is thickened.
- Add chickpeas and stir to coat with spices. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Pour in heavy cream or coconut milk, simmer for another 5-7 minutes until heated through and creamy.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with naan or rice.
Notes
- For a vegan variation, substitute butter with coconut oil and cream with coconut milk.
- Adjust spice levels to taste.
- Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320 Kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 30mg