Chickpea and Sweet Potato Curry

Featured in Flavorful Plant-Based Dishes.

This Chickpea and Sweet Potato Curry brings together tender sweet potatoes, protein-rich chickpeas, and fresh spinach in a creamy coconut curry sauce. The dish combines warming Indian spices like curry powder, coriander, and cumin with the richness of coconut milk and tomatoes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this curry comes together in just 35 minutes and serves four people. It's naturally vegan, gluten-free, and can be made ahead or frozen for later. Serve it over rice with fresh coriander and red onions for a complete meal that's both comforting and nutritious.
sana kitchen chef
Updated on Thu, 13 Feb 2025 20:04:04 GMT
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Chickpea and Sweet Potato Curry | recipebyme.com

This tender and aromatic Chickpea and Sweet Potato Curry transforms humble ingredients into a rich, satisfying meal. The marriage of creamy coconut milk with perfectly spiced chickpeas and velvety sweet potatoes creates a wholesome curry that warms both body and soul. Each spoonful delivers a beautiful balance of textures and flavors that will transport you straight to the heart of authentic Indian cooking.

I've made this curry countless times for my family gatherings, and it never fails to impress even the most devoted meat lovers. The way the sweet potatoes break down slightly to naturally thicken the sauce creates an irresistible texture that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients You'll Need

  • Sweet Potatoes: Choose firm, orange-fleshed potatoes with smooth skin for the perfect balance of sweetness and starch
  • Chickpeas: Well-rinsed canned chickpeas work beautifully, but home-cooked dried chickpeas add an extra layer of texture
  • Coconut Milk: Full-fat provides the creamiest result and helps spices bloom to their full potential
  • Fresh Spinach: Look for bright, crisp leaves that will add beautiful color and nutrients
  • Aromatic Spices: Each spice builds layers of flavor, from warming cinnamon to earthy cumin

Let's Create Magic

Aromatics Base:
Gently heat your largest pan and watch as the onions transform into golden sweetness.
Spice Symphony:
Toast your spice blend until the kitchen fills with an intoxicating aroma.
Sweet Potato Journey:
Add your chunks and witness them slowly absorb all the beautiful flavors.
Final Flourish:
Fold in the spinach and let it dance through the creamy sauce.
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Tasty Chickpea and Sweet Potato Curry | recipebyme.com

My youngest daughter always requests this curry on chilly evenings, and I love watching her eyes light up when she spots the sweet potatoes turning perfectly tender in the sauce.

Perfect Temperature

The ideal serving temperature allows all the complex flavors to shine through, while the coconut milk creates a silky smooth finish that coats every spoonful. Let the curry rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to achieve the perfect consistency.

Complement Your Curry

Serve this heartwarming dish alongside fluffy basmati rice, warm naan bread, or quinoa for a protein-packed alternative. A side of cooling cucumber raita provides a beautiful contrast to the curry's rich flavors.

Make It Your Own

Transform this versatile curry by swapping sweet potatoes for butternut squash, adding roasted cauliflower, or incorporating red lentils for extra protein. Each variation creates a unique experience while maintaining the dish's soul-warming comfort.

Curry Care Guide

Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days, letting the flavors deepen over time. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or coconut milk to reach your desired consistency.

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Close-up Chickpea and Sweet Potato Curry Recipe | recipebyme.com

After years of perfecting this recipe, I've found that the key to its success lies in patience – allowing each ingredient to build upon the last, creating a symphony of flavors that dance together in perfect harmony. This curry isn't just a meal; it's a celebration of how simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long does this curry keep in the fridge?
The curry stays fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days when stored in an airtight container.
→ Can I freeze this sweet potato curry?
Yes, you can freeze the curry for up to 3 months. Cool completely before freezing and defrost overnight in the fridge.
→ What vegetables can I add to this curry?
You can add courgette, peppers, butternut squash, mushrooms, cauliflower, or green beans at the same time as the sweet potato.
→ Can I make this curry in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 5-6 hours. Add the spinach just before serving.
→ What can I serve with this curry?
Serve with boiled rice or pilau rice, topped with fresh coriander, sliced red onion, and optional chili flakes.

Chickpea and Sweet Potato Curry

A rich and creamy Chickpea and Sweet Potato Curry simmered in coconut milk with warming spices and fresh spinach. Ready in just 35 minutes.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Sana

Category: Vegetarian Meals

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Indian

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 450g), peeled and cut into 2cm chunks
02 1 large onion (or 2 small ones), finely chopped
03 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced
05 1 can (400g/14oz) chickpeas, drained
06 2 cans (400g/14oz each) chopped tomatoes
07 1 can (400g/14oz) full-fat coconut milk
08 2 tablespoons tomato puree
09 2 packed cups (60g) baby spinach
10 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

→ Spice Blend

11 2 tablespoons mild curry powder
12 1 tablespoon ground coriander
13 ½ tablespoon ground cumin
14 1 teaspoon paprika
15 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
16 ½ teaspoon salt
17 ½ teaspoon black pepper

→ For Serving

18 Boiled rice
19 Fresh coriander leaves
20 Red onion slices
21 Chilli flakes

Instructions

Step 01

Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently until softened.

Step 02

Stir in the minced garlic, ginger, and all the spices (curry powder, coriander, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper). Let them cook together for a minute to release their flavors.

Step 03

Add sweet potato chunks, drained chickpeas, chopped tomatoes, tomato puree, and coconut milk. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.

Step 04

Let the curry bubble gently for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender. Add a splash of water if the sauce gets too thick.

Step 05

Stir in the fresh spinach until wilted. Serve your curry over rice, garnished with fresh coriander, red onion slices, and a sprinkle of chilli flakes if desired.

Notes

  1. This curry can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to two days
  2. Freezer-friendly - cool completely before freezing, then defrost overnight in the fridge
  3. Feel free to add other vegetables like courgette, peppers, or cauliflower
  4. Can be cooked in a slow cooker on high for 3-4 hours or low for 5-6 hours

Tools You'll Need

  • Large frying pan or skillet
  • Chopping board and knife
  • Measuring spoons
  • Can opener

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains coconut

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 553
  • Total Fat: 31 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 64 g
  • Protein: 14 g