Indian Butter Chickpeas Recipe: 4 Reasons You’ll Love It

Name: Indian Butter Chickpeas Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 540 g chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 red onion, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 teaspoon tomato paste; 1 teaspoon turmeric powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; ½ teaspoon ground coriander; ½ teaspoon chili powder or 1 red chili, diced; 2 teaspoons garam masala; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 (400 g) can crushed tomatoes; 125 ml heavy cream or coconut milk; ¼–½ lemon juice, to taste; Chopped cilantro, for garnish

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve been craving cozy, restaurant-style flavor without spending hours in the kitchen, this Indian Butter Chickpeas Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Rich, creamy, gently spiced, and wildly comforting, it delivers all the indulgence of butter chicken—minus the chicken.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or those moments when you want something warm and soul-hugging but still meatless. And yes, your kitchen will smell amazing. Consider yourself warned.

As a chef, I love recipes that feel a little luxurious but don’t demand fancy skills or a mountain of dishes. This one checks every box: pantry spices, simple steps, and big, bold flavor that tastes like it simmered all day (even though it didn’t).

Why You’ll Love This Indian Butter Chickpeas Recipe

Let me count the ways—because there are plenty:

Ready in 25 minutes (faster than takeout, friends)
Vegetarian comfort food that doesn’t feel like a compromise
Creamy, spiced, and satisfying without being overwhelming
Meal-prep friendly (hello, stress-free lunches)
Naturally gluten-free and easy to make dairy-free

This Indian Butter Chickpeas Recipe is proof that humble chickpeas can absolutely steal the spotlight.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything required to make this dreamy curry. Nothing fancy, nothing hard to find—just good, honest ingredients doing delicious things together.

Main Ingredients

2 tbsp butter
540g chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 red onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
1 tsp tomato paste

Spices & Seasonings

1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp ground coriander
½ tsp chili powder or 1 red chili, diced
2 tsp garam masala
½ tsp salt

Creamy Base & Finish

1 × 400g tin crushed tomatoes
125 ml heavy cream or coconut milk
¼–½ lemon juice (to taste)
Chopped cilantro, for garnish

How to Make Indian Butter Chickpeas (Step-by-Step)

Don’t worry—this recipe is as friendly as it is flavorful. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be scooping curry like a pro.

Step 1: Build the Flavor Base

Heat the butter in a large pan over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced red onion and sauté for 5–6 minutes, until soft and lightly golden. This step sets the tone, so let those onions relax and sweeten.

Step 2: Add the Aromatics

Stir in the garlic and fresh ginger. Cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Your kitchen should already be smelling incredible—this is a good sign.

Step 3: Spice It Up

Add the tomato paste, turmeric, cumin, coriander, chili, garam masala, and salt. Stir everything together and cook for 1–2 minutes. This quick toast wakes up the spices and deepens their flavor.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well. At this point, you can blend the sauce until smooth if you want a restaurant-style texture—but leaving it rustic works beautifully too.

Step 5: Chickpeas Join the Party

Add the chickpeas, stir to coat them in the sauce, and let everything simmer for 10 minutes. This gives the chickpeas time to soak up all that buttery, spiced goodness.

Step 6: Finish with Cream & Citrus

Lower the heat and gently stir in the cream (or coconut milk) and lemon juice. Warm through, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 7: Garnish & Serve

Top with chopped cilantro and serve hot. Rice, naan, or even a warm pita are all excellent companions here.

Indian Butter Chickpeas Recipe served with basmati rice and lemon slices in a bowl — This Indian Butter Chickpeas Recipe is rich, creamy, and perfectly paired with fluffy basmati rice and a squeeze of fresh lemon.

Chef Omar’s Tips for Butter Chickpea Success

Too spicy? Add a splash more cream or coconut milk—it calms things down instantly.
Want deeper flavor? Let the curry sit for 10 minutes before serving. Like most good things in life, it gets better with time.
Sauce too thick? A splash of water or veggie broth loosens it right up.
Sauce looks rebellious? Relax. It always smooths out once the cream joins the pan.

A Little Kitchen Story

This Indian Butter Chickpeas Recipe became a regular in my kitchen after one of those “surprise guests are coming over” moments. I had chickpeas, spices, and about half an hour. Everyone went back for seconds—and one friend asked if it was a “family recipe.” I’ll take that as a win.

FAQs About Indian Butter Chickpeas Recipe

Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely. Swap the butter for plant-based butter or oil, and use coconut milk instead of cream.

How long does it keep in the fridge?

Up to 4 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I freeze it?

Yes! Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What should I serve with it?

Basmati rice, naan, roti, or even quinoa all work beautifully.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 553
Total Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 53g
Fiber: 14g
Protein: 17g
Sodium: 563mg

Rich, filling, and satisfying—this is comfort food that actually keeps you full.

Ready to Make It Tonight?

This Indian Butter Chickpeas Recipe is creamy, cozy, and exactly the kind of dish that turns an ordinary evening into something special. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself (no judgment here), it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

So grab that pan, let the spices bloom, and enjoy every comforting bite. From my kitchen to yours—happy cooking!

More Cozy Chickpea & Curry Dinners to Try

If this Indian Butter Chickpeas Recipe hit the spot, there’s plenty more comfort waiting for you. These dishes keep the same warm spices, creamy textures, and satisfying plant-based goodness—perfect for mixing up your weekly dinner routine without extra effort.

Fall in love with hands-off cooking by making slow cooker creamy chickpea masala bliss, a rich and cozy option when you want dinner ready with minimal prep.
Keep things simple and hearty with one-pot lentil curry—an easy, flavor-packed meal that’s ideal for busy nights.
Balance out creamy curries with something fresh like warm chickpea and lentil salad with carrots, perfect as a light dinner or satisfying lunch.
Explore traditional inspiration with classic Indian butter chickpeas made the authentic way for a deeper look at how this beloved dish is enjoyed across Indian kitchens.

Whether you’re craving something comforting, fresh, or slow-simmered, these recipes keep chickpeas shining in delicious, feel-good ways.