Jamie Oliver’s Curried Chickpeas are a quick, flavorful, and nutritious dish perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Packed with spices and wholesome ingredients, this recipe is a delicious way to enjoy plant-based protein.
What are Jamie Oliver’s Curried Chickpeas?
Curried chickpeas are a simple, spiced dish made by simmering chickpeas in a fragrant curry sauce. This dish is versatile, budget-friendly, and full of flavor, making it an excellent choice for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone looking for a quick, healthy meal.

Other Popular Recipes
- Jamie Oliver Apple Coleslaw
- Jamie Oliver Pickled Beetroot
- Jamie Oliver Caramelized Onion Tart
- Jamie Oliver 3-Ingredient Bread
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Plant-based and nutritious: Rich in protein, fiber, and flavor.
- Versatile: Serve as a main dish, side, or wrap filling.
- Budget-friendly: Uses simple pantry staples.
- Customizable: Adjust the spices and ingredients to suit your taste.
Ingredients Needed for Jamie Oliver Curried Chickpeas
- Chickpeas: 2 cans (400g each), drained and rinsed.
- Coconut milk: 1 can (400ml).
- Onion: 1 large, finely chopped.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced.
- Ginger: 1 tablespoon, grated.
- Tomatoes: 2 large, diced, or 1 can (400g) of chopped tomatoes.
- Curry powder: 2 teaspoons.
- Ground turmeric: 1 teaspoon.
- Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon.
- Chili flakes: ½ teaspoon (optional).
- Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons.
- Fresh spinach: A handful (optional).
- Salt and black pepper: To taste.
- Fresh coriander: For garnish.
- Lime wedges: For serving.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large frying pan or skillet.
- Wooden spoon for stirring.
- Knife and cutting board for chopping vegetables.
Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Curried Chickpeas
Step 1: Sauté the aromatics
Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Add the spices
Stir in the curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and chili flakes (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to release their aromas.
Step 3: Add the chickpeas and tomatoes
Add the drained chickpeas and diced or canned tomatoes to the pan. Stir well to coat the chickpeas in the spice mixture. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 4: Pour in the coconut milk
Add the coconut milk and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Add spinach (optional)
If using spinach, stir it into the pan during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking until wilted.
Step 6: Season and serve
Season the curry with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve with lime wedges on the side.

What to Serve With Jamie Oliver Curried Chickpeas
- Rice: Serve over steamed basmati or jasmine rice.
- Flatbread: Pair with naan, roti, or pita bread for scooping.
- Quinoa or couscous: A lighter alternative to rice.
- Side salad: Add freshness with a cucumber and tomato salad.
Pro Tips for Making the Best Curried Chickpeas
- Use canned chickpeas: Saves time and effort; no soaking is required.
- Toast the spices: Enhances their flavor and aroma.
- Don’t skip the coconut milk: Adds creaminess and balances the spices.
- Customize the heat: Adjust chili flakes to your spice preference.
- Add veggies: Stir in diced zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
What are Variations of Jamie Oliver Curried Chickpeas?
- Creamy version: Add a dollop of yogurt or cream for extra richness.
- Spicy version: Use more chili flakes or add fresh green chilies.
- Tomato-free: Skip the tomatoes and use more coconut milk for a milder flavor.
- Protein boost: Add cooked lentils or tofu.
- Herbal twist: Garnish with fresh mint or dill instead of coriander.
How Do I Store Jamie Oliver Curried Chickpeas?
- In the refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- In the freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
- To reheat: Warm in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or coconut milk if needed.
Nutrition Value (per serving, based on 4 servings)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 12g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 20g
FAQs
What type of chickpeas should I use for curried chickpeas?
Canned chickpeas are the most convenient option for this recipe as they are pre-cooked and ready to use. If you prefer dried chickpeas, soak and cook them in advance until tender.
Can I make curried chickpeas spicier?
Yes, you can make it spicier by adding more chili flakes, fresh chili peppers, or a dash of cayenne pepper. Adjust the spice level to your preference.
How do I store leftover curried chickpeas?
Store leftover curried chickpeas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or coconut milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
What can I serve with curried chickpeas to make it a complete meal?
Curried chickpeas pair well with steamed basmati rice, naan bread, or quinoa. Adding a side of roasted vegetables or a cucumber and tomato salad can also round out the meal.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Curried Chickpeas are a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Try it today for a taste of simple, wholesome goodness!
PrintJamie Oliver Curried Chickpeas Recipe
Curried chickpeas are a simple, spiced dish made by simmering chickpeas in a fragrant curry sauce. This dish is versatile, budget-friendly, and full of flavor, making it an excellent choice for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone looking for a quick, healthy meal.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients
- Chickpeas: 2 cans (400g each), drained and rinsed.
- Coconut milk: 1 can (400ml).
- Onion: 1 large, finely chopped.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced.
- Ginger: 1 tablespoon, grated.
- Tomatoes: 2 large, diced, or 1 can (400g) of chopped tomatoes.
- Curry powder: 2 teaspoons.
- Ground turmeric: 1 teaspoon.
- Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon.
- Chili flakes: ½ teaspoon (optional).
- Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons.
- Fresh spinach: A handful (optional).
- Salt and black pepper: To taste.
- Fresh coriander: For garnish.
- Lime wedges: For serving.
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the aromatics
Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Add the spices
Stir in the curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and chili flakes (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to release their aromas.
Step 3: Add the chickpeas and tomatoes
Add the drained chickpeas and diced or canned tomatoes to the pan. Stir well to coat the chickpeas in the spice mixture. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 4: Pour in the coconut milk
Add the coconut milk and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Add spinach (optional)
If using spinach, stir it into the pan during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking until wilted.
Step 6: Season and serve
Season the curry with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve with lime wedges on the side.