When you think of a comforting and richly flavored dish that easily warms your heart, Indian Butter Chickpeas might come to mind. This delightful recipe is a vegetarian rendition of the popular butter chicken, offering all the creamy, spiced goodness without the meat. It’s a dish that combines the wonderful flavors of Indian spices with the nutritious benefits of chickpeas, making it a perfect addition to your weeknight meals or special gatherings. With its vibrant colors and enticing aromas, Indian Butter Chickpeas are not just a feast for the taste buds—they’re a feast for the eyes as well!
Why We Love This Indian Butter Chickpeas Recipe
There’s so much to love about Indian Butter Chickpeas. For starters, it suits a variety of dietary needs—whether you’re a vegetarian looking for meat alternatives or simply someone who enjoys exploring new flavors. It is nutritious, filling, and satisfies those cravings for something rich and creamy.
Additionally, the recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily customize the spice level according to your personal preference. Whether you like it mild or prefer a bit more heat, this dish can be tailored to suit your taste buds.
Moreover, it’s straightforward to prepare. Even if you’re not an experienced cook, you’ll find that the steps involved are easy to follow. Using pantry staples such as chickpeas and spices, you can whip up a delightful meal in no time.
Finally, Indian Butter Chickpeas hold their own when it comes to leftovers. The flavors continue to deepen with time, meaning you can enjoy this dish for days without it losing its appeal.
Ingredients about Indian Butter Chickpeas
To create your own batch of Indian Butter Chickpeas, gather the following 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
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 0.5 tsp ground coriander
- 0.5 tsp chili powder or 1 red chili, diced
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 1 x 400g tin crushed tomatoes
- 125ml heavy cream or coconut milk
- 1/4 – 1/2 lemon juice, to taste
- Chopped cilantro, for garnish
How to Make Indian Butter Chickpeas Directions
Creating Indian Butter Chickpeas is not only straightforward but also an enjoyable process that fills your kitchen with delightful aromas. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make this creamy dish.
- Melt the butter: Begin by melting the butter in a large pan over medium heat. Allow it to fully melt and slightly bubble but avoid burning it.
- Sauté the onions: Add the diced red onion to the pan and sauté for about 5 to 6 minutes, or until they become soft and translucent. This step is crucial as the onions will lay the foundation for the dish’s flavor.
- Add garlic and ginger: Incorporate the minced garlic and grated ginger into the pan. Cook them together for another minute, stirring frequently to avoid sticking.
- Spice it up: Stir in the tomato paste, turmeric, ground cumin, ground coriander, and chili powder (or diced chili, if you prefer). Add the garam masala and salt to the mix as well. Let these spices cook for 1 to 2 minutes. This process will help to release the essential oils and deepen the flavors.
- Pour in tomatoes: Carefully pour in the crushed tomatoes. If you prefer a smoother sauce, feel free to blend the tomatoes before adding them.
- Add the chickpeas: Next, toss in the rinsed chickpeas, ensuring they are well-coated with the tomato and spice mixture. Allow the dish to simmer for approximately 10 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Incorporate cream or coconut milk: Now, stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk along with a splash of lemon juice. Gently heat until warmed through, avoiding high heat to retain the creaminess.
- Garnish and serve: Before serving, sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for a fresh, herbal note that elevates the dish. Serve it warm and enjoy!
How to Serve Indian Butter Chickpeas
Indian Butter Chickpeas are best served hot, straight from the stove to your dinner table. You can enjoy it over a bowl of fluffy basmati rice or with warm naan. If you’d like to add an extra layer of flavor, try serving it with a side of cucumber raita or a simple salad.
For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, consider adding some crispy papadums on the side. Not only are they delicious, but they also add a wonderful texture contrast to the creamy richness of the chickpeas.
For gatherings or festive occasions, Indian Butter Chickpeas make an eye-catching centerpiece on any buffet table, drawing in your guests with its vibrant hues and aromatic spices.
If you’re planning to serve guests, think about presenting the dish in a traditional Indian-style serving bowl, and set it with small bowls of lemon wedges and cilantro for garnishing. This encourages everyone to personalize their servings and adds an interactive element to your meal.
Expert Tips: Indian Butter Chickpeas
- Choose your chickpeas wisely: Opt for canned chickpeas for a quick and easy meal. However, if you have the time, cooking dried chickpeas from scratch will elevate the dish’s flavor. Just remember to soak them overnight to reduce cooking time.
- Adjust the spice level: If you’re unsure about the heat level, start with less chili powder or omit it altogether. You can always add more spice later if you like.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh cilantro not only adds color but also a burst of flavor to your dish. Avoid dried herbs for better taste, as the fresh variety significantly enhances the freshness of your meal.
- Experiment with cream: If you want a lighter version, coconut milk is a great alternative that still provides creaminess. For a richer flavor, stick to heavy cream.
- Store leftovers: Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. The flavors improve over time, making it a delicious option for meal prep.
How to Store Indian Butter Chickpeas
Storing Indian Butter Chickpeas is simple and convenient. Once cooled, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. They can be placed in the refrigerator and will last for up to 3 to 5 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to allow it to cool completely before freezing. It can last in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Be mindful that the creaminess may be slightly altered after freezing, but the flavors will still be just as delicious.
Variation of Indian Butter Chickpeas
One of the beautiful things about Indian Butter Chickpeas is that it is highly adaptable to different tastes and ingredients. If you’re looking to try something new, here are a few variations:
- Add vegetables: Incorporate spinach or any seasonal greens for a nutrient boost. Simply stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking until wilted.
- Tofu option: For a protein-rich alternative, substitute chickpeas with firm tofu. Just cut the tofu into cubes and pan-fry it until golden before adding it to the sauce.
- Different spices: If you wish to explore, consider adding cinnamon or fenugreek leaves for a richer flavor profile.
- Coconut curry: Turn your Indian Butter Chickpeas into a coconut curry by using only coconut milk and adding curry leaves for an authentic touch.
- Heat lovers can adapt: Increase the amount of chili powder, or include fresh chilies to give this dish that extra kick.
FAQ about Indian Butter Chickpeas
What is Indian Butter Chickpeas?
Indian Butter Chickpeas is a vegetarian dish that features chickpeas cooked in a creamy tomato-based sauce with a blend of Indian spices. It’s rich, flavorful, and satisfying.
How long does it take to cook Indian Butter Chickpeas?
From start to finish, you can expect to spend about 30 to 40 minutes preparing Indian Butter Chickpeas, making it a quick weeknight meal option.
Can I make Indian Butter Chickpeas ahead of time?
Yes! This dish can be made ahead of time and tastes even better as the flavors intensify overnight. Simply reheat before serving.
Is Indian Butter Chickpeas spicy?
The spice level can be adjusted to your preference. You can reduce or omit the chili powder to make it milder.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
While this recipe is designed for vegetarian enjoyment, you can add chicken or other proteins if desired, making it versatile for all family members.
Indian Butter Chickpeas
Equipment
- Large Pan
- Skillet
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 540 g Chickpeas drained and rinsed
- 1 medium Red Onion diced
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger grated
- 1 teaspoon Tomato Paste
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground Coriander
- 0.5 teaspoon Chili Powder or 1 red chili, diced
- 2 teaspoons Garam Masala
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt to taste
- 1 can Crushed Tomatoes (400g tin)
- 125 ml Heavy Cream or coconut milk
- 0.25 to 0.5 Lemon Juice to taste
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add diced red onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Incorporate minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute.
- Stir in tomato paste, turmeric, ground cumin, ground coriander, chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the rinsed chickpeas. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream or coconut milk and lemon juice. Heat gently until warmed through.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
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