Easy Chickpea Sweet Potato Curry Recipe

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Chickpea Sweet Potato Curry

Cold evenings always have a way of nudging us toward comfort food, donโ€™t they? I still remember when I first tried this easy chickpea sweet potato curry it was one of those nights where the chill had settled in, and all I wanted was something cozy without spending hours cooking. A quick glance at my pantry revealed a can of chickpeas, and a couple of sweet potatoes caught my eye. That little spark of an idea turned into dinner.

What began as a last-minute throw-together soon became one of the most loved recipes in my kitchen. This curry blends just the right amount of warming spices with wholesome ingredients, making every bite feel nourishing and satisfying. Itโ€™s not extravagant, but it carries comfort and sometimes thatโ€™s exactly the flavor weโ€™re after.

So, tie on your apron letโ€™s bring a little warmth and love to the table.

Table talkย 

ย with Michelle!

Thereโ€™s something special about meals that bring comfort without complication. Easy Chickpea Sweet Potato Curry Recipe has quickly become one of those go-to recipes in my kitchen easy to make, full of flavor, and always a hit at the table. Even the pickiest eaters come back for more, which says it all. Simple, nourishing, and endlessly adaptable!

Michelle

Why Youโ€™ll Love This Easy Chickpea Sweet Potato Curry

This vegetarian curry is everything I believe cooking should be โ€“ simple, satisfying, and full of flavor. Hereโ€™s why itโ€™s become such a staple in my kitchen:

First, itโ€™s incredibly forgiving. You can make this โ€“ I promise. Even if youโ€™ve never worked with curry spices before, this recipe guides you through each step with gentle confidence. The ingredients are pantry-friendly, and most of them you probably already have on hand.

Second, itโ€™s a complete meal in one pot. The sweet potato chickpea combination gives you protein, fiber, and all those beautiful vitamins that make you feel good from the inside out. Add some rice or naan, and youโ€™ve got a dinner that satisfies both your hunger and your soul.

Most importantly, this curry gets better with time. Make it on Sunday, and by Wednesday, the flavors have deepened into something truly special. Itโ€™s like a warm hug waiting for you in the refrigerator.

What Youโ€™ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. These ingredients work together like old friends, each one bringing something special to the pot:

  • Avocado oil โ€“ I always reach for this because it handles heat beautifully, but olive oil works just fine too
  • Yellow onion โ€“ The foundation of flavor; itโ€™s what makes your kitchen smell like magic is happening
  • Fresh garlic and ginger โ€“ These two are the heart of any good curry. Donโ€™t skip the fresh stuff if you can help it
  • Garam masala, curry powder, and cumin โ€“ Your spice trio that brings all the warmth and complexity
  • Diced tomatoes โ€“ Canned is perfectly fine, though fresh tomatoes work beautifully when theyโ€™re in season
  • Chickpeas โ€“ The protein powerhouse that makes this curry satisfying and substantial
  • Coconut milk โ€“ This creates that creamy, luxurious base that brings everything together
  • Sweet potato โ€“ Cut into small cubes so they cook evenly and add natural sweetness
  • Fresh lime juice and cilantro โ€“ The bright finish that makes everything pop

Letโ€™s Make It Together

Cook with feeling, not just timing. Hereโ€™s how weโ€™ll bring this healthy curry recipe to life:

  1. Heat your oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Youโ€™ll know itโ€™s ready when it shimmers slightly.
  2. Add the aromatics โ€“ onion, garlic, and ginger. Sautรฉ for about 4 minutes, stirring frequently. Your kitchen should start smelling amazing right about now.
  3. Toast the spices โ€“ add garam masala, curry powder, and cumin. Donโ€™t stir right away! Let them toast for 30 seconds to wake up their flavors, then stir everything together.
  4. Add the tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes until they break down and get saucy. This is where the magic really starts happening.
  5. Bring it all together โ€“ add chickpeas, coconut milk, sweet potato cubes, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender. Donโ€™t worry if it looks a bit soupy at first โ€“ itโ€™ll thicken as it cooks.
  7. Finish with brightness โ€“ stir in lime juice and taste for seasoning. Serve hot with rice or naan, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Serving Suggestions

This one pot curry is beautiful on its own, but here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:

The classic approach is over fluffy brown rice with warm naan on the side. Thereโ€™s something so satisfying about scooping up that creamy curry with fresh bread. For a lighter option, try it over cauliflower rice or quinoa.

During warmer months, I love serving this curry at room temperature as a hearty salad over fresh greens. The flavors are just as vibrant, and it feels perfect for outdoor dining.

For special occasions, set up a curry bar with different toppings โ€“ toasted coconut, chopped peanuts, fresh herbs, and pickled vegetables. Let everyone customize their bowl.

Chickpea Sweet Potato Curry

Make It Your Own

This recipe is like a favorite sweater โ€“ comfortable as is, but easy to dress up or down:

  • Add more vegetables โ€“ spinach, bell peppers, or cauliflower all work beautifully
  • Adjust the heat โ€“ add a pinch of cayenne or fresh chilies if you like things spicy
  • Make it heartier โ€“ stir in some cooked lentils or extra chickpeas for more protein
  • Change the base โ€“ swap coconut milk for cashew cream if you prefer a different flavor profile

Kitchen Tips & Tricks

Hereโ€™s what Iโ€™ve learned from making this curry countless times:

Cut your sweet potatoes small โ€“ about ยฝ-inch cubes cook evenly and wonโ€™t fall apart. I learned this the hard way when my first batch turned into sweet potato mush!

Donโ€™t skip the spice toasting โ€“ those 30 seconds make a huge difference in flavor depth. Trust me on this one.

Taste as you go โ€“ every can of tomatoes and coconut milk is slightly different, so adjust your seasonings accordingly. Your taste buds are the best guide.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

This Chickpea Sweet Potato Curry is a meal prep champion. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, and it actually gets better as the flavors meld together.

For freezing, portion it into individual containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of coconut milk if needed.

To make ahead, prepare everything through step 6, then cool and refrigerate. Reheat and add the lime juice and cilantro just before serving for the freshest flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Absolutely! Cook 1 cup of dried chickpeas until tender, which gives you about 3 cups cooked. The texture is even better than canned.

What if I canโ€™t find garam masala?

You can make your own blend with equal parts cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, plus a pinch of cardamom and cloves.

How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done?

They should be fork-tender but not falling apart. If theyโ€™re still firm after 25 minutes, simmer a bit longer.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Sautรฉ the aromatics and spices first, then add everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

More Recipes Youโ€™ll Love

Final Thoughts

This easy chickpea sweet potato curry has become more than just a recipe in my kitchen itโ€™s a reminder that the most satisfying meals often come from the simplest ingredients. Every time I make it, Iโ€™m amazed by how something so uncomplicated can taste so complex and satisfying.

Donโ€™t be afraid to make it your own. Add extra vegetables, adjust the spices, or serve it however makes your family happiest. The best recipes are the ones that adapt to your life, not the other way around.

Thanks for being in my kitchen today. I hope this curry brings as much warmth to your table as it has to mine.

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Before You Dig In!

If you give Easy Chickpea Sweet Potato Curry Recipe a try, Iโ€™d love to hear how it turned out!
Please take a moment to leave a rating and a quick reviewโ€”it really helps us keep sharing free, delicious recipes you can trust.

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Chickpea Sweet Potato Curry

Sweet Potato Chickpea Curry

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  • Author: Michelle
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

A comforting and flavorful Sweet Potato Chickpea Curry made with creamy coconut milk, aromatic spices, and hearty chickpeas โ€” perfect with rice or naan.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil (or extra virgin olive oil)
  • 1 small yellow onion (diced)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 ยฝ tablespoons minced fresh ginger (about 1-inch piece, minced)
  • 1 tbsp garam masala
  • 2 tsp curry powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 14 oz can diced tomatoes (or 3 fresh tomatoes, diced)
  • 3 ยฝ cups cooked chickpeas (from 2, 14 oz drained and rinsed cans)
  • 1 14 oz can coconut milk
  • 1 medium sweet potato (peeled and cubed (ยฝ-inch cubes))
  • 2 tsp sea salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1 tsp fresh black pepper (plus more to taste)
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice (optional)
  • ยผ cup chopped fresh cilantro (for serving)
  • Cooked brown rice and/or vegan naan


Instructions

  1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
  2. Once the oil is hot, add the onion, garlic, and ginger. Sautรฉ, stirring frequently, for about 4 minutes, until the onions are translucent.
  3. Add the garam masala, curry powder, and cumin to the pot. Do not stir it right away. Allow the spices to toast with the aromatics for 30 seconds before stirring.
  4. Add the diced tomatoes and stir. Cook for 5 minutes, until the tomatoes have softened and lost their shape.
  5. Add the chickpeas, coconut milk, sweet potato, salt, and pepper.
  6. Stir well and bring the curry to a simmer. Cook for 20-25 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
  7. Add the lime juice (if using) and season to taste with salt and pepper.
  8. Serve the curry hot with brown rice or vegan naan and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Notes

For extra creaminess, mash a few chickpeas into the sauce while it simmers. Adjust spice levels to your preference.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 345
  • Sugar: 11g
  • Sodium: 1209mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: โ€”
  • Unsaturated Fat: โ€”
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 57g
  • Fiber: 14g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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