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Easy Butter Chickpeas

These Butter Chickpeas are about to become your new favorite! This plant-based twist on butter chicken comes together in 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. With tender chickpeas simmered in a spiced tomato sauce and a luscious, creamy finish, this dish is cozy, satisfying, and totally crave-worthy. Serve it with rice or naan, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality meal at home
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Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4

Equipment

  • 1 large skillet
  • can opener if your chickpeas require one

Ingredients
  

  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1 onion diced small
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 c tomato paste
  • 1/2 jalapeno seeded and finely chopped
  • 2 cans chickpeas drained + rinsed
  • 1/8 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 3/4 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 c heavy cream
  • 1/2 c water
  • Naan or Jasmine rice for serving

Instructions
 

  • Heat a large skillet on medium heat and melt butter. Add onion until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
  • Add tomato paste and stir constantly until tomato paste has deepened in color and cooked down a bit, about 5 minutes. Then add jalapeño and continue to stir for another 1-2 minutes until the pepper is slightly cooked.
  • Add chickpeas, baking soda, garam masala, paprika, cumin, cayenne and stir to combine.
  • Add heavy cream, salt, and water and mix. Bring to simmer and then lower heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes.
  • Divide chickpeas into 4 bowl, add rice or naan, and enjoy!

Notes

Vegan Substitutions:

? Swap Heavy Cream for Coconut Milk – Use full-fat canned coconut milk for the creamiest texture. You can also use cashew cream (blend soaked cashews with water for a thick, dairy-free alternative).
? Use Vegan Butter or Oil – Instead of regular butter, use vegan butter (like Earth Balance) or a neutral oil like avocado oil or olive oil.
? Check Your Side Dishes – If serving with naan, make sure it’s dairy-free (many store-bought versions contain yogurt or butter). Opt for homemade vegan naan or serve with basmati rice instead.
Keyword butter chickpeas