🍛 Indian Butter Chickpeas Recipe | Creamy Chickpea Curry (Vegan-Friendly)

If you love Indian vegetarian curry recipes, you’re going to fall in love with this Indian Butter Chickpeas dish — also known as Butter Chana Masala. This creamy, mildly spiced chickpea curry is cooked in a rich tomato butter sauce, similar to the famous Butter Chicken, but made with protein-rich chickpeas instead of meat.

Whether you follow a vegetarian diet, need a vegan-friendly curry (just swap dairy butter for vegan butter and cream), or simply want a healthy Indian dinner recipe, this dish is perfect. It’s gluten-free, full of plant-based protein, and packs in the authentic flavors of North Indian cuisine.

🛒 Ingredients for Indian Butter Chickpeas

🌱 Main Ingredients:

• Chickpeas (kabuli chana) – 2 cups cooked (or 1 can, drained)

• Onion – 1 large, finely chopped

• Tomato puree – 2 cups (fresh or canned)

• Garlic – 4 cloves, minced

• Ginger – 1 inch, grated

• Green chilies – 1–2, slit

🧈 For the Butter Sauce:

• Butter – 3 tbsp (use vegan butter for dairy-free)

• Fresh cream – ¼ cup (or coconut cream for vegan)

• Cashew paste – 2 tbsp (optional, for creaminess)

• Oil – 1 tbsp

🥄 Spices & Seasoning:

• Cumin seeds – 1 tsp

• Turmeric powder – ½ tsp

• Red chili powder – 1 tsp

• Coriander powder – 1½ tsp

• Garam masala – ½ tsp

• Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) – 1 tsp, crushed

• Salt – to taste

🌿 Garnish:

• Fresh coriander leaves – 2 tbsp, chopped

• Lemon wedges – for serving

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Method – Make Indian Butter Chickpeas

🔹 Step 1: Prepare the Chickpeas

1. If using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight, then boil until soft (about 35–40 minutes in a pressure cooker).

2. If using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse them well.

🔹 Step 2: Make the Butter Curry Base

1. Heat 1 tbsp oil + 2 tbsp butter in a heavy-bottomed pan.

2. Add cumin seeds and let them crackle.

3. Add onions and sauté until golden brown.

4. Stir in garlic, ginger, and green chilies, sauté for 30 seconds.

5. Add tomato puree, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt.

6. Cook for 7–8 minutes until oil starts separating from the sauce.

🔹 Step 3: Add Chickpeas & Simmer

1. Add boiled chickpeas to the curry base.

2. Mix well so they are coated in the spiced butter sauce.

3. Add ½ cup water (or more if you want a thinner curry).

4. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes to let flavors absorb.

🔹 Step 4: Finish with Creaminess

1. Stir in garam masala, crushed kasuri methi, and cashew paste.

2. Add the remaining butter and fresh cream.

3. Simmer for 2 minutes on low heat (don’t boil after adding cream).

🔹 Step 5: Garnish & Serve

1. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

2. Serve hot with naan, jeera rice, or paratha.

🍽️ Best Occasions to Serve Indian Butter Chickpeas

• 🌙 Weeknight Dinners – Quick, filling, and flavorful

• 🎉 Festivals & Family Gatherings – Vegetarian crowd-pleaser

• 🥗 Vegan & Vegetarian Parties – Fits plant-based diets easily

• 🥘 Lunchbox Curry – Stays fresh and creamy

• ❄️ Winter Comfort Food – Rich and warming

🍛 Serving Suggestions

• Indian Breads – Garlic naan, butter naan, tandoori roti, or lachha paratha

• Rice Dishes – Steamed basmati rice, jeera rice, or pulao

• Accompaniments – Onion salad, pickles, papad

• Healthy Twist – Serve with quinoa or millet for a protein boost

🧮 Nutrition Facts (Approx. per serving – 1 cup)

💡 Tip: For a lower-calorie version, use less butter and replace cream with low-fat yogurt or coconut milk.

🌟 Pro Tips for the Best Indian Butter Chickpeas

• Use freshly cooked chickpeas for better flavor and texture.

• Don’t skip kasuri methi — it gives authentic restaurant-style taste.

• For extra creaminess, blend a handful of cashews with water and add it to the curry.

• Make in advance — flavors deepen the next day.

❓ FAQs – Indian Butter Chickpeas

Q. Can I make this curry vegan?
Yes! Just replace butter with vegan butter and cream with coconut cream.

Q. How long does it last in the fridge?
3–4 days in an airtight container.

Q. Can I freeze butter chickpeas?
Yes, freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Q. Is this curry spicy?
It’s mildly spiced, but you can adjust chili to taste.

📝 Interesting Facts

This Indian Butter Chickpeas recipe is proof that healthy vegetarian curries can be rich, indulgent, and satisfying without meat. The creamy tomato-butter sauce, paired with protein-packed chickpeas, makes it a wholesome choice for both family dinners and special occasions.

Whether you serve it with naan, rice, or even a healthy grain bowl, this restaurant-style chickpea curry will surely become a regular on your menu.