Vegan Jamaican Chickpea Curry Recipe

Easy Vegan Jamaican Chickpea Curry Recipe That Packs a Punch

Spice up your dinner routine with this vibrant Jamaican chickpea curry that bursts with Caribbean flavors.

Hearty chickpeas dance with aromatic spices in a rich, creamy sauce that promises comfort and excitement.

The blend of traditional Jamaican seasonings creates a plant-based masterpiece that rivals meat-based curries.

Coconut milk adds a luxurious smoothness to each bite, while scotch bonnet peppers bring a gentle heat.

Fresh herbs and bold spices transform simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

This recipe proves that vegan cooking can be both exciting and deeply satisfying.

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a curry that celebrates the incredible depth of Jamaican cuisine.

Chickpea Curry Storage Advice

  • Transfer cooled curry to airtight container and store in refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent flavor loss and absorb other food odors.
  • Pour curry into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving small space for expansion. Freeze flat for maximum storage efficiency, keeping good for 2-3 months.
  • Place curry in microwave-safe dish, cover with microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

  • How spicy is this Jamaican Chickpea Curry?

The heat level depends on the Scotch Bonnet pepper. Remove seeds for milder heat or add more pepper for extra spiciness. You can always control the heat by adjusting the amount of pepper used.

  • Can I substitute the Scotch Bonnet pepper?

If you can’t find Scotch Bonnet, use habanero or jalapeño pepper. These alternatives provide similar heat and flavor profile. Choose based on your spice tolerance and availability.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the Jamaican Chickpea Curry is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your curry powder and broth are certified gluten-free to maintain the recipe’s gluten-free status.

Jamaican Chickpea Curry: Wholesome & Hearty

  • Packed with protein-rich chickpeas and a rainbow of vegetables, this curry delivers a wholesome meal that nourishes your body with essential nutrients.
  • Learn an authentic Jamaican recipe that introduces exciting global flavors and cooking techniques, perfect for expanding your culinary repertoire.
  • Prepare a complete one-pot meal in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy families seeking delicious and healthy dinner solutions.
  • Swap vegetables or adjust spice levels to match personal preferences, creating a flexible dish that adapts to different taste buds and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Vegan Jamaican Curry

Protein Base:
  • Chickpeas: A hearty legume that provides substantial protein and texture to this Caribbean-inspired curry.
Aromatic Vegetables:
  • Onion, Garlic, Ginger: A classic flavor foundation that builds depth and complexity in the curry.
  • Scotch Bonnet Pepper: A fiery Jamaican pepper that adds authentic heat and traditional spice profile.
Spice Blend:
  • Curry Powder: A warm, complex spice mix that delivers traditional Jamaican curry flavor.
  • Turmeric: A golden spice that provides earthy notes and vibrant color to the dish.
  • Allspice: A signature Caribbean spice that offers a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove undertones.
Root and Supporting Vegetables:
  • Potato, Carrot, Tomato: Vegetables that add substance, sweetness, and nutritional value to the curry.
  • Cauliflower, Broccoli: Nutrient-rich cruciferous vegetables that contribute texture and green freshness.
Liquid Components:
  • Coconut Milk: A creamy base that creates a rich, smooth sauce with tropical flavor.
  • Vegetable Broth: Provides additional depth and helps build the curry's liquid consistency.
Finishing Components:
  • Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
  • Hot Sauce: Allows for personalized heat adjustment at the end of cooking.
  • Neutral Oil: Used for initial sautéing and creating the curry's foundation.

Curry Cooking Gear to Get Started

  • Dutch Oven: Large, heavy-bottomed pot perfect for even heat distribution and sautéing vegetables.
  • Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping onions, garlic, ginger, and vegetables.
  • Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for precise vegetable preparation.
  • Wooden Spoon: Essential for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate tools for measuring coconut milk, broth, and spices.
  • Colander: Useful for draining and rinsing chickpeas.
  • Vegetable Peeler: Helps peel and prep root vegetables like potatoes and carrots.

Curry Step-by-Step for Big Flavor

Step 1: Warm Up the Base

Heat a Dutch oven with neutral oil over medium-high heat.

Toss in chopped onions and dance them around the pan for 2-3 minutes until they turn soft and slightly see-through.

Step 2: Unleash the Flavor Explosion

Tumble in these vibrant ingredients:
  • Minced garlic
  • Freshly grated ginger
  • Fiery Scotch Bonnet pepper
  • Fragrant curry powder
  • Golden turmeric
  • Warm allspice

Stir and fry for a quick minute, letting the aromas fill your kitchen with Caribbean magic.

Step 3: Create the Liquid Magic

Pour in creamy coconut milk and savory vegetable broth.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Add these hearty vegetables:
  • Chunked potatoes
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Sliced carrots

Let them swim and soften for 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Finish the Veggie Party

Introduce these additional ingredients:
  • Cauliflower florets
  • Broccoli chunks
  • Protein-packed chickpeas

Sprinkle with salt and let everything bubble together for 5-8 minutes until vegetables are tender but still have a delightful bite.

Step 5: Final Flavor Touchdown

Pull the pot off the heat.

Taste and adjust salt.

Splash in hot sauce for an extra kick of excitement.

Serve hot and enjoy your Caribbean-inspired feast!

Curry-Making Insights for Best Taste

  • Adjust Scotch Bonnet pepper quantity based on your spice tolerance. Remove seeds for milder heat or add more for extra kick.
  • Feel free to substitute vegetables with seasonal produce like sweet potatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini for variety.
  • Add extra protein by including tofu, tempeh, or additional beans alongside chickpeas for more nutritional value.
  • For thicker curry, mash some chickpeas or potatoes to create a creamier consistency without changing the core recipe.
  • This curry tastes even better the next day as flavors develop, making it perfect for advance cooking and storing in refrigerator.

Chickpea Curry Variation Ideas

  • Caribbean Protein Swap: Replace chickpeas with black beans or lentils for a different protein source and subtle flavor variation.
  • Gluten-Free Fusion: Use gluten-free curry powder and replace broth with water to accommodate gluten-sensitive diets.
  • Coconut Milk Alternative: Substitute coconut milk with almond or oat milk for a lighter, less creamy version with reduced fat content.
  • Low-Carb Version: Swap potatoes with cauliflower rice or zucchini chunks to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining similar texture and curry experience.

Serving Jamaican Curry Warm

  • Island Beach Picnic Plating: Serve curry in colorful ceramic bowls with bright garnishes that pop against the rich curry color.
  • Tropical Rice Companion: Pair with fragrant jasmine or coconut rice to soak up the delicious sauce and add extra texture.
  • Fresh Green Finish: Sprinkle chopped cilantro, green onions, or toasted pumpkin seeds on top for a crunchy, herbal contrast to the creamy curry.
  • Cooling Side Option: Prepare a quick cucumber-yogurt raita or simple green salad to balance the curry's spicy warmth and provide refreshing relief.
Print
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Vegan Jamaican Chickpea Curry Recipe

Vegan Jamaican Chickpea Curry Recipe


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4.6 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Jamaican Chickpea Curry delivers a spicy Caribbean adventure on your plate. Fragrant spices and hearty chickpeas create a bold meal you’ll savor with authentic island passion.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 can chickpeas (or 1.5 cups/250 grams)
  • 1 medium potato, cubed
  • 1 medium carrot, sliced
  • 1 cup cauliflower florets
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 tomato, diced

Spices and Aromatics:

  • 12 tablespoons Jamaican curry powder (or regular curry powder)
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon allspice
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon minced ginger
  • 1 Scotch Bonnet pepper, chopped (or Jalapeno)
  • Salt to taste
  • Hot sauce to taste

Liquids:

  • 1.5 cups vegetable broth
  • 0.5 can coconut milk (about 7 ounces/200 milliliters)

Instructions

  1. Warm a Dutch oven with neutral oil over medium-high heat, gently sautéing onions until they become translucent and slightly softened, approximately 2-3 minutes.
  2. Introduce aromatic spices and herbs including garlic, ginger, Scotch Bonnet pepper, curry powder, turmeric, and allspice, toasting them briefly until their fragrant essence permeates the kitchen, about 1 minute.
  3. Pour coconut milk and vegetable broth into the pot, creating a rich, creamy base. Carefully incorporate root vegetables – potatoes, tomatoes, and carrots – allowing them to simmer and gradually tenderize for 3-4 minutes.
  4. Integrate cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower and broccoli alongside protein-packed chickpeas. Sprinkle with salt to enhance flavors. Maintain a gentle simmer for 5-8 minutes, ensuring vegetables reach a delicate fork-tender consistency.
  5. Remove curry from heat, performing a final flavor assessment. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and introduce hot sauce according to personal heat preference, creating a balanced and vibrant Jamaican-inspired dish.

Notes

  • Pepper Power Be cautious with Scotch Bonnet pepper, as it’s extremely spicy. Start with a small amount and adjust based on heat tolerance.
  • Vegetable Variety Swap root vegetables and greens based on seasonal availability or personal preference. Sweet potatoes or butternut squash work wonderfully as potato alternatives.
  • Protein Boost For extra protein, consider adding tofu or tempeh alongside chickpeas. These plant-based proteins absorb curry flavors beautifully and enhance nutritional value.
  • Meal Prep Magic This curry tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop. Store in airtight container and reheat gently to maintain vegetable texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Jamaican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 10g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Food Educator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipe development, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and workshop facilitation, Content writing with a focus on healthy living​

Education

Diploma in Culinary Arts, Mt. San Jacinto College, CA
Focus: Comprehensive culinary training with an emphasis on sustainable cooking practices.

Certificate in Nutrition and Healthy Living, Cornell University (Online Program)
Focus: Understanding the principles of nutrition to create balanced and health-conscious recipes.


Clara lives where fresh ideas and fresh ingredients meet. She pairs her culinary know-how with her passion for healthy, planet-friendly cooking.
For Clara, good food should taste great, nourish your body, and feel easy to make. Her recipes highlight whole foods, colorful produce, and a deep respect for seasonal eating.

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