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Vegan Spelt Chickpea Curry

bowl of vegan chickpea curry served over cooked pearled spelt.

A Simple Plant-Based Curry That Delivers

This Vegan Spelt Chickpea Curry is warm, creamy, and full of flavour. It is simple to prepare, uses everyday ingredients, and pairs perfectly with cooked spelt for a satisfying and nourishing meal. The dish has a mild spice level, a rich tomato base, and a soft, comforting texture.

The combination of chickpeas and spelt creates a filling bowl that works for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Each bite feels hearty without being heavy, and the recipe is ideal for anyone looking for an easy plant-based option that tastes good and keeps well.

Why This Recipe Works

This curry uses straightforward ingredients and cooks in under 30 minutes. Spelt brings a nutty flavour and soft bite, making the dish more interesting than standard rice or pasta bowls. The sauce is creamy from coconut milk and carries a light warmth from curry powder and turmeric.

It’s a versatile, budget-friendly recipe that suits busy days and relaxed evenings. You can adjust the seasoning easily, add more vegetables, or change the spice level to match your taste.

Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 25 mins
Total Time 35 mins
Cuisine: ,
Courses: ,
Difficulty: Beginner
Servings: 4
Estimated Cost: 6
Calories: 420
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year
Dietary: Dairy-Free, Vegan
Description

A warm, creamy chickpea curry served with nutty spelt. Simple, comforting, and fully plant-based, ideal for a quick meal or weekly prep.

Ingredients
    For the spelt:
  • 250 g pearled spelt (rinsed)
  • 600 ml water
  • ¼ tsp salt
    • For the curry:
  • 1 tbsp, olive oil
  • 1 onion (diced)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tbsp ginger (grated)
  • 1 tbsp mild curry powder
  • ½ tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 400 g chopped tomatoes (canned)
  • 400 ml coconut milk (full fat)
  • 400 g cans-chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
  • ½ tsp salt (to taste)
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • fresh coriander (optional, for serving)
Instructions
    Cook the spelt.
  1. 1
    Place spelt, water, and salt in a pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 20–25 minutes until tender. Drain if needed.
    2. Sauté aromatics.
  2. 2
    Heat oil in a pan. Add onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and ginger and stir for 1 minute.
    3. Add spices.
  3. 3
    Stir in curry powder, turmeric, and cumin. Cook for 30 seconds to release flavour.
    4. Add tomatoes.
  4. 4
    Pour in chopped tomatoes. Simmer for 3 minutes.
    5. Add coconut milk and chickpeas.
  5. 5
    Stir in coconut milk and chickpeas. Simmer for 10–12 minutes until the sauce thickens.
    6. Season.
  6. 6
    Add salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Stir and adjust seasoning to taste.
    7. Serve.
  7. 7
    Spoon curry over cooked spelt and top with fresh coriander if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 420kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 17g27%
Saturated Fat 10g50%
Sodium 420mg18%
Potassium 720mg21%
Total Carbohydrate 54g18%
Dietary Fiber 11g44%
Sugars 6g
Protein 13g26%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Additional Notes

  • If the curry becomes too thick, add a splash of water.
  • Adjust spice levels easily by increasing curry powder or adding chilli flakes.
  • Keeps well for meal prep and reheats nicely.

Substitutions & Variations

  • Replace chickpeas with lentils or mixed beans.
  • Add spinach or peas in the last few minutes of cooking.
  • Use light coconut milk for a lower-calorie version.
  • Swap spelt for quinoa, rice, or couscous if needed.
Keywords: vegan curry, spelt recipes, chickpea curry, plant-based dinner, easy vegan meal

Tips & Variations

Add More Vegetables

This curry works well with carrots, courgettes, peppers, or cauliflower. Chop them small and sauté with the onion for even cooking.

Make It Creamier or Lighter

For a richer curry, use full-fat coconut milk. For a lighter version, use half coconut milk and half vegetable stock.

Conclusion

This Vegan Spelt Chickpea Curry is warm, comforting, and simple enough for any day of the week. It fills you up without feeling heavy, and the flavours stay balanced and mild. Give it a try, adjust it to your taste, and enjoy a reliable plant-based dish that works for any season.

Read it online: https://greatbritishspeltrecipes.com/recipe/vegan-spelt-chickpea-curry/
Valentina - Spelt Recipes
Valentina
A dietitian with a passion for spelt cooking. After trying different diets, I found spelt works best in my kitchen. Join me for simple, delicious recipes that bring out the best in this ancient grain!