Dairy-Free Butter Chickpeas – Creamy, High-Protein, Budget-Friendly Curry
Craving creamy, cozy comfort food but avoiding dairy? Same here. That’s exactly why I love this Dairy-Free Butter Chickpeas recipe—it’s rich, flavorful, and perfectly satisfying without a drop of cream or butter. Whether you’re vegan, lactose-intolerant, or just exploring plant-based meals, this recipe delivers bold, buttery flavors without the dairy.
Made from pantry staples like chickpeas, coconut milk, and tomato paste, it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a true budget-friendly healthy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and warming spices, this curry is ideal for meal prep or a quick dinner. Serve it with fluffy rice or naan for a restaurant-style meal at home.
👉 Looking for more easy dinners? Check out my 5 Dairy-Free Dinner Recipes for more simple, satisfying meal ideas.
Table of Contents
What You’ll Need
You only need a handful of pantry staples to make this creamy, satisfying dairy-free butter chickpeas recipe. Most are likely already in your kitchen!
Ingredients List (with Approximate Costs)
- Canned Chickpeas (2 cans) – $1.80
High-protein, fiber-packed base of the dish. - Coconut Milk (1 can, full-fat preferred) – $1.50
Replaces heavy cream to create a rich, buttery texture. - Tomato Paste (3 tablespoons) – $0.60
Adds depth and tang to balance the creamy coconut milk. - Vegan Butter (2 tablespoons) – $0.75
Adds that signature buttery flavor without dairy. - Yellow Onion (1 small, diced) – $0.40
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – $0.20
- Fresh Ginger (1 tablespoon, grated) – $0.40
- Garam Masala (1 tablespoon) – $0.40
Classic Indian spice blend that gives butter chickpeas their signature flavor. - Smoked Paprika (1 teaspoon) – $0.20
- Cumin Powder (1 teaspoon) – $0.20
- Salt & Black Pepper – negligible
- Optional: Red Chili Flakes – $0.10
For heat, if you like spice. - Optional: Fresh Cilantro – $0.50
For garnish.
Serving Suggestions
- Cooked Basmati Rice or Naan Bread – for a full meal experience.
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife & cutting board
- Can opener
Total Estimated Cost: ~$7.50
Servings: 4
Approx. Cost Per Serving: $1.88
Why This Dairy-Free Butter Chickpeas Recipe Works
This dairy-free butter chickpeas recipe isn’t just easy—it’s designed to deliver creamy, restaurant-style flavor without cream or complicated techniques. Here’s why it works so well:
1. Coconut Milk for Creamy Richness
Full-fat coconut milk makes these dairy-free butter chickpeas ultra creamy. The subtle coconut flavor lets the spices shine without overpowering the dish.2. Vegan Butter Adds Classic Flavor
A little dairy-free butter recreates that signature buttery taste, keeping the recipe fully plant-based.
3. Chickpeas for Protein Power
Protein-packed chickpeas are the star of this dairy-free butter chickpeas recipe. They’re hearty, filling, and soak up all those flavorful spices.
4. Indian-Inspired Spice Blend
A simple mix of garam masala, smoked paprika, cumin, and fresh ginger builds a rich, bold flavor without complicated steps.
5. One-Pan Simplicity
Unlike other vegan curry recipes, these butter chickpeas come together in one pan with pantry staples. No soaking, no blending—just cook and enjoy.
6. Budget-Friendly, Meal-Prep Friendly
At less than $2 per serving, this is a perfect budget-friendly healthy meal. Make a double batch for easy meal prep or freezer meals.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to make creamy, comforting dairy-free butter chickpeas at home? Follow these simple steps—no fancy tools required!
1. Sauté Aromatics
- Melt 2 tablespoons of dairy-free butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onion, minced garlic, and fresh ginger.
- Sauté for 3–5 minutes, until the onions are soft and fragrant.
2. Add Spices and Tomato Paste
- Stir in 1 tablespoon garam masala, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon cumin, and optional chili flakes.
- Cook spices for 1 minute to toast and release their aromas.
- Add 3 tablespoons tomato paste. Stir well to coat the onions and spices evenly.
3. Add Chickpeas
- Pour in 2 cans of drained chickpeas. Stir to coat chickpeas in the spiced tomato mixture.
4. Pour in Coconut Milk
- Add 1 can of full-fat coconut milk.
- Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Simmer
- Bring your dairy-free butter chickpeas to a gentle simmer.
- Cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and flavors combine.
6. Season & Serve
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh cilantro.
- Serve your dairy-free butter chickpeas over basmati rice or with warm naan bread.
Pro Tip: For thicker sauce, simmer uncovered. For a thinner curry, add a splash of water or veggie broth.
Quick Tips
Make sure your dairy-free butter chickpeas turn out perfectly creamy and flavorful every time with these easy tricks:
- Use Full-Fat Coconut Milk: Light coconut milk will make your curry thinner and less creamy. Always choose full-fat for best results.
- Toast Your Spices: Letting the spices cook in butter before adding liquids deepens their flavor. Don’t skip this step!
- Adjust Spice to Taste: For a milder curry, skip the chili flakes. Want it spicier? Add extra paprika or cayenne.
- Let the Sauce Simmer Uncovered: This thickens your dairy-free butter chickpeas sauce naturally, creating a rich, creamy texture.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This curry stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days and freezes beautifully.
- Reheat Gently: Use low heat when reheating to prevent the sauce from separating.
- Swap Butter If Needed: If you’re out of vegan butter, use coconut oil or even olive oil in a pinch.
Variations & Substitutions
Make this dairy-free butter chickpeas recipe your own! Here are some easy ways to customize or adapt the recipe based on your taste or what’s in your pantry:
Protein Variations
- Swap Chickpeas: Use white beans, lentils, or tofu for a different protein source.
- Add Spinach or Kale: Stir in fresh greens during the last 5 minutes for extra nutrients.
Butter Alternatives
- Use coconut oil or olive oil instead of dairy-free butter for a different flavor twist.
- For a nutty richness, try adding a spoonful of cashew butter to the sauce.
Cream Base Options
- Swap coconut milk with homemade cashew cream (blend soaked cashews with water) if you prefer less coconut flavor.
Spice Level Adjustments
- Want it spicier? Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or extra chili flakes.
- Prefer it mild? Skip the chili flakes entirely.
Flavor Boosters
- Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving for brightness.
- Stir in a dash of maple syrup to balance spices with a hint of sweetness.
Serve With…
- Fluffy basmati rice, quinoa, or warm naan bread.
- Top with fresh cilantro, a drizzle of coconut milk, or crunchy chopped cashews for texture.
FAQ – Dairy-Free Butter Chickpeas
Is butter chickpeas the same as butter chicken?
Not exactly. Butter chickpeas (sometimes called vegan butter chicken) use chickpeas instead of chicken as the main protein. This version also swaps cream and butter for coconut milk and dairy-free butter to create a fully plant-based meal.
Can I use light coconut milk for butter chickpeas?
You can, but your sauce will be thinner and less creamy. For the best, richest flavor, always use full-fat coconut milk in this dairy-free butter chickpeas recipe.
Can I make dairy-free butter chickpeas ahead of time?
Yes! This curry is meal prep friendly. It stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days and freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Can I use something other than chickpeas?
Absolutely. You can substitute white beans, firm tofu, or lentils in place of chickpeas to keep the dish plant-based while switching up the texture and flavor.
Is dairy-free butter chickpeas gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure your vegan butter and spices are gluten-free (most are by default).
This creamy, comforting dairy-free butter chickpeas recipe is proof that you don’t need cream, butter, or even meat to enjoy a cozy curry night at home. With pantry staples, bold spices, and rich coconut milk, you can have a flavorful, high-protein, plant-based meal in under 30 minutes.
At around $1.75 per serving, this is a truly budget-friendly healthy meal you’ll want to make again and again. Perfect for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or impressing your dairy-free friends!
Dairy-Free Butter Chickpeas
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Melt vegan butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for 3–5 minutes until onions are soft and fragrant.
- Add garam masala, paprika, cumin, and optional chili flakes. Stir and toast spices for 1 minute. Add tomato paste and stir until well combined.
- Pour in drained chickpeas. Stir to coat chickpeas in spiced tomato mixture.
- Add coconut milk and stir until sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve over rice or with naan.
