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buttered chickpeas served over rice with naan bread

Butter Chickpeas

5 from 4 votes
Enjoy creamy, flavorful Buttered Chickpeas made with spices, tomato sauce, and yogurt—a quick, comforting vegetarian dinner in 30 minutes!
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:30 minutes
Course: Dinner, Drinks, Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Keyword: Healthy, Vegetarian
Servings: 4
Calories: 322kcal

Ingredients

  • 2-3 15 oz cans chickpeas drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 2 tbsp garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tbsp ginger minced
  • 1 tbsp garam masala
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil
  • 1/2 stick salted butter
  • 3/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup cilantro plus more for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  • Heat avocado oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
    2 tbsp garlic cloves, 1 tbsp avocado oil, 1 tbsp ginger
  • Stir in garam masala, cumin, paprika, cayenne (if using), and turmeric. Toast the spices for about 30 seconds to enhance their flavors.
    1 tbsp garam masala, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp cayenne, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to reduce acidity. Then add the tomato sauce and mix well. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently.
    3/4 cup tomato paste, 1 cup tomato sauce
  • Lower the heat and stir in the butter until melted, followed by the Greek yogurt and heavy cream. Mix until smooth.
    1/2 cup plain greek yogurt, 1/2 stick salted butter, 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • Stir in the chickpeas and let the mixture simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and chickpeas are fully warmed through.
    2-3 15 oz cans chickpeas
  • Stir in 1/4 cup chopped cilantro and lime juice before serving. Garnish with extra cilantro if desired. Serve with rice, naan, or your favorite flatbread.
    1/4 cup cilantro, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice

Notes

  • For extra flavor, toast whole spices before grinding and adding to the dish.
  • Using full-fat Greek yogurt ensures a creamier texture without curdling.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper to control the spice level—start small if unsure.
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day after flavors meld.
  • Serve with rice or naan to soak up the delicious sauce.
  • To make vegan, swap dairy with coconut yogurt, vegan butter, and coconut cream.

Nutrition

Serving: 4servings | Calories: 322kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 65mg | Sodium: 790mg | Potassium: 805mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 2114IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 96mg | Iron: 3mg