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Home » Recipes » Soup / Stew / Chili Recipes » Vegan Thai Lentil Chickpea Curry

By The Kitchen Girl

Vegan Thai Lentil Chickpea Curry

1.3Kshares
Jump To Recipe

Vegan Thai Lentil Chickpea Curry is an easy Thai curry made with lentils, chickpeas, curry paste, tomatoes, coconut milk, and ginger. This chickpea curry recipe is a vegan collection favorite and includes Instant Pot, slow cooker, and stove instructions.

lentil chickpea curry, rice, tomatoes, and cilantro in white bowl on blue background
Blogpost Contents hide
1) Vegan Thai Lentil Chickpea Curry
2) Thai Lentil Chickpea Curry Ingredients
3) How to make Chickpea curry in the Instant Pot Pressure Cooker?
4) How long do you pressure cook lentils and chickpeas?
5) What I love about this chickpea curry
5.1) Want more healthy, plant-based comfort food recipes?
5.2) Recommended tools
6) Vegan Thai Lentil Chickpea Curry
6.1) Ingredients
6.2) Recipe Instructions
6.3) Nutrition

Vegan Thai Lentil Chickpea Curry

This Vegan Thai Lentil Chickpea Curry recipe is a plant-based curry made for Instant Pot, Stove, or Crockpot. It's an easy vegan curry with garbanzos, Thai red curry paste, tomatoes, and coconut milk. It's so rich and creamy, it's hard to believe it's vegan! It's one of my favorite Thai meals that practically cooks itself!

Thai Lentil Chickpea Curry Ingredients

  • coconut oil (or any oil)
  • green onions
  • fresh ginger
  • fresh garlic
  • red curry paste
  • cherry tomatoes (or canned tomatoes)
  • coconut milk
  • dried brown lentils
  • cooked chickpeas
  • water
  • Kosher salt

How to make Chickpea curry in the Instant Pot Pressure Cooker?

Visit recipe card below 👇🏼 for printable amounts and instructions

  1. Chop veggies and open canned ingredients.
  2. Saute veggies in oil in the cooker on the saute setting.
  3. Add remaining ingredients
  4. Close/lock/seal lid, set pressure cooker button for 6 minutes on HIGH pressure.
  5. Allow 10-minute natural pressure release
  6. Serve warm
instant pot with chickpea curry, wooden utensil, dry lentils, cherry tomatoes, fresh cilantro and white bowl with rice

How long do you pressure cook lentils and chickpeas?

For this Thai curry recipe, you definitely do not want to overcook the brown lentils. So I use a manual time of 6 under high pressure with a 5-minute natural pressure release. Any longer than that, your lentils might resemble mashed potatoes.

lentil chickpea curry, rice, tomatoes, and cilantro in white bowl on blue background

What I love about this chickpea curry

  • it's naturally vegan AND gluten-free
  • budget friendly (because it uses everyday ingredients that can be cross-utilized with other ingredients)
  • freezer-friendly...so you can have it on hand at all times
  • easy to make
  • almost hands-free
  • packed with protein, fiber, and flavor
lentil chickpea curry, rice, tomatoes, and cilantro in white bowl on blue background with blue towel

Want more healthy, plant-based comfort food recipes?

  • Vegan Thai Coconut Vegetable Curry
  • Southwest Vegan Tortilla Soup
  • Sweet Potato Black Bean Quinoa Chili
  • Instant Pot Vegan Tuscan White Bean Kale Soup
  • 3-Bean Vegan Chili
  • Thai Coconut Soup

Recommended tools

  • chef knife and cutting board
  • Instant Pot 6 Qt DUO 60
  • serving ladle
  • Airtight storage containers
lentil chickpea curry, rice, tomatoes, and cilantro in white bowl on blue background

Vegan Thai Lentil Chickpea Curry

Vegan Thai Lentil Chickpea Curry is an easy Thai curry made with lentils, chickpeas, curry paste, tomatoes, coconut milk, and ginger. This chickpea curry recipe is a vegan collection favorite and includes Instant Pot, slow cooker, and stove instructions.
4.95 from 19 votes
Print Pin
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 5 1-cup servings
Author: Traci - TheKitchenGirl.com

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp Coconut Oil or preferred oil
  • 2 med Green Onions sliced; separate white stalks from green tops
  • 1 Tbsp Fresh Ginger grated
  • 4 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 Tbsp Red Curry Paste
  • 12 Cherry Tomatoes halved or 1 15oz can Diced Tomatoes
  • 1 14oz can Coconut Milk
  • 1 cup Uncooked Brown Lentils rinsed and drained
  • 1 15 oz can Chickpeas drained
  • 1/2 cup Water
  • 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt

Recipe Instructions
 

Lentil Chickpea Curry Instant Pot Instructions:

  • Select "Sauté" on the Instant Pot and heat the OLIVE OIL.
  • When the display reads "Hot", add Add GREEN ONIONS (white stalks only), GINGER, and GARLIC; sauté a few minutes until slightly tender, stirring frequently.
  • Add CURRY PASTE and TOMATOES; sauté a few more minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently.
  • Add COCONUT MILK, LENTILS, CHICKPEAS, WATER, and SALT.
  • Press the "Cancel" function on the Instant Pot. Secure the lid and turn the pressure release valve to the "Sealing" position.
  • Select "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" and set the cooker on "High" pressure for 6 minutes.
  • When the cycle completes, allow the pot to sit 10 minutes (undisturbed) for a natural pressure release (NPR).
  • Then, release any remaining steam by turning the pressure release valve to the "Venting" position, using an oven mitt for protection.

Lentil Chickpea Curry Stove instructions:

  • Heat OIL in a large skillet over medium high heat.
  • Add GREEN ONIONS (white stalks only), GINGER, and GARLIC; sauté (and stir) a few minutes until slightly tender; add CURRY PASTE and TOMATOES; sauté a few more minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently.
  • Add COCONUT MILK, LENTILS, CHICKPEAS, WATER, and SALT; bring to boil, then reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 20-30 minutes (until lentils are tender and cooked through).

Lentil Chickpea Curry Crockpot Instructions:

  • Heat OIL in a large skillet over medium high heat.
  • Add GREEN ONIONS (white stalks), GINGER, and GARLIC; sauté (and stir) a few minutes until slightly tender.
  • Transfer sauteed veggies over to a 3+ quart Crockpot.
  • Stir in CURRY PASTE, TOMATOES, COCONUT MILK, LENTILS, CHICKPEAS, WATER, and SALT.
  • Cover and set Crockpot on HIGH 2 hours or LOW 4 hours.

Serving instructions, toppings, and storage

  • Serve warm over quinoa or white rice.
  • Serve warm over rice or quinoa, garnished with cilantro, green onion (tops), and lime.
  • To store, allow to cool completely. Refrigerate in airtight containers up up to 5 days or freeze up to 1 month in freezer-safe containers.
Tried this recipe? I'd love your review!Visit the comments below and tell me how it went.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 177kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 242mg | Potassium: 482mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 745IU | Vitamin C: 13.1mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 3.4mg

Nutrition data provided as courtesy estimates using unbranded ingredients from a nutrition database. Please consult preferred resource for precise data.

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lentil chickpea curry, rice, tomatoes, and cilantro in white bowl on blue background with image title
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Comments

  1. AvatarCourtney says

    November 23, 2020 at 2:31 pm

    Help, the recipe says canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained in the ingredients. But the instructions say add the chickpeas ‘with juice’. Am I supposed to reserve the chick pea liquid and add it?? Making in an instant pot.

    Thanks!

    Reply
    • The Kitchen GirlThe Kitchen Girl says

      November 23, 2020 at 2:54 pm

      Hi Courtney, omgosh ... good catch! Don't reserve liquid 🙂 I just fixed the recipe instructions. So sorry for confusion.

  2. AvatarSqueekyboots says

    January 11, 2020 at 9:05 am

    5 stars
    Very good basic curry lentil recipe! If you want to kick it up a notch with more heat and more robust curry flavoring, don't replace but augment the Thai curry paste with a healthy tbsp of Patak's hot curry paste + two tablespoons of yellow curry powder.

    And don't skip the green onions, like I did the first time: didn't have any so I used finely chopped red. The second time the green made a subtle but noteworthy difference in flavor.

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      January 12, 2020 at 7:22 am

      Hey thanks for the review and the tips! So glad you liked it 🙂 I'm also crazy about green onions in this dish lol.

  3. AvatarKatie says

    August 13, 2019 at 5:25 am

    5 stars
    I’m in love! One of my new favorites!

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      August 13, 2019 at 6:09 am

      Yay Katie! So glad to hear it...thanks 🙂

  4. AvatarVanessa says

    November 06, 2018 at 2:07 pm

    How should I alter the recipe if I am using dry chickpeas?

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      November 06, 2018 at 2:52 pm

      Hi Vanessa, you'll need to fully cook the chickpeas before making this recipe, otherwise, you'll overcook all of the other ingredients trying to get the chickpeas cooked. Does that answer your question?

    • AvatarVanessa says

      November 10, 2018 at 5:54 am

      Yes, thank you! I’ve made this several times with canned chickpeas and I love it!

    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      November 10, 2018 at 2:50 pm

      Awesome! So glad to hear it!

  5. AvatarCaroline says

    July 30, 2018 at 9:39 am

    5 stars
    I was a little worried when it seemed like all your reviews said 'can't wait to try this,' lol.

    But I just made it and it's DELICIOUS! I didn't have cherry tomatoes so I used a can of Rotel and I left out the 1/2 c. of water.

    That probably made it a bit spicier, but we don't mind. Sooo good - I'm eating it without the rice!

    FIY: I used full fat coconut milk and Maesri brand red curry paste found on Amazon.

    Thank you for my new go-to lentil recipe. ❤️

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      July 31, 2018 at 1:02 pm

      Awesome Caroline...I'm so glad to hear your success with this one. It's a top fav of my IP recipes! I'm going to make some today, in fact! 🙂 Sounds like yours turned out perfect with those changes...thanks for the comment!

  6. AvatarJen says

    April 24, 2018 at 9:17 pm

    This looks awesome. 2 questions 🙂 I normally only have dried lentils on hand do you know how this would affect the cook time? I also normally buy my chickpeas frozen so how much extra liquid would you estimate I add. This looks awesome.

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      April 27, 2018 at 7:47 am

      Hi Jen, apologies for the delayed response (I usually have a 12-hour turnaround). Great questions! You want dried lentils (I just edited the recipe to clarify that) and since canned garbanzo juice yields about 1/2 cup liquid, you can add 1/2 cup water to the recipe since you're using frozen beans. You may feel you don't even need the extra liquid depending on your preference for consistency. Hope it helps...and hope you love the recipe like I do! 🙂

  7. AvatarMeredith says

    March 10, 2018 at 10:05 am

    5 stars
    I love curries with chickpeas as a base! Your thai coconut curry with chickpeas and lentils sounds like a delicious and comforting me... I can't wait to throw it into my meatless meal rotation. Pinning to try this week... thank you!

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      March 10, 2018 at 11:46 pm

      Thanks so much Meredith! I lovvvve hearing this...day made! Hope you love it too 🙂

  8. AvatarAllison - Celebrating Sweets says

    March 10, 2018 at 9:41 am

    5 stars
    I'm always on the lookout for new IP recipes. Giving this one a try soon!

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      March 10, 2018 at 11:44 pm

      Great to hear that, Allison! Hope you get to try this one!

  9. AvatarCalleigh K says

    March 10, 2018 at 9:14 am

    I love how this was made in instant pot. I can now dig up my IP which been sitting in the pantry for a while. Wohooo... I can't wait to try this later. Thanks for sharing the recipe.

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      March 10, 2018 at 11:44 pm

      Thanks Calleigh...glad to hear it! Hope you love it like I do 🙂

  10. Avatarlinda spiker says

    March 10, 2018 at 7:51 am

    5 stars
    Lovely recipe! The IP makes everything so easy!

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      March 10, 2018 at 11:41 pm

      Thanks Linda...I couldn't agree more! 🙂

  11. AvatarDana says

    March 08, 2018 at 8:14 am

    5 stars
    Love this, Traci! I haven't yet used my Instant Pot for anything vegetarian, so I really can't wait to try this. It looks and sounds so healthy and substantial.

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      March 08, 2018 at 5:41 pm

      Oh yay Dana! I hope you get a change to try it and LOVE it like I do. It's curry, right...almost can't go wrong 🙂

  12. AvatarNatalie says

    March 08, 2018 at 8:00 am

    5 stars
    This curry looks so delicious - hearty and comforting! I love curry but never made it with chickpeas before - will definitely try it soon!

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      March 08, 2018 at 5:40 pm

      Thanks Natalie...hope you love it! It's so easy and healthy...one of my fav's for sure! 🙂

  13. AvatarStephanie@ApplesforCJ says

    March 08, 2018 at 7:47 am

    5 stars
    I actually don't have an Instant pot at this time but I keep seeing all these amazing recipes using one. And this recipe is one I'd definitely love to try!

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      March 08, 2018 at 5:39 pm

      Glad to hear it, Stephanie. Let me know if you ever have any questions about it...I'm always here 🙂

  14. AvatarAnn says

    March 08, 2018 at 7:43 am

    5 stars
    We're finally making the commitment to eat less meat in our house, so I'm on the lookout for simple, satisfying meals like this one. We love Thai curries and I love how easy this sounds )

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      March 08, 2018 at 5:39 pm

      Congrats, Ann...eating less meat is a win-win all around! Yes, this should be a super easy recipe for you...and if you like curries already, hopefully you'll love this one! 🙂

  15. AvatarSharon says

    March 08, 2018 at 7:25 am

    I'm always ready for a great lentil recipe. Using the Insta-Pot is a great way to save time and get a delicious meal in the process.

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      March 08, 2018 at 5:38 pm

      Thanks Sharon...couldn't agree more! Love all the lentils 🙂

  16. AvatarMaggie @ Mama Maggie's Kitchen says

    February 23, 2018 at 10:35 am

    5 stars
    Love easy recipes especially when they're vegetarian. Must pin for later.

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      February 23, 2018 at 11:45 am

      Thanks so much Maggie! Appreciate hearing it and thanks for pinning! 🙂

  17. AvatarMarly says

    February 23, 2018 at 9:32 am

    5 stars
    I'm a big fan of the chickpea curry and can't wait to give this one a try..soon! ❤️

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      February 23, 2018 at 11:44 am

      Yayyy Marly! I'm right there with you on the chickpea curry. Hope you love the Thai-inspired twist 🙂

  18. AvatarBeth says

    February 23, 2018 at 9:27 am

    5 stars
    I have yet to buy an Instapot. This recipe may have put the edge in the decision making process! I love the combination of flavors in this dish!

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      February 23, 2018 at 11:43 am

      Well, I love hearing that your inspired by my recipe! I do love keeping my IP activities very simple, indeed! Let me know if you ever have any questions about it! 🙂

  19. AvatarBritt | Sweet Tea and Thyme says

    February 23, 2018 at 9:24 am

    I've been looking for more recipes to make with my best friend (she's vegan!) and this looks so good! She's just got an instant pot, she's going to love this.

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      February 23, 2018 at 11:42 am

      This makes my day, Britt! Hope you both love it! 🙂

  20. AvatarEmma says

    February 23, 2018 at 9:15 am

    4 stars
    I've never tried chickpeas in thai food but I do love a curried chickpea so I'm sure this would be delicous!

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      February 23, 2018 at 11:38 am

      Thanks Emma...it's so freaking delicious! Can't believe how easy it is too! 🙂

  21. AvatarEdyta at Innocent Delight says

    February 23, 2018 at 8:43 am

    5 stars
    You used all my favorite flavors in this dish. I need to get myself instant pot asap 🙂

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      February 23, 2018 at 11:27 am

      Yay! Love hearing that Edyta...and yes, get your hands on that Instant Pot, girl! 🙂

  22. AvatarSues says

    February 22, 2018 at 8:12 pm

    5 stars
    More awesome things to make in my Instant Pot?? I'm in!! This looks so yummy!

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      February 22, 2018 at 8:22 pm

      Yay! So great to hear it Sues! Hope you love it 🙂

  23. AvatarDenisse Salinas says

    February 22, 2018 at 7:00 pm

    5 stars
    Wow! This looks delicious! And I love how easy it is to make it all in the instant pot. Can't wait to try!

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      February 22, 2018 at 8:05 pm

      Awesome Denisse...hope you get a chance to check it out! Thanks! 🙂

  24. Avatarswathi says

    February 22, 2018 at 6:31 pm

    5 stars
    I cook chickpeas in Instant pot but not made curry with it. I need to try it as I love coconut and chickpea combination a lot.

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      February 22, 2018 at 8:04 pm

      Oh hope you give this one a try, Swathi! It's so easy...and always delicious! 🙂

  25. AvatarCarlee says

    February 22, 2018 at 5:36 pm

    I absolutely love chickpea curries. I definitely need to give this a go, I need more instant pot recipes and have been wanting to use lentils more!

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      February 22, 2018 at 8:02 pm

      I'm with you on the chickpea curries, Carlee. They're so easy and delicious! Hope you get to try this one 🙂

  26. AvatarApril says

    February 22, 2018 at 4:25 pm

    5 stars
    I cannot wait to buy an instant pot! This looks perfect! We are moving soon and I promised myself that I wouldn't buy anything else until we move. This recipe is really tempting me to buy one!

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      February 22, 2018 at 8:02 pm

      Thanks April...glad to tempt you with this recipe! I really like mine and use it for many things 🙂

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