Low Sodium Chickpea Curry

Low Sodium Chickpea Curry
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This easy curry is ideal for anyone looking to enjoy comforting flavors without extra sodium. Tender chickpeas and sweet bell peppers simmer in a mild curry sauce with coconut milk and no-salt-added tomatoes. The recipe is naturally vegetarian, filling, and ready in 40 minutes. It’s perfect for meal prep and aligns well with heart-healthy, low sodium diets.

Ingredients Needed

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil: mild and heart-healthy.
  • 1 onion: sliced thin for sweetness.
  • 1 bell pepper: adds color and crunch.
  • 4 cloves garlic: minced for flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (or 1 tsp powdered): warming spice.
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder: mild, salt-free spice blend.
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar: balances acidity.
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): for gentle heat.
  • 3 ounces tomato paste: rich tomato flavor, no added salt.
  • 1 (14-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes: base of the sauce.
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans no-salt-added chickpeas: rinsed and drained.
  • 1 (14-ounce) can coconut milk: creamy texture.
  • 1 cup no-salt-added vegetable stock: thins the sauce.
  • ½ cup cilantro: fresh and bright.
  • Juice of 2 limes (about ⅓ cup): tangy finish.

How to Make Low Sodium Chickpea Curry

Sauté vegetables:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over low heat. Add onion, bell pepper, garlic, and ginger. Cook for 5 minutes until soft.

Add spices and base:
Stir in curry powder, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, chickpeas, coconut milk, and vegetable stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.

Finish with herbs:
Stir in chopped cilantro and lime juice before serving. Enjoy alone or over plain basmati rice.

Low Sodium Chickpea Curry
Low Sodium Chickpea Curry

Recipe Tips

  • Use no-salt-added canned ingredients to keep sodium levels low.
  • For a milder curry, skip the red pepper flakes.
  • To thicken the sauce, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
  • Fresh lime juice adds brightness — do not skip it.
  • This dish is kidney-friendly and works for vegetarian meal plans.

How to Store & Reheat

  • Room Temperature: Do not store at room temp; refrigerate promptly.
  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or stock.

Nutrition Facts (Per 1.5-cup serving)

  • Calories: 102
  • Sodium: ~70 mg (depends on ingredient brands)
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Fat: 4 g
  • Carbs: 13 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Sugar: 4 g

FAQs

Is chickpea curry good for low sodium diets?
Yes, when made with no-salt-added ingredients, this curry is naturally low in sodium and heart-friendly.

What can I serve with low sodium chickpea curry?
Plain white rice or quinoa works well, or serve with low sodium flatbread.

Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Yes. Cook them first without salt, then use 3 cups cooked chickpeas in place of the canned.

How do I make it less spicy?
Skip the red pepper flakes and choose mild curry powder.

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Low Sodium Chickpea Curry

Recipe by Evelyn ReedCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

25

minutes
Calories

102

kcal

A creamy, heart-healthy chickpea curry with no added salt, perfect for a quick vegetarian dinner.

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 onion, sliced

  • 1 bell pepper, sliced

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger (or 1 tsp powdered)

  • 1 tbsp curry powder

  • 1 tbsp brown sugar

  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

  • 1 (14 oz) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes

  • 2 (15 oz) cans no-salt-added chickpeas, rinsed and drained

  • 1 (14 oz) can coconut milk

  • 1 cup no-salt-added vegetable stock

  • ½ cup cilantro, chopped

  • Juice of 2 limes

Directions

  • Heat olive oil in pot; sauté onion, bell pepper, garlic, and ginger 5 minutes.
  • Stir in curry powder, sugar, red pepper, tomato paste, tomatoes, chickpeas, coconut milk, and stock. Bring to boil; simmer 20 minutes.
  • Stir in cilantro and lime juice before serving.

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