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.

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.
Try More Recipes:
Low Sodium Chickpea Curry
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes25
minutes102
kcalA 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.
