← ALL RECIPES

Cheap Chickpea Curry

A thick, spiced curry with chickpeas and canned tomatoes in coconut milk. Serve over rice.

vegangluten-freechickpeascurryricehigh-fiber
SERVES 4 580 CAL / SERVING 10 min PREP 25 min COOK $10.32 TOTAL
OVERDRAFT KITCHEN
★ ITEMIZED GROCERY RECEIPT ★
Cheap Chickpea Curry
SERVES 4 · OTTAWA · 2026
2 cans (540 mL each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed $3.00
1 can (400 mL) coconut milk $2.97
1 can (796 mL) diced tomatoes $2.00
200 g dry long-grain white rice $0.50
1 medium onion, diced $1.07
4 cloves garlic, minced $0.32
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (or 0.5 tsp ground) $0.15
1.5 tsp curry powder $0.08
1 tsp ground cumin $0.05
0.5 tsp turmeric $0.05
0.25 tsp cayenne pepper $0.03
1 tbsp vegetable oil $0.06
to taste salt $0.04
SUBTOTAL$10.32
GST / HSTyou've suffered enough
TOTAL$10.32
COST PER SERVING
$2.58
— — — TEAR HERE — — —
8 06420 01032 7
THANK YOU FOR SPENDING LESS
THE METHOD
1

Cook the rice according to package directions. Set aside.

2

Heat oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat.

3

Add the onion and cook 4–5 minutes until softened.

4

Add the garlic and ginger. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.

5

Add the curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.

6

Pour in the diced tomatoes and stir to combine with the spices.

7

Add the chickpeas and coconut milk. Stir well.

8

Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.

9

Taste and adjust salt. Serve over rice.

When the math doesn't work

Store-brand coconut milk (PC, Great Value) is significantly cheaper than premium brands.

  • One can of coconut milk can be replaced with 400 mL of evaporated milk for a different but still rich sauce.
  • Add a handful of frozen spinach in the last 5 minutes for extra nutrition.
  • This freezes well — make a double batch and freeze half in portions.
Nutrition Per Serving
580 Calories
18g Protein
86g Carbs
14g Fat
8g Fiber
400mg Sodium
~20% DV Iron~18% DV Vitamin C

Estimated values per serving.

Gluten-Free

This recipe is naturally gluten-free.

All ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Check curry powder and spice blend labels for wheat-based fillers.

Pricing updated June 2026 using Ottawa No Frills and Ottawa Walmart averages. Prices verified at Ottawa No Frills, June 2026. Coconut milk $2.80/400mL can (Thai Kitchen). Chickpeas $1.50/540mL can. Diced tomatoes $2.00/796mL can. Onion $1.07 each.