Easy vegan chickpea marinara sauce in 20 minutes

chickpea marinara sauce over bowtie in a bowl with pan fried salmon and greens

A glimpse into why I prefer chickpea marinara sauce to regular tomato sauce when making The Perfect Vegan Pasta Sauce Recipe, is finally here!

If you’re looking for a vegan pasta sauce that’s both easy to make and rich in flavor, then you’ve come to the right place. Chickpea marinara sauce is a tasty and versatile dish that is perfect for dipping bread, pouring over spaghetti, or as a base for pizza.

What’s great about this recipe is that it’s not only delicious but also nutritious. Chickpeas are an excellent source of protein, fiber, iron, and other essential nutrients. Plus, the addition of tomatoes and other herbs and spices makes it even more healthy.

chickpea marinara sauce over bowtie in a bowl with pan fried salmon and greens

To make this sauce, you’ll only need a can of chickpeas, canned tomatoes, onions, garlic, chili pepper and a little bit of red curry spice mix. most of them you may already have in your pantry. If you are starting with already cooked or canned chickpeas the entire dinner will be ready in under 20 minutes because making chickpea marinara sauce is that easy. Once the sauce is ready, you can use it right away or store it in the refrigerator for later.

There are many ways to enjoy chickpea marinara sauce. You can spoon it over hot pasta, use it as a dip for breadsticks, flat bread, or veggies, or serve it as a simmer sauce with meat alternatives or vegan sausages. The possibilities are endless.

Lastly, what makes this recipe stand out is that it’s perfect for everyone, including little ones, those with dietary restrictions or who are following a vegan lifestyle. It’s a delicious Chickpea marinara sauce: A healthy and delicious pasta sauce alternative that even the youngest member of your family will love.

The curry infused chickpea marinara sauce will have the sweet notes form tomatoes with silky smooth texture of chickpeas and little bit of savory kick from the red curry spice mix. Hints of curry aromas are subtle, but flavor shines through. Not only is this healthy marinara sauce incredibly easy to make, but it’s also packed with nutrients and is sure to impress your taste buds.

close up of woman holding a fork over the pasta dish
Photo by Leonardo Luz on Pexels.com

Made with chickpeas, fresh tomatoes, and a few dashes of capers and spices, this vegan sauce is a healthier no meat alternative to traditional pasta sauces. Unlike traditional tomato-based sauces, chickpea marinara is lower in calories, higher in protein and fiber, and has a lower glycemic index, making it an ideal option for those looking to eat healthier or manage their blood sugar levels.

Up for reading deep into nutritional benefits of chickpeas? Healthline has it as an easy reference guide.

In addition to its health benefits, chickpea marinara sauce is also incredibly versatile. It pairs well with a wide range of pasta dishes, from simple spaghetti to more complex lasagnas and stuffed shells. Add it to your favorite pasta recipe as a healthier alternative to meat and dairy-based sauces or use it as a dip for your favorite vegetables or crackers. I think I will have it as a soup dinner as a great alternative to tomato basil soup in a heartbeat.

But the best thing about chickpea marinara sauce is how easy and simple it is to make. Truly a beginner friendly recipe, it comes together in just a few minutes. An easy nutritious and delicious pasta sauce that is sure to impress. It certainly was a hit among my two young plain pasta loving daughters.


Using red curry mix in chickpea marinara sauce

Using curry spices in the marinara sauce can enhance the flavor and add another layer of flavors to a classic dish. Only a spoonful of red curry based seasoning mix offers a unique flavor and aroma of my Sri Lankan kitchen to this chickpea marinara sauce.

The curry spices add depth and complexity to the flavor profile by incorporating a mix of warm, earthy, and aromatic notes from spices such as cumin, turmeric, coriander, and dried red chilies among other spices. This mixture can offer a warm and subtle heat that complements the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and the nuttiness of the chickpeas.

On the other hand, using only a small amount of Sri Lankan influenced curry spices, leaves flavors and aroma mild enough that tomatoes and chickpeas to shine through with their natural flavors. This may be appealing to those who prefer a more traditional marinara sauce flavor, but a subtle novelty in it.

As a curry lover ‘s opinion, using curry spices while making a vegan marinara sauce with chickpeas gives much more flavorful pasta sauce than the classic tomato version. Red curry powder will cut down the sweetness of the tomatoes, add smokiness to this meatless version of pasta sauce.

A must try, beginner easy recipe that wouldn’t disappoint.

Printable chickpea marinara recipe

bowtie pasta bowl with chickpea pasta sauce and pan fried salmon

Chickpea Marinara Sauce

Easy curry inspired pasta marinara sauce with chickpeas and red curry seasoning powder
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 118 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups boiled and drained chickpeas
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • ½ medium red onion
  • 1/4 red hot chili pepper
  • ½ tsp preserved capers berries
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • tsp red curry seasoning blend
  • 1 can diced tomato + same amount of water
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp cumin seeds
  • salt to taste

Instructions
 

  • Finely dice the chili pepper, onion, and garlic. Mash half of the chickpeas.
  • Heat olive oil in a pan and fry cumin seeds for few seconds, followed by finely diced onions, garlic, and chilies. fry for couple minutes until onions become translucent and fragrant.
  • Add capers and the can of diced tomatoes. Measure a fill of water in the empty can and add that to the sauce too. bring to simmer and add mashed chickpeas.
  • Add salt, curry seasoning mix and black pepper. cook for approx. 10 minutes until tomatoes are cooked and soft.
  • Add the remaining chickpeas and blend until smooth with a stick blender. Slowly bring back to simmer and cook for couple of minutes. If the sauce is too thick for your liking add a little water to thin it.
  • Taste test and adjust seasoning to your liking.
  • Finish with an excellent quality extra virgin olive oil before serving.
Keyword chickpea marinara sauce, vegan marinara sauce

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