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Coconut-Braised Chickpeas with Sweet Potatoes and Greens

This coconut-braised chickpeas and sweet potato dish is a vibrant, aromatic vegetarian main that brings together creamy textures and warming spices. The infusion of ginger, garlic, and curry powder creates a deeply savoury base, while the coconut milk provides a silky finish that perfectly coats the tender chickpeas and earthy greens. It is a wonderful way to use seasonal leafy vegetables like kale or Swiss chard, offering a satisfying and wholesome meal that feels both nourishing and indulgent.

Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy weekend lunch, this one-pot recipe is naturally gluten-free and packed with plant-based protein. The addition of toasted almonds and fresh lime juice adds a bright, zesty contrast to the richness of the sweet potato. Serve it simply in shallow bowls with a cooling dollop of yoghurt and plenty of fresh coriander for a complete, homemade feast.

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Ingredients for Coconut-Braised Chickpeas with Sweet Potatoes and Greens

  • 70g slivered almonds

  • 2 tablespoons coconut or vegetable oil

  • 1 onion, thinly sliced

  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

  • 1 tablespoon grated or finely chopped fresh ginger

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder

  • 1 large bunch (about 230g ) greens, such as Swiss chard, kale, or collard greens, stems removed and leaves torn into medium-size pieces, washed, and shaken dry (there should be a little water still clinging to the leaves)

  • 1 (425g) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained

  • 1 (375g) can coconut milk

  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt

  • 4 Roasted Sweet Potato halves, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, plus additional wedges for serving

  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh coriander leaves and tender stems, plus more for serving

  • Plain yoghurt, for serving

Toast the almonds in a small, dry skillet set over medium heat, tossing and stirring frequently until the almonds take on a golden colour, 3 to 5 minutes. (Be vigilant—the almonds go from golden to burned like that.) Transfer the almonds to a plate and set aside to cool.

Warm a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add the oil. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened a little, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, ginger, and curry powder and cook, stirring frequently, until it all gets really fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes more.

Add the greens to the pot and stir them into the onion mixture with a wooden spoon, scraping up any browned bits at the bottom of the pot while you do so. (If there are a lot of brown bits and they’re sticking, add a teaspoon or two of water.) Add the chickpeas, coconut milk, 475ml water, and the kosher salt. Let the whole thing simmer, partially covered, for about 10 minutes.

Add the sweet potatoes to the pot and cook for a minute or two—just enough to warm them through. Stir in the lime juice and coriander and taste for seasoning; add more salt or lime juice if necessary.

Serve the braised chickpeas in shallow bowls drizzled with yoghurt, topped with the almonds and a few coriander leaves, and with lime wedges on the side.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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