North Indian White Bean Curry
Vegan main course · Serves 4 · Ready in 40 min
Deep amber and fragrant with cumin, coriander and warm spice, this North Indian white bean curry arrives at the table looking as though it has been simmering all day — and it tastes like it too. Soft, creamy white beans are enveloped in a rich onion-tomato gravy, finished with a burst of homemade garam masala and a squeeze of lemon for brightness. It is hearty, satisfying and genuinely good for you, equally at home on a midweek supper table or at the centre of a weekend feast.
Updated 6 Nov 2026
Allergens: none declared by this recipe.
Details
- Author: CuisineSavvy
- Cuisine: Indian
- Course: Main Course
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Diet: Vegan

Nutritional Values
This recipe is entirely plant-based. Tinned white beans replace any meat or paneer sometimes found in curry variations, providing substantial plant protein and soluble fibre that supports digestive health. The onion-tomato base is cooked in a modest amount of vegetable oil rather than ghee or butter, keeping saturated fat low. Fresh ginger and garlic add depth, and turmeric brings its characteristic warmth and colour. Amchur or lemon juice brightens the dish without any added sugar. The result is a high-fibre, high-protein main course with no cholesterol.
Not available.
Ingredients
Instructions
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North Indian White Bean Curry Deep amber and fragrant with cumin, coriander and warm spice, this North Indian white bean curry arrives at the table looking as though it has been simmering all day — and it tastes like it too. Soft, creamy white beans are enveloped in a rich onion-tomato gravy, finished with a burst of homemade garam masala and a squeeze of lemon for brightness. It is hearty, satisfying and genuinely good for you, equally at home on a midweek supper table or at the centre of a weekend feast. Ingredients [ ] 2 × 400 g tins of white beans (such as cannellini), drained and rinsed (or 480 g home-cooked white beans) [ ] 3 tablespoons neutral oil (such as sunflower or rapeseed) [ ] 1 teaspoon cumin seeds [ ] 2 medium onions, finely chopped [ ] 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste (equal parts fresh ginger and garlic, blended) [ ] 2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped [ ] 1 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste [ ] 1 teaspoon ground coriander [ ] ½ teaspoon turmeric [ ] 1 teaspoon Kashmiri chilli powder (or mild red chilli powder) [ ] ½ teaspoon ground cumin [ ] 200 ml water, plus more as needed [ ] 1½ teaspoons Garam Masala (Indian Spice Mix) — see note [ ] 1 teaspoon amchur (dried mango powder) OR 1–2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice (optional, for sourness) [ ] Small handful of fresh coriander leaves, roughly chopped, to serve Instructions [ ] 1. Place a large, heavy-based pan or kadai over a medium-high heat and add the oil. [ ] 2. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add the cumin seeds and allow them to sizzle for about 30 seconds until fragrant and a shade darker. [ ] 3. Add the chopped onions and a pinch of salt. Fry, stirring regularly, for 10–12 minutes until deep golden brown. [ ] 4. When the onions are golden, add the ginger-garlic paste. Stir continuously for 2 minutes until the raw smell disappears. [ ] 5. Add the chopped tomatoes and the remaining salt. Stir well to combine. [ ] 6. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 6–8 minutes until the tomatoes have completely broken down and the oil begins to separate from the masala base. [ ] 7. Reduce the heat to medium. [ ] 8. Add the ground coriander, turmeric, chilli powder and ground cumin. Stir for 1 minute so the spices cook into the paste. [ ] 9. Add the drained white beans and 200 ml water. Stir gently so that every bean is coated in the masala without breaking up. [ ] 10. Bring to a brisk simmer. [ ] 11. Lower the heat. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, pressing a few beans lightly against the side of the pan to help thicken the gravy. [ ] 12. When the gravy has thickened and clings to the beans, sprinkle over the Garam Masala (Indian Spice Mix). Stir gently to combine. [ ] 13. If using amchur, stir it in now. If using lemon juice, add it off the heat at the end and stir through. [ ] 14. Taste and adjust the salt or chilli. If the curry is too thick, stir in a splash of water. [ ] 15. Scatter the fresh coriander over the top and serve immediately with flatbreads or steamed basmati rice. [ ] 16. Allow the curry to cool completely. [ ] 17. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. [ ] 18. To reheat: warm gently in a pan over a low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen if needed, until piping hot throughout. https://www.cuisinesavvy.com/recipe/north-indian-chickpea-curry
What's changed
6 Nov 2026 · Update · v1.1.0
Now made with white beans instead of chickpeas, and renamed North Indian White Bean Curry.
View the previous version →4 Nov 2026 · First published
Internal Recipes
- Garam Masala (Indian Spice Mix) (Health Score: 84)
External Recipes
- Chana Masala (Health Score: 85)
HealthScore: 89
White beans deliver a generous hit of plant protein and fibre, and the turmeric-and-spice base adds real depth without any animal products. Three tablespoons of oil across four servings is noticeable — this is a richer, oil-forward curry rather than a low-fat one, so pair it with plain rice or bread rather than adding more fat at the table.