Skip to main content

Curried Okra with Chickpeas and Tomatoes

This aromatic curried okra with chickpeas and tomatoes is a vibrant vegan main course that celebrates the unique texture of lady's fingers. By simmering the whole pods in a spiced tomato base, the okra stays tender without becoming too soft, absorbing the warm flavours of ginger, garlic and fragrant curry powder. This dish is a wonderful way to introduce more plant-based variety into your weekly meal plan, offering a healthy balance of fibre and protein.

Quick to prepare and naturally low in fat, this recipe is ideal for a nutritious midweek dinner. The combination of earthy chickpeas and juicy tinned tomatoes creates a rich, savoury sauce that pairs perfectly with fluffy basmati rice. For an extra touch of warmth, try serving it with rice infused with a cinnamon stick, which complements the mild spice of the curry beautifully.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Curried Okra with Chickpeas and Tomatoes

  • 575g small fresh okra, left untrimmed, or 2 (275g) packages frozen whole okra (not thawed)

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil

  • 1 medium onion, chopped

  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

  • 4 teaspoons finely chopped peeled fresh ginger

  • 2 teaspoons curry powder

  • 1 (14- to 425g ) can whole tomatoes in juice, tomatoes chopped, reserving juice

  • 1 (550g) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed (475ml )

  • 160ml water

  • 3/4 teaspoons salt

  • 1/4 teaspoons black pepper

  • Accompaniment: cinnamon-spiced rice or basmati rice

How to make Curried Okra with Chickpeas and Tomatoes

If using fresh okra, trim, leaving tops intact, being careful not to cut into pods.

Heat oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then sauté onion and garlic with ginger and curry powder, stirring, 2 minutes. Add tomatoes with their juice, chickpeas, and water and boil, uncovered, stirring occasionally, 3 minutes. Stir in okra, salt, and pepper and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until okra is tender, about 10 minutes.

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.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free

Sign up to the Patient newsletter

Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.

Please enter a valid email address

By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.