This chana masala recipe is a simple, wholesome one-pot meal! Heat spices, contemporary ginger, and cilantro add wealthy taste to the satisfying chickpea curry.
This chana masala recipe is about to turn out to be the star of your weeknight dinner rotation. It requires pantry elements. It cooks in a single pot. And although it comes collectively in simply over half-hour, many of the cooking time is fingers off, so you’ll be able to sort out the (minimal) cleanup because it simmers. Better of all, this straightforward chana masala is wholesome, flavorful, and tremendous satisfying.
About Chana Masala
Chana masala is a chickpea curry. Its title interprets actually to spiced chickpeas, “chana” which means chickpeas and “masala” which means spice. Variations of the dish, reminiscent of Punjabi chole masala, are widespread all through India and Pakistan. Although these differ when it comes to preparation methodology and precise elements, most function a spiced tomato and onion sauce.
This recipe is my tackle the chana masala I’ve loved at Indian eating places within the US. I can’t name it completely conventional. Genuine chana masala makes use of dried chickpeas and sometimes contemporary tomato puree. Some variations function amchur, or dried mango powder, for its distinctive tang, and lots of recipes name for entire spices like cardamom pods and cinnamon sticks so as to add warming taste.
I developed this recipe utilizing elements I generally preserve in my pantry: canned chickpeas, canned tomatoes, and a handful of floor spices. I hope you take pleasure in it as a lot as I do!
How you can Make Chana Masala
Right here’s what you’ll must make this chana masala recipe:
Elements
- Chickpeas, after all! I usually make this recipe with canned chickpeas as a result of they’re so darn handy. However for those who like, you’ll be able to cook dinner dried chickpeas from scratch. 1 cup dried will yield about 3 cups cooked. Put together them in line with this methodology for cook dinner dried beans.
- Yellow onion – Chop it finely in order that it melds into the wealthy sauce.
- Garlic and contemporary ginger – As a substitute of chopping them with a knife, I grate them utilizing a Microplane zester. It offers them a positive, paste-like texture that helps them launch nice taste into the curry with out a lengthy cook dinner time.
- Cumin seeds – The one entire spice I name for right here! You might substitute floor cumin, however the entire seeds add fantastic depth of taste to this straightforward recipe.
- Floor spices – You’ll want coriander, turmeric, cardamom, and cayenne. I additionally name for garam masala, an fragrant Indian spice mix. You’ll find it on-line or within the spice part of many grocery shops.
- Canned entire peeled tomatoes and water – They create the tangy sauce.
- Further-virgin olive oil – It provides richness.
- Cilantro – For contemporary taste. Combine some into the chana masala and sprinkle extra on prime.
- Recent lemon juice – For brightness.
- And sea salt – To make all of the flavors pop!
Discover the whole recipe with measurements under.
My Straightforward Technique
To make this chana masala recipe, begin by sautéing the onion. Prepare dinner till it’s comfortable and browned, round 8 minutes.
Subsequent, add the spices. Stir within the cumin seeds, garam masala, coriander, turmeric, cardamom, and cayenne. Prepare dinner till aromatic, 30 seconds or so. Combine within the ginger, garlic, salt, and 1/4 cup of water.
Add the tomatoes and their juices. I like to interrupt aside the tomatoes with my fingers as I add them, however you would additionally crush them along with your spatula or spoon as soon as they’re within the skillet. Stir to mix with the onion and spices. Carry the sauce to a simmer and cook dinner till it thickens, 8 to 10 minutes.
Then, add the chickpeas. Stir them into the tomato sauce together with the remaining 1/4 cup water. Simmer for 20 to 25 minutes extra, or till the curry is thick. Give it a great stir each jiffy to verify it’s not sticking to the pan.
Lastly, season and serve! Stir within the lemon juice and cilantro and season to style.
Serve the chana masala with lemon wedges for squeezing and extra cilantro for garnish. I additionally prefer to prime mine with a dollop of Greek yogurt, although that is utterly elective. With out it, the recipe is vegan.
Pile the curry onto basmati rice for a gluten-free meal, or pair it with heat naan or roti. All are scrumptious!
Storage
Retailer leftover chana masala in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 4 days, or freeze it for as much as 3 months.
Tip: This chana masala recipe is GREAT leftover. The flavors simply get higher because it sits within the fridge!
Extra Favourite Chickpea Recipes
Should you love this chana masala, strive considered one of these straightforward chickpea recipes subsequent:
Chana Masala
Serves 4
This straightforward chana masala recipe is a wholesome, satisfying vegan meal! Serve the flavorful chickpea curry over rice or scoop it up with heat naan.
Stop your display from going darkish
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Warmth the olive oil in a big skillet over medium warmth. Add the onion and cook dinner for 8 minutes, stirring typically, or till comfortable and effectively browned.
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Scale back the warmth to medium-low and add the cumin seeds, garam masala, coriander, turmeric, cardamom, and a pinch of cayenne. Stir and cook dinner for 30 seconds, or till aromatic. Stir within the garlic, ginger, salt, and ¼ cup of the water.
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Add the tomatoes, breaking them aside along with your fingers as you add them or crushing them with a wood spoon within the skillet. Carry to a simmer and cook dinner for 8 to 10 minutes, or till the sauce thickens. Add the chickpeas and the remaining ¼ cup water, stir, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring sometimes, or till thick. Stir within the cilantro and lemon juice.
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Serve over rice with dollops of Greek yogurt, extra cilantro, and extra lemon juice, if desired.
Sources: Prepare dinner with Manali, Swasthi’s Recipes, Zainab Shah, Indian-ish by Priya Krishna, and Sarah DiGregorio
