This chana masala recipe is a simple, wholesome one-pot meal! Heat spices, recent 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, a lot of the cooking time is arms off, so you may deal with the (minimal) cleanup because it simmers. Better of all, this simple chana masala is wholesome, flavorful, and tremendous satisfying.
About Chana Masala
Chana masala is a chickpea curry. Its identify interprets actually to spiced chickpeas, “chana” which means chickpeas and “masala” which means spice. Variations of the dish, resembling Punjabi chole masala, are in style all through India and Pakistan. Although these range by way of preparation technique and precise elements, most characteristic 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 infrequently recent tomato puree. Some variations characteristic amchur, or dried mango powder, for its distinctive tang, and plenty of recipes name for complete spices like cardamom pods and cinnamon sticks so as to add warming taste.
I developed this recipe utilizing elements I generally maintain in my pantry: canned chickpeas, canned tomatoes, and a handful of floor spices. I hope you get pleasure from it as a lot as I do!
How you can Make Chana Masala
Right here’s what you’ll have to make this chana masala recipe:
Substances
- Chickpeas, in fact! I sometimes make this recipe with canned chickpeas as a result of they’re so darn handy. However when you like, you may prepare dinner dried chickpeas from scratch. 1 cup dried will yield about 3 cups cooked. Put together them based on this technique for the way to prepare dinner dried beans.
- Yellow onion – Chop it finely in order that it melds into the wealthy sauce.
- Garlic and recent ginger – As a substitute of chopping them with a knife, I grate them utilizing a Microplane zester. It provides them a high quality, paste-like texture that helps them launch nice taste into the curry with no lengthy prepare dinner time.
- Cumin seeds – The one complete spice I name for right here! You may substitute floor cumin, however the entire seeds add great depth of taste to this easy recipe.
- Floor spices – You’ll want coriander, turmeric, cardamom, and cayenne. I additionally name for garam masala, an fragrant Indian spice mix. You will discover it on-line or within the spice part of many grocery shops.
- Canned complete peeled tomatoes and water – They create the tangy sauce.
- Further-virgin olive oil – It provides richness.
- Cilantro – For recent taste. Combine some into the chana masala and sprinkle extra on high.
- Contemporary lemon juice – For brightness.
- And sea salt – To make all of the flavors pop!
Discover the whole recipe with measurements beneath.
My Simple Methodology
To make this chana masala recipe, begin by sautéing the onion. Cook dinner till it’s tender and browned, round 8 minutes.
Subsequent, add the spices. Stir within the cumin seeds, garam masala, coriander, turmeric, cardamom, and cayenne. Cook 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 arms as I add them, however you would additionally crush them together 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 prepare 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 wish to high mine with a dollop of Greek yogurt, although that is fully non-obligatory. 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
When you love this chana masala, strive one in every of these simple chickpea recipes subsequent:
Chana Masala
Serves 4
This simple chana masala recipe is a wholesome, satisfying vegan meal! Serve the flavorful chickpea curry over rice or scoop it up with heat naan.
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Warmth the olive oil in a big skillet over medium warmth. Add the onion and prepare dinner for 8 minutes, stirring usually, or till tender and effectively browned.
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Cut back the warmth to medium-low and add the cumin seeds, garam masala, coriander, turmeric, cardamom, and a pinch of cayenne. Stir and prepare 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 together with your arms as you add them or crushing them with a picket spoon within the skillet. Carry to a simmer and prepare 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: Cook dinner with Manali, Swasthi’s Recipes, Zainab Shah, Indian-ish by Priya Krishna, and Sarah DiGregorio
