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Chana Masala

Chana Masala
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A comforting and flavorful Easy Chana Masala recipe combining tender chickpeas with a fragrant blend of Indian spices to create a hearty, nutritious, and vegan-friendly meal ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners using simple pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed (or 1.5 cups cooked chickpeas)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 medium tomatoes, chopped (or 1 cup canned tomatoes)
  • 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
  • 1/2 cup water or vegetable broth
  • Salt, to taste

Spices

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)

Garnish

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (a handful)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Base Aromatics: Heat oil or ghee over medium heat and sauté finely chopped onions until soft and golden brown. Add minced garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant to build a strong flavor foundation.
  2. Add Spices: Sprinkle cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, and chili powder into the pan. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and release their aromatic oils.
  3. Stir in Tomatoes: Add chopped fresh or canned tomatoes to the pan. Cook them down, stirring frequently, until they break apart and form a thick, vibrant sauce.
  4. Incorporate Chickpeas: Add the drained chickpeas to the sauce and stir well to coat all the beans in the masala mixture, ensuring full flavor absorption.
  5. Simmer and Adjust: Pour in water or vegetable broth to reach your desired sauce consistency. Simmer gently for 10-15 minutes to deepen flavors and soften chickpeas further.
  6. Finish with Fresh Cilantro: Turn off the heat and stir in chopped fresh cilantro for a bright and refreshing herbal lift.

Notes

  • Use high-quality, fresh spices for best flavor.
  • Sauté onions until golden to add natural sweetness.
  • Don’t skip garlic and ginger; they add essential aroma and depth.
  • Adjust liquid gradually for perfect sauce consistency.
  • Soaked and cooked chickpeas improve texture over canned options.
  • Adjust chili powder or add fresh chilies to modify spice level.
  • Optional variations: add paneer/tofu for more protein, use vegetable broth for richer flavor, or stir in coconut milk for creaminess.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
  • Reheat gently, adding water or broth if sauce thickens excessively.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chana Masala, Easy Chana Masala, Indian chickpea curry, vegan chickpea recipe, quick Indian dinner, gluten-free Indian recipe

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/chana-masala/