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Chana Masala

Chana Masala

  • Author: Charlotte
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Total Time: 75 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

A rich and hearty chickpea curry simmered in a spiced tomato gravy, layered with warm Indian spices and finished with fresh lemon and cilantro for brightness.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups dried chickpeas, soaked overnight and drained
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 3 cups water

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onion and cook until golden and softened.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking until fragrant.
  4. Add cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir for 1 minute to toast the spices.
  5. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, soaked chickpeas, and 3 cups water. Stir well to combine.
  6. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 45 to 60 minutes until chickpeas are tender and sauce has thickened.
  7. Stir in fresh lemon juice and chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  8. Serve hot with rice or flatbread.

Notes

  • If using canned chickpeas, substitute 3 cups cooked chickpeas and reduce simmer time to about 25 minutes.
  • For a thicker texture, mash a handful of chickpeas into the sauce while simmering.
  • Add a pinch of sugar if the tomatoes taste too acidic.
  • This dish tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 12g
  • Protein: 14g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: chana masala, chickpea curry, Indian chickpea recipe, vegan curry, spiced chickpeas