Authentic Chana Masala
Authentic Chana Masala
Are you ready to immerse yourself in the rich flavors of Indian cuisine? This Authentic Chana Masala is not just a meal; it’s an experience!
With hearty chickpeas simmered in a beautiful medley of aromatic spices, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch.
The vibrant colors and delightful scents will transform your kitchen into a warm, inviting space. Let’s dive in and create this scrumptious dish that’s sure to please everyone at your table!
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 240
- Protein: 10 grams
- Carbohydrates: 32 grams
- Fat: 8 grams
- Fiber: 8 grams
- Sugar: 4 grams
- Sodium: 400 mg
Why I Love This Authentic Chana Masala
This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s one of those meals that brings everyone together.
Whenever I prepare this Chickpea Masala, the inviting aroma fills my home, reminding me of family gatherings and shared laughter over a delicious meal.
It’s incredibly satisfying not only because it’s delicious but also because it’s easy to whip up! With just a few staple ingredients, you can have a warm, hearty dish ready in no time.
Perfect for any occasion, this masala pairs beautifully with rice or naan, making it a versatile favorite in our household.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chickpeas (cooked or canned)
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 2 tomatoes (pureed or chopped)
- 2-3 green chilies (slit)
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
- 2 teaspoons coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
How to Make Authentic Chana Masala
Step 1: Heat the Oil
In a pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the cumin seeds and allow them to splutter for a few seconds until aromatic.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
Add the finely chopped onions to the pan. Sauté until they turn golden brown, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Step 3: Add Ginger-Garlic Paste and Green Chilies
Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies. Cook for about a minute, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 4: Incorporate the Tomatoes
Add the pureed or chopped tomatoes. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. The tomatoes should break down and create a rich base.
Step 5: Mix in the Spices
Stir in the coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, and salt. This step will deepen the flavors of your dish.
Step 6: Add the Chickpeas
Gently fold in the cooked chickpeas, ensuring they are well coated with the spice mixture.
Step 7: Simmer to Perfection
Allow the Chickpea Masala to simmer for 5-10 minutes. If it’s too thick, you can add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 8: Finish with Garam Masala
Sprinkle the garam masala over the cooking chickpeas and stir gently. This final touch adds a wonderful aroma.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat, and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side to enhance the flavors before enjoying!
Tips & Variations
- For an extra kick, feel free to adjust the number of green chilies according to your spice preference.
- If you’re short on time, using canned chickpeas can significantly speed up the cooking process — just rinse and drain them before use.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with basmati rice or warm naan for dipping. You can also add a side of yogurt for a cooling complement.
- For a gluten-free option, simply serve it with rice or gluten-free flatbreads.
Delicious Variations
- Chana Masala: A similar dish with more spices and a lovely tang from tamarind.
- Palak Chickpeas: A delightful mix of chickpeas with spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
- Vegetable Biryani: Fragrant rice mixed with mixed vegetables and spices, perfect with your chickpea masala.
- Dal Tadka: A creamy lentil dish seasoned with spices, offering a different yet complementary flavor profile to your meal.
Serving Suggestions for Authentic Chana Masala
This Chickpea Masala is best enjoyed warm. Serve it in a deep bowl, garnished with fresh cilantro and accompanied by lemon wedges for an extra zing.
Pair it with fluffy naan or steamed basmati rice for a complete meal.
A refreshing cucumber salad or mint yogurt dip can add a lovely contrast to the spices. For a drink, try a chilled glass of mango lassi to complement the dish beautifully!
Storage and Leftovers
Storing your Chickpea Masala is easy! Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing portions.
Just remember to let it cool completely before transferring it to freeze. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to enjoy the flavors just as delicious as day one!
Helpful Questions
1. Can I use dry chickpeas instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just soak them overnight and cook them until tender before using in this recipe.
2. Is this dish vegan?
Yes, Authentic Chickpea Masala is completely vegan and plant-based!
3. How can I make it spicier?
Add more green chilies or a pinch of red chili powder to ramp up the heat.
4. Can I add other vegetables to the masala?
Definitely! You can mix in bell peppers, spinach, or even potatoes for added nutrition and texture.
5. What should I serve with Chickpea Masala?
It goes wonderfully with naan, rice, or even over a bed of quinoa. Enjoy experimenting with your favorite sides!
Authentic Chana Masala
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Immerse yourself in the rich flavors of this Authentic Chana Masala, a hearty dish of chickpeas simmered in a beautiful medley of aromatic spices, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chickpeas (cooked or canned)
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 2 tomatoes (pureed or chopped)
- 2–3 green chilies (slit)
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
- 2 teaspoons coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and allow them to splutter until aromatic.
- Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies, cooking for a minute.
- Add the pureed or chopped tomatoes and cook until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Mix in the coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, and salt.
- Gently fold in the cooked chickpeas, coating them with the spice mixture.
- Allow to simmer for 5-10 minutes; add water if too thick.
- Sprinkle garam masala and stir gently.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with lemon wedges.
Notes
For extra kick, adjust the green chilies; use canned chickpeas for a quicker meal. Pairs beautifully with rice or naan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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