Discover the rich and vibrant flavors of India right in your kitchen with our mouthwatering Chana Masala, also known as Chole Chickpea Curry! This hearty dish, packed with protein and aromatic spices, is not just a meal; it’s an experience that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the bustling streets of Delhi. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is simple yet incredibly satisfying. Get ready to whip up a bowl of warmth and comfort that’s ready in just 40 minutes—your new favorite weeknight dinner awaits!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups chickpeas, soaked overnight
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 green chilies, slit
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas that have been soaked overnight. If using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse thoroughly.
- In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for 30 seconds until they become fragrant and start to pop.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown and translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Cook for another 2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
- Add chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook until tomatoes break down and form a thick masala base, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add soaked chickpeas and enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until chickpeas are tender and the gravy thickens.
- Sprinkle garam masala and mix well. Mash a few chickpeas to thicken the gravy if desired.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from heat.
- Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving hot with rice or naan bread.
Tips
- Soaking Chickpeas: For the best texture, soak your chickpeas overnight. If you're short on time, you can use canned chickpeas, but make sure to rinse them well to remove excess sodium.
- Spice it Up: Adjust the heat by modifying the number of green chilies you add. For a milder version, remove the seeds before chopping.
- Perfect Masala: Make sure to cook the onions until they are golden brown; this step is crucial for developing a rich flavor base.
- Consistency Control: If you prefer a thicker gravy, mash a few chickpeas while cooking. This will create a creamier texture that clings beautifully to rice or naan.
- Garnish for Freshness: Don’t skip the fresh cilantro garnish! It adds a burst of color and freshness that elevates the dish.
- Serving Suggestions: Chana Masala pairs wonderfully with basmati rice, naan, or even a side of yogurt to balance the spices.
- Make it Ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make a big batch and enjoy the leftovers!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
