Easy Indian Chickpea Curry (Chana Masala)
The Chana Masala is an Indian Curry with chickpeas cooked in a gravy tomato sauce with many typical Indian spices. It is also called Chole Masala and it’s a popular dish throughout India and Pakistan, with recipes varying by region. There is a long list of ingredients but don’t be shocked. Most of them are spices. In total it is a very easy to cook Indian dish.
4 SERVINGS
Ingredients
1 can chickpeas (265 g)
2 onions, finely chopped
2 medium-sized tomatoes, chopped
3 green chilis, chopped
4 tsp garlic-ginger paste
2 sticks cinnamon
3 tbs neutral oil
Fresh coriander leaves
Salt to season
Water as needed
Red onions, for serving
Spices
1 indian bay leaf
1 tsp carom seeds
2 black cardamoms
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp turmeric powder
6 cloves
1 tsp red chilli powder
2 tsp Garam Masala
1 tsp dry mango powder (Amchur)
It’s all about the spices
In the beginning you need to mix all spices from the list. Heat a pan and dry roast all spices. Stir for for 1-2 minutes. Set spices mixture aside and let it cool. Transfer to a grinder and grind until you have a fine powder.
Now heat oil in a pan and add garlic-ginger-paste. Stir fry for 1 minute before you add onions. Stir fry for another minute. Now add tomatoes. Stir and reduce heat. Simmer or 2-3 minutes.
Drain chickpeas and stir into the pan with spices mixture, chilis and cinnamon sticks. Pour in some water and bring to a simmer. Don’t cover the pan. Cook for 10 minutes or until you have a creamy consistency. Add some water if it gets to thick. Season with salt.
How to serve
Serve Chana Masala with fresh coriander leaves, red onions and fresh cooked rice. Another perfect side dish is the typical Indian Roti Prata.
Note
If you use dried and uncooked chickpeas you have to soak them over night. And you have to cook them at least 45 minutes before you can use them for this dish.
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