Chana Masala is a Spicy Chickpeas Curry which is very popular in Indian subcontinent. This vegan and gluten-free curry is prepared with chickpeas aka kabuli chana, tamarind paste along with a whole bunch of spices. The spiced aroma of this tantalizing chana masala makes it hard to resist.
How to serve Chana Masala?
Chana Masala is a vegetarian dish. You can serve this gluten-free Chana Masala or chickpea curry as a side dish. It is indescribably spicy-hot and tasty that anyone would die for. This spiced hot & little bit tangy Chana Masala curry can be served with rice, naan or with Chapati.
Can I freeze Chana Masala?
Yes, this chana masala curry is completely freezable. You can freeze the leftovers in a freezer safe container for up to 2 months. Simply thaw it at room temperature before serving and then heat it up.
To spruce up the flavors, add some garam masala and fresh coriander leaves to chana masala curry.
Can I use canned chickpeas for Chana Masala?
Yes, you can. If you are using canned chickpeas for this recipe, then simply omit the soaking and boiling part, rest of the recipe would be the same.
If you like chickpea recipes, then you would also like this healthy and delicious chickpea salad.
Some important tips for making chana masala:
-
This recipe makes a hot curry, so use more or less chili powder depending on your spice tolerance.
-
Amchoor powder is essential for this authentic chana masala recipe, so I would not recommend skipping it. However, if you don’t find amchoor powder, then use can squeeze some lemon juice.
-
Kasoori methi (dried fenugreek leave) adds a lot of flavours to chana masala, so I would highly suggest using it.
Let’s learn to make Chana Masala - Spicy Chickpeas Curry in easy to understand quick steps.
-
Soak chickpeas in water for 7-8 hours or overnight. In the morning wash them with fresh water and pressure cook with salt and whole garam masala (bay leaf, black cardamom, cloves, cinnamon stick).
-
Cover the lid and pressure cook till the pressure cooker whistles 3-4 times. Reduce heat to low and cook it on low heat for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let the cooker cool down.
-
When the cooker has cooled off, open the lid and pour into a bowl. Now slightly mash the chickpeas with the back of a ladle.
-
Heat oil in a pan and add the cumin seeds, asafoetida and let them splutter. Add onion, ginger-garlic paste and saute for 4-5 minutes. Now add chopped tomatoes and cook until it oozes oil.
-
When puree is cooked, add tamarind paste with chili powder, chana masala, and salt. Stir well and add boiled chickpeas with a cup of water and cook on high heat for 2 minutes. Reduce heat and add Kasuri methi and garam masala powder and mix well. Cook on low heat for at least another 30 minutes. Cooking on low heat would make it more flavorous, however, if you are in hurry cook for at least 15 minutes on medium heat.
-
Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot with any of your favorite bread or rice. Enjoy!
You may also like these Chickpea recipes:
Recipe Card
Chana Masala Recipe – Spicy Chickpeas Curry [Recipe]
★★★★★
(Rating: 5 from 25 reviews)
| Prep time 🕐 | Cook time 🕐 | Total time 🕐 |
|---|---|---|
| 55 mins | ||
| Category ☶ | Cuisine ♨ | Serves ☺ |
| Sides | Indian | 4-6 |
| Nutrition Info ⊛ | Serving size ⊚ | |
| 180 calories | 1 serving |
INGREDIENTS
For Chana Masala
- Chickpeas (Chana) - 2 Cups
- Tomatoes, Chopped - 2
- Onion, Ginger-Garlic Paste - 1 Cup
- Tamarind Paste - 2 Tbsp
- Cumin Seeds - 1 Tsp
- Whole Garam Masala 1 Piece Each (Cinnamon Stick 1, Bay Leaf 1, 2 Cloves, 1 Black Cardamom)
- A Pinch Of Asafoetida / Hing
- Red Chili Powder - 1 ½ Tsp
- Garam Masala Powder - ¼ Tsp
- Chana Masala (Optional) - 2 Tbsp
- Fresh Coriander Leaves For Garnishing
- Salt To Taste
- Oil - 2 Tbsp
- Kasuri Methi / Dried Fenugreek Leaves - 1 Tbsp
- Sugar (Optional) - 2 Tsp
INSTRUCTIONS:
How to Make Chana Masala
- Soak chickpeas in water for 7-8 hours or overnight. In the morning wash them with fresh water and pressure cook with salt and whole garam masala (bay leaf, black cardamom, cloves, cinnamon stick).
- Cover the lid and pressure cook till the pressure cooker whistles 3-4 times. Reduce heat to low and cook it on low heat for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let the cooker cool down.
- When the cooker has cooled off, open the lid and pour into a bowl. Now slightly mash the chickpeas with the back of a ladle.
- Heat oil in a pan and add the cumin seeds, asafoetida and let them splutter. Add onion, ginger-garlic paste and saute for 4-5 minutes. Now add chopped tomatoes and cook until it oozes oil.
- When puree is cooked, add tamarind paste with chili powder, chana masala, and salt.
- Stir well and add boiled chickpeas with a cup of water and cook on high heat for 2 minutes.
- Reduce heat and add Kasuri methi and garam masala powder and mix well.
- Cook on low heat for at least another 30 minutes. Cooking on low heat would make it more flavorous, however, if you are in hurry cook for at least 15 minutes on medium heat.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot with roti, or any of your favorite bread or rice. Enjoy!
NOTES:
- No notes for this recipe.
If this recipe helped you, then please spread the word by sharing and subscribing to us on YouTube to get more such Recipe Videos.
Your feedback is so helpful for me and other My Ginger Garlic Kitchen readers. So, for Facebook and Instagram, please mention @MyGingerGarlicKitchen or #mygingergarlickitchen. I would love to see your photos. :)
Author: Anupama
Recipe Source Link: https://www.mygingergarlickitchen.com/nayab-chana-masala-spicy-chickpeas-curry-vegetarian-recipe/