Description
This Best Chana Masala Recipe is a flavorful and hearty Indian chickpea curry that combines aromatic spices, tender chickpeas, and pureed tomatoes, simmered to perfection. It’s a quick and easy stovetop meal, perfect for serving over basmati rice or with pita bread, making for a nutritious and satisfying vegetarian dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chickpea Curry
- 2 Tbsp. oil (avocado or olive)
- 1 small sweet onion (finely diced)
- 1-2 green peppers (jalapeno or serrano, seeds removed and finely chopped)
- 5 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 2 tsp. ginger paste (or finely minced fresh ginger)
- 1 Tbsp. coriander
- 2 tsp. Garam masala
- 2 tsp. cumin
- 1 tsp. turmeric
- 1 tsp. sugar (optional)
- 1 ½ tsp. salt (to taste)
- 3 cups cooked chickpeas (or 2 cans)
- 28 oz. pureed tomatoes (canned)
Instructions
- Saute Vegetables: Add oil to a Dutch oven or large pot along with the diced onion and peppers. Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, or until onion becomes tender. Add the minced garlic and ginger paste and continue sauteing for an additional 30-60 seconds, being careful not to brown them.
- Add Seasonings: Mix in the coriander, Garam masala, cumin, turmeric, sugar, and salt. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, or until the spices become fragrant.
- Mix in Tomatoes and Chickpeas: If using canned chickpeas, drain the liquid from the can and reserve 1 cup. Pour in the pureed tomatoes, chickpeas, and ½ cup of the reserved chickpea liquid. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Cover and Simmer: Bring the ingredients to a boil and then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring every 5-10 minutes to prevent burning on the bottom of the pot. If desired, stir in the remaining reserved chickpea liquid to thin it out.
- Serve: Serve over a bed of basmati rice with pita bread and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust the amount of green peppers to control the heat level of the dish.
- Using fresh ginger and garlic enhances the flavor but ginger paste and minced garlic are convenient substitutes.
- The optional sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes but can be omitted for a less sweet dish.
- Simmering longer can deepen the flavor and improve texture.
- Reserve some of the chickpea liquid to adjust the curry’s thickness as needed.
- Serve with basmati rice or warm pita bread for a complete meal.
