How to Make Indian Chana Masala (Chickpea Curry)
Chana Masala, a popular Indian dish, is a delicious and nutritious chickpea curry that is both flavorful and easy to prepare. Packed with spices and bursting with taste, this vegetarian dish is perfect for any meal. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make Indian Chana Masala at home.
Ingredients
To make this authentic Chana Masala, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup dried chickpeas (or 2 cans of cooked chickpeas)
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 2 green chilies, slit (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or ghee)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
- Water as needed
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chickpeas
If using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight in water. The next day, drain the water, rinse the chickpeas, and cook them in a pressure cooker with fresh water for about 15-20 minutes until they are tender. If using canned chickpeas, simply rinse and drain them.
Step 2: Sauté the Base
In a large pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them splutter. Then, add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
Step 3: Add Aromatics
Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Next, add the pureed tomatoes to the pan. Cook the mixture until the oil starts to separate from the tomato base, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Incorporate Spices
Once the tomato mixture is well cooked, add turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well and let it simmer for a couple of minutes to allow the spices to meld together.
Step 5: Combine Chickpeas
Add the cooked or canned chickpeas to the pan. Pour in about 1-2 cups of water depending on how thick you like your curry. Stir everything together and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.
Step 6: Finish with Garam Masala
Just before serving, sprinkle in the garam masala and give it a final stir. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Garnish your Chana Masala with fresh cilantro leaves for an added burst of flavor. Serve it hot with basmati rice, naan, or roti for a complete meal.
Tips for the Perfect Chana Masala
For best results, use fresh spices as they provide the ultimate flavor profile. You can adjust the amount of chili powder based on your heat preference. Additionally, feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for an extra nutritional boost.
Chana Masala is not only a dish bursting with flavors but also a hearty and healthy option packed with protein and fiber. Enjoy making this dish at home and delight your friends and family with its rich taste!