Chana Masala is an authentic Indian dish made with chickpeas, spices, and a tangy tomato-based sauce. This flavorful dish is often served with rice or Indian bread. This homemade Chana Masala recipe is simple to make and will impress your family and friends with its rich and aromatic flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chickpeas, soaked overnight
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- ½ cup water
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Directions
- Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas.
- In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion to the pan and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, paprika, garam masala, salt, and cayenne pepper (if desired). Stir well to coat the onions and spices.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the soaked chickpeas to the pan and stir to combine.
- Cover the pan and let the chana masala simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste the chana masala and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve the chana masala hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Enjoy with rice or Indian bread!
Interesting Facts
Chickpeas, the main ingredient in chana masala, are a great source of plant-based protein.
Chana masala is a popular dish in India and Pakistan, often enjoyed as a street food snack.
The combination of spices used in chana masala gives it a unique and aromatic flavor.