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A cozy Indian Chickpea Curry
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Chana Masala

A warm and tangy chickpea curry from North India, Chana Masala is packed with aromatic spices and simmered in a tomato-based gravy. Naturally vegetarian, high in protein, and perfect with rice or naan, it's cozy meal ready in just 30 mins.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Keyword: easy chana masala, High Protein chickpea curry
Servings: 4 people

Ingredients

  • 2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed.
  • 1 large onion
  • 8-10 cashews
  • 5 large tomatoes
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 inch piece of ginger
  • 2-3 green chillies
  • 2 tbsp ghee or oil
  • 1-2 bay leaves
  • 1-2 green cardamom
  • 1-2 dried red chilis
  • 2-3 cloves
  • 1 tsp Cumin seeds
  • Salt, to taste
  • ½ tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp paprika powder (or to taste)
  • 1½ tbsp corainder powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • 2 cups water (adjust as needed)
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Fine slits of ginger
  • Fine slits of green chilis
  • Fresh cream

Instructions

Prepare Onion and Tomato mixture

  • In a blender, blend Onion, and Cashews to form a coarse paste. Set it aside.
  • In a same blender, blend tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and green chili. Set it aside.

Prepare the Curry

  • Heat ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add all of the whole spices - Bay leaf, cloves, cardamom, dried red chili, and cumin seeds.
  • Let the cumin seeds splutter. Add blended onion and cashew, and let it cook for 4-5 mins and sauté until golden.
  • Add blended tomatoes and cook until soft and the oil starts to separate. This process should take about 7-8 minutes.
  • Stir in coriander, turmeric, chili powder, salt, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
  • Add 2 cans of drained, rinsed, and washed chickpeas, and water. Mix well.
  • Cover and simmer for another 5-6 minutes so the flavors blend. Adjust the consistency of the curry. Add more water for thinner curry OR smash chickpea using back of your spoon for thicker curry.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro and a drizzle of heavy cream. Serve the chickpea curry with side of rice and naan.

Notes

Serving Ideas
  • With Rice: Steamed basmati rice or cumin rice keeps it classic.
  • With Bread: Naan, roti, or even crusty sour dough bread works perfectly. 
  • Snack-style: Top with onion, tomatoes, and cilantro chutney for a quick chaat bowl.