Chana/Chickpeas Masala Recipe |A Flavorful Indian Dish

Discover the aromatic flavors of Chana Masala with our delicious recipe. Learn useful tips and tricks to create a perfect balance of spices, textures, and tanginess. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, these insights will help you elevate your Chana Masala game. Prepare to savor this classic Indian dish that pairs beautifully with rice or bread.

Ingredients Chana Masala Recipe

• 2 cups chickpeas
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 2 tomatoes, pureed
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder and adjust them according to your spice preference
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions Chana Masala

1/ If using dried chickpeas soak them overnight in water. Cook the chickpeas in boiling water until it come like tender. If using canned chickpeas, rinse them thoroughly under cold water and drain.

2/ Heat the cooking oil in a pan keep medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.

3/ Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan. Sauté for another minute until fragrant.

4/ Pour in the tomato puree and cook for a few minutes until the raw smell disappears.

5/ Add the ground cumin, coriander, some turmeric garam masala, red chili powder, and salt to the pan. Mix them all well to combine the spices with the tomato mixture.

6/ Add a little water if needed to maintain a thick gravy like consistency.

7/ Add the cooked or canned chickpeas to the pan. Stir gently to coat the chickpeas with the spice mixture.

8/ Reduce the heat to low and simmer the chana masala for about 10-15 minutes allowing the flavors to meld together.

9/ Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

10/ Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.

11/ Serve the Chana Masala hot with rice, naan bread, or roti. Squeeze some lemon juice over the dish for an extra tangy kick if desired.

Tips And Tricks To Enhance Your Chana Masala

Use Dry Chickpeas: If possible cook chickpeas from scratch instead of using canned ones. Soak them overnight in water then boil until tender. This will give you a better texture and flavor.

Spice it Up: Adjust the spice levels according to your taste requirement. If you want spicy then increase some amount of red chili powder or add some cayenne pepper. For a milder version reduce the spices or omit the chili powder altogether.

Toast the Spices: If you want to enhance the aroma and depth of flavor toast the ground cumin and coriander in a dry pan for a minute or two before adding them to the dish. This step brings out the natural oils and intensifies the taste.

Add Tanginess: For a tangy twist squeeze fresh lemon juice over the Chana Masala before serving. The citrusy acidity adds brightness and balances the flavors.

Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible use fresh ginger, garlic, and tomatoes for the best flavor. They bring a vibrant taste to the dish. If tomatoes are not available you can use canned crushed tomatoes or tomato puree as a substitute.

Cooking Time: Allow the Chana Masala to simmer for a while to let the flavors meld together. This helps to develop a richer taste. Be sure not to overcook the chickpeas as they can become mushy.

Garnish with Cilantro: Fresh cilantro leaves add a burst of freshness and color to the dish. Sprinkle them on top just before serving to enhance the visual appeal and add a touch of herbal flavor.

Accompaniments: Chana Masala pairs well with steamed rice, naan bread, or roti. The combination of the spicy chickpeas and the mild grains or bread creates a satisfying and balanced meal.

Make Ahead: Like many curries, Chana Masala often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Consider making it in advance and reheating for a convenient and flavorful meal.

Enjoy your homemade Chana Masala Recipe with these handy tips and tricks!

Nutrition Facts

Here are the approximate nutrition facts for a serving of Chana Masala, a popular Indian dish made with chickpeas (chana) cooked in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. These values can vary based on the recipe and serving size:

Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 240 grams)

Nutritional breakdown per serving:

Calories: 200-250 calories per serving

Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams

Protein: 6-8 grams

Dietary Fiber: 7-9 grams

Fat: 6-8 grams

Sodium: 500-700 milligrams

Potassium: 300-400 milligrams

Vitamins and Minerals:

• Vitamin C: 20-30% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin A: 10-15% DV
• Iron: 15-20% DV
• Calcium: 4-6% DV

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary depending on the specific recipe, the amount of oil or ghee used, and the proportions of spices and other ingredients. If you want more precise nutritional information, you can calculate it based on the ingredients and proportions in the recipe you’re using or refer to a specific product label if you’re purchasing pre-packaged Chana Masala.