Description
This Chana Masala is a hearty, vegan Indian chickpea curry packed with protein, fiber, and bold spices. It’s flavorful, satisfying, and perfect for meal prep or a wholesome meatless main dish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried chickpeas (or 2½ to 3 cups canned chickpeas)
- 3 cups water (for pressure cooking)
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 to 2 green chilies, slit
- 1½ cups finely chopped onions (2 medium)
- 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
- 1½ cups chopped tomatoes (2 large)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¾ to 1 teaspoon garam masala
- ½ to 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- 1½ to 2 teaspoons chana masala powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon amchur (dry mango powder) or lemon juice (optional)
- 2 to 3 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
- If using dried chickpeas, rinse and soak them in water overnight. Drain and pressure cook with 3 cups of water until soft (5–6 whistles on stovetop or 25–30 minutes in Instant Pot).
- Heat oil or ghee in a pan. Add cumin seeds and bay leaf. Once cumin splutters, add green chilies and onions. Sauté until golden.
- Add ginger garlic paste. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
- Add chopped tomatoes. Cook until softened and oil separates.
- Add salt, turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, and chana masala powder. Cook for 2–3 minutes to blend spices.
- Add cooked chickpeas along with some cooking water. Simmer for 10–15 minutes. Mash a few chickpeas to thicken the curry.
- Stir in amchur powder or lemon juice if using. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
- Serve hot with rice, roti, or naan.
Notes
- Use canned chickpeas for a quicker version.
- Add coconut milk or cashew cream for a richer curry.
- Adjust green chilies and chili powder for desired spice level.
- Chana masala tastes even better the next day—great for meal prep.
- Freeze for up to 2 months in airtight containers.
- Add greens like spinach or kale for extra nutrients.
- Prep Time: 8 hours
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
