Description
Channa Masala is a classic North Indian dish featuring tender chickpeas cooked in a rich, tangy tomato-based sauce flavored with a blend of aromatic spices. This hearty and protein-packed vegan curry is perfect for any meal of the day, offering layers of comforting flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chickpeas (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 3 medium tomatoes, chopped (or 1 cup canned tomatoes)
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh garlic, minced
- 1–2 green chilies, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 tbsp oil or ghee
- 1 cup water or vegetable stock (adjust as needed)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Spices
- 1 tbsp channa masala spice mix (blend of coriander, cumin, amchur, garam masala)
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- Pinch of garam masala (for finishing)
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Optional: lemon juice, yogurt or raita
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Heat oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and cook until golden brown, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Then add minced ginger, garlic, and green chilies, sautéing until fragrant to develop the rich aromatic foundation of the curry.
- Spice It Up: Add the channa masala spice mix along with cumin and coriander powders to the pan. Stir the spices in the oil until their aroma intensifies, allowing the flavors to release fully through this blooming process.
- Add Tomatoes and Cook Down: Pour in the chopped tomatoes and cook them until they are soft and pulpy, about 7 to 10 minutes. This step thickens the sauce and balances the spices with the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Incorporate Chickpeas: Add the drained chickpeas to the pan and stir well to combine with the spiced base. Pour in water or stock to adjust the consistency, then bring the curry to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer and Season: Let the curry simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Finish by seasoning with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garam masala. Adjust the gravy’s consistency as desired, then turn off the heat and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
Notes
- Use freshly ground spices for the best flavor and aroma.
- If using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight and cook before using.
- Sauté onions slowly until deep golden brown for a sweeter, richer base.
- Allow tomatoes to fully cook down to develop a thicker, flavorful sauce.
- Adjust green chili quantity to control the spice level to your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg