Indian Chana Masala (Spicy Chickpea Curry)

Name: Indian Chana Masala (Spicy Chickpea Curry)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 200 g onion, finely chopped; 15 g garlic, minced; 15 g fresh ginger, grated; 400 g canned crushed tomatoes; 30 ml vegetable oil; 5 g cumin seeds; 2.5 g turmeric powder; 10 g coriander powder; 5 g Garam Masala; 2.5 g chili powder (to taste); 5 g salt (to taste); 120 ml water or vegetable broth; 10 g fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish); 15 ml lemon juice

Difficulty

easy

Time

45m

Price Category

cheap

Calories

Medium

Chana Masala is a classic Indian dish, beloved for its rich, aromatic flavors and hearty texture. This spicy chickpea curry is a staple in North Indian cuisine, often enjoyed with rice, naan, or roti. It's a fantastic vegan and gluten-free option that's both satisfying and incredibly flavorful, perfect for a comforting meal any day of the week.

Steps

Prep Ingredients

Chop the onion finely. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger (or use a mortar and pestle to make a paste). Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas.

Sauté Aromatics

Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or deep pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

Add Ginger & Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Spice it Up

Add turmeric powder, coriander powder, chili powder, and salt. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, allowing the spices to bloom in the oil.

Simmer Curry

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and 1/2 cup of water (or vegetable broth). Bring to a gentle simmer, then add the drained chickpeas. Stir well, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Finish & Serve

Stir in the Garam Masala and fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro before serving hot with rice, naan, or roti.

	Per 100g	Per Serving 400 g
Calories	107 kcal	428 kcal
Protein	4.8 g	19.5 g
Fat	3.1 g	12.7 g
Carbohydrate	15.6 g	62.5 g
Fiber	4.4 g	17.8 g
Sugar	1.1 g	4.4 g

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legumes

vegan

stewed

everyday

main course

hearty

Indian

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Hot

Indian Chana Masala (Spicy Chickpea Curry)

Difficulty

Time

Price Category

Calories

ingredients

Steps

Prep Ingredients

Sauté Aromatics

Add Ginger & Garlic

Spice it Up

Simmer Curry

Finish & Serve

Extra Tips

► For an extra layer of flavor, toast the whole spices (cumin seeds) in the oil before adding onions.

► Adjust the chili powder to your preferred spice level; you can also add a fresh green chili for more heat.

► Serve with a dollop of plain yogurt (dairy or non-dairy) to balance the spices, if not strictly vegan.

Nutrition