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Chana Masala (Chickpea Curry)

This recipe for Chana Masala features tender chickpeas simmered in a fragrant tomato sauce cooked with an aromatic blend of spices.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Indian
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 60kcal
Author Michelle

Ingredients

Spices (garam masala):

  • 2" cinnamon stick or ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder
  • 4 cloves
  • 4 green cardamon pods
  • 2 star anise
  • 2 tablespoon curry leaves
  • 2 tablespoon fenugreek leaves
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon coriander powder
  • 1 tablespoon cumin powder
  • 2 teaspoon chili powder
  • ¼ teaspoon black mustard seeds
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Aromatics & chickpeas:

  • 2 tablespoon ghee or butter, vegetable oil
  • 2 large white onion sliced
  • 2 x 1” piece ginger sliced
  • 1 whole garlic bulb peeled
  • 2½ C (600ml) water
  • 1 can (398ml) tomato sauce
  • 5 g tamarind paste or ¼ teaspoon amchoor powder
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 2 cans (398ml each) chickpeas drained

For serving;

  • 2 tablespoon cilantro chopped, optional
  • steamed basmati rice
  • naan

Instructions

  • Gather spices into a bowl. Set aside.
  • In a large pot over medium heat, add in 2 tablespoon of ghee and sauté the white onion and ginger, until onion softens.
  • Add in the garlic and all the spices.
  • Fry until the spices are aromatic and fragrant.
  • Transfer the spice mixture along with the onions, ginger and garlic into a high-powered blender.
  • Add in water, tomato sauce, tamarind paste, salt, and sugar.
  • Blend on high speed until smooth.
  • Transfer sauce to a large pot and cook over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes to release the spices' aroma.
  • Add the canned chickpeas into the sauce and continue to simmer for another additional 20 minutes.
  • Taste and adjust the seasonings.
  • Cook until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
  • Remove from heat and garnish with chopped cilantro.
  • Serve warm with steamed basmati rice and naan.

Nutrition

Calories: 60kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Sodium: 714mg | Potassium: 370mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 818IU | Vitamin C: 159mg | Calcium: 84mg | Iron: 2mg