Introduction
Did you know that Chana Masala is one of the most popular dishes in Indian cuisine? It’s a vegan and gluten-free dish that’s packed with protein and fiber, making it a healthy and delicious choice for any night of the week. The dish is made with chickpeas, onions, tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic spices, which give it an irresistible flavor and aroma. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to make this classic Indian dish at home with this easy recipe.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make Chana Masala for 4 people:
- 2 cups chickpeas, cooked
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1 green chili, chopped
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1/2 cup water
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
- Add the onion, garlic, ginger, and green chili. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Add the coriander powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt. Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the tomato puree and water. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Add the cooked chickpeas and stir well. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with rice or naan bread.
Vegetarian/Vegan Option
Chana Masala is already a vegan dish, but for a vegetarian option, you can add a dollop of yogurt on top for a creamy finish.
Gluten-Free Option
Chana Masala is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check the labels of your spices and tomato puree to ensure they’re also gluten-free.
Spiciness Level
If you prefer a milder version, you can omit the green chili and reduce the amount of garam masala. If you like it spicier, you can add more green chili or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Conclusion
Chana Masala is a classic Indian dish that’s easy to make at home with this simple recipe. It’s packed with flavor, protein, and fiber, making it a healthy and satisfying meal for any night of the week. Give it a try and impress your family and friends with your delicious cooking skills!
FAQ
What is Chana Masala?
Chana Masala is a popular Indian dish made with chickpeas, onions, tomatoes, and a blend of spices. It is often served with rice or naan bread.
What spices are used in Chana Masala?
The spices commonly used in Chana Masala include cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, and chili powder. These spices give the dish its unique flavor.
Can I use canned chickpeas for Chana Masala?
Yes, you can use canned chickpeas for Chana Masala. Make sure to rinse them well before adding them to the dish.
Is Chana Masala vegan?
Yes, Chana Masala is a vegan dish as it does not contain any meat or dairy products.
Can I make Chana Masala ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Chana Masala ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
What can I serve with Chana Masala?
Chana Masala is often served with rice or naan bread. You can also serve it with other Indian dishes such as samosas or pakoras.
How spicy is Chana Masala?
The level of spiciness in Chana Masala can vary depending on the amount of chili powder used. If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of chili powder or omit it altogether.
Can I add vegetables to Chana Masala?
Yes, you can add vegetables such as spinach, potatoes, or carrots to Chana Masala to make it more nutritious and flavorful.
What type of oil should I use for Chana Masala?
You can use any type of oil for Chana Masala, but we recommend using vegetable oil or ghee for the best flavor.
How long does it take to make Chana Masala?
It takes about 45 minutes to make Chana Masala from start to finish. However, if you are using dried chickpeas, you will need to soak them overnight before cooking, which will add an additional 8-12 hours.
