Spice up your mealtime with this Channa Masala Recipe! Packed with tender chickpeas simmered in a rich, flavorful tomato-based sauce, it’s a comforting, protein-packed dish that’s perfect with rice or warm naan bread. A must-try for curry lovers!
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Why This Recipe Works
- Packed with Flavor: Bursting with bold spices and rich, tangy tomato goodness, it’s a dish that delights the taste buds.
- Protein-Packed: Chickpeas make it a hearty and satisfying meal that’s naturally plant-based.
- Versatile and Easy: Channa Masala is perfect with rice, naan, or even on its own, and simple enough to whip up on a busy day.
🥘 Ingredients
- Boiled or Canned Chickpeas: Provides the hearty base for this flavorful curry.
- Vegetable Oil: Used to sauté spices and create a rich masala.
- Chili Pepper: Adds a hint of heat to the Chana Masala.
- Cumin: A warm, earthy spice that enhances the authentic flavor of Chana Masala.
- Coriander: Delivers a citrusy note to balance the spices.
- Turmeric: Brings a vibrant yellow color and mild flavor.
- Garam Masala: A blend of aromatic spices for depth and warmth.
- Chili Powder: Adjusts the spiciness to your preference.
- Bay Leaf: Infuses the curry with subtle herbal notes.
- Onion: Forms the aromatic base of the channa masala.
- Garlic: Elevates the dish with its pungent and savory flavor.
- Tomato Puree: Adds richness and tanginess to the curry.
- Tomato Sauce: Enhances the texture and balances the spices.
- Cilantro: Fresh herb to garnish and add a burst of flavor.
- Salt: To season and balance the flavors.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Vegetable-Loaded Channa Masala: Include diced vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and spinach to make the dish heartier and more nutritious. Add them after sautéing the onion and garlic so they cook evenly.
- Coconut Cream Twist: Add ¼ cup of coconut cream or coconut milk during the simmering stage for a creamier, slightly sweet twist. This variation pairs well with steamed rice.
- South Indian Style: Add curry leaves and mustard seeds while heating the oil. This gives the dish a South Indian flavor profile. Serve with dosa or idli for an authentic experience.
🔪How To Make Channa Masala
- Step 1: Pour oil into a skillet, heat it up. Peel the onion and garlic and chop them finely. Place the onion and garlic in the pan, and add the bay leaf. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Finely chop the chili pepper. Put it in the pan with the spices. Heat the contents of the pan for a minute.
- Step 2: Put in the boiled chickpeas. Add the tomato puree and the sauce. Add water or vegetable stock so that the liquid covers the chickpeas. Simmer over low heat for about 15 minutes. A couple of spoonfuls of chickpeas can be mashed with a fork to thicken the gravy. At the end of cooking, add chopped cilantro and salt.
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Soak Chickpeas Overnight: If using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight and cook with a pinch of baking soda to ensure they are soft and creamy. Canned chickpeas can be rinsed thoroughly to remove excess sodium.
- Toast the Spices: Toast cumin, coriander, and garam masala in oil before adding the onion and garlic. This enhances the flavors and releases the essential oils from the spices.
- Add Spices Gradually: Start with smaller quantities of chili powder and garam masala. You can always adjust the spice level later.
- Fresh Herbs for Garnish: Always garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a vibrant flavor boost.
💭 FAQs
How Do I Thicken The Gravy?
You can mash a few spoonfuls of chickpeas with a fork and stir them into the curry to naturally thicken the gravy. Alternatively, you can simmer it longer or add a teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in water.
How Do I Adjust The Spice Level?
To reduce spiciness, use fewer chili peppers or omit them entirely. For a spicier version, add more chili peppers, and cayenne powder, or use hot paprika.
Is Channa Masala Vegan?
Yes, the recipe is vegan as long as you use plant-based oil and no dairy substitutes like yogurt or ghee.
🧂Serving Suggestions
Here are some sides to serve with Channa Masala Recipe:
- Steamed Basmati Rice: The fluffy, aromatic basmati rice is a classic pairing with channa masala, soaking up the flavorful gravy perfectly.
- Garlic Naan: Soft and buttery garlic naan complements the spiced chickpea curry beautifully, ideal for scooping up the sauce.
- Jeera Rice (Cumin Rice): Fragrant rice infused with toasted cumin seeds adds another layer of flavor, harmonizing well with the rich curry.
- Paratha: Flaky, layered Indian bread like paratha is a filling and delicious choice to serve alongside channa masala.
- Papadum: Crispy papadum wafers bring a delightful crunch and make an excellent addition to the meal.
- Samosas: Crispy, golden-brown samosas stuffed with spiced potatoes are a classic pairing, offering a crunchy and savory complement to the channa masala.
- Vegetable Pakoras: Crispy, spiced fritters made with gram flour and mixed vegetables are an indulgent snack that pairs wonderfully with channa masala.
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Channa Masala Chickpeas
Channa Masala is a hearty, flavorful chickpea curry with bold spices and a touch of tang. It’s an easy, comforting dish that’s perfect for any night of the week!
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Chickpeas Boiled Or Canned
- 2 tablespoon Vegetable Oil
- ½ Chili Pepper
- ½ teaspoon Cumin
- ½ teaspoon Turmeric
- ½ teaspoon Chili Powder
- 1 teaspoon Coriander
- 1 teaspoon Garam Masala
- 1 Bay Leaf
- ½ Onion
- 1 Cup Tomato Puree
- ¼ Cup Tomato Sauce
- Cilantro
- ½ teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Heat oil in a skillet. Chop onion, garlic, and add to the pan with a bay leaf. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Add chopped chili and spices, cook for 1 minute.
- Add boiled chickpeas, tomato puree, and sauce. Pour in water or vegetable stock to cover chickpeas.
- Simmer on low heat for 15 minutes. Mash a few chickpeas to thicken the gravy.
- Stir in chopped cilantro and salt before serving.
Notes
Soak Chickpeas Overnight: If using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight and cook with a pinch of baking soda to ensure they are soft and creamy. Canned chickpeas can be rinsed thoroughly to remove excess sodium.
Toast the Spices: Toast cumin, coriander, and garam masala in oil before adding the onion and garlic. This enhances the flavors and releases the essential oils from the spices.
Add Spices Gradually: Start with smaller quantities of chili powder and garam masala. You can always adjust the spice level later.
Fresh Herbs for Garnish: Always garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a vibrant flavor boost.
Nutrition
Calories: 679kcalCarbohydrates: 83gProtein: 22gFat: 33gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 18gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.2gSodium: 1563mgPotassium: 2051mgFiber: 22gSugar: 26gVitamin A: 2176IUVitamin C: 71mgCalcium: 182mgIron: 12mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
This is my go-to when I crave bold, comforting flavors—hearty chickpeas simmered in a spiced tomato sauce that warms you from the inside out. Perfect with naan or rice!