Easy Chana Masala: A Flavorful and Spicy Chickpea Curry

Chana Masala is a flavorful Indian dish made with chickpeas cooked in a spicy tomato-based gravy. Rich in protein and packed with aromatic spices, it’s a hearty and satisfying meal often served with rice, chapati, or puris.

Ingredients

• 2 cups boiled chickpeas (chana)
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped (piyaz)
• 2 tomatoes, chopped (tamatar)
• 2 green chilies, chopped (hari mirch)
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste (adrak-lahsun)
• 1 tsp cumin seeds (jeera)
• 1 tsp coriander powder (dhania powder)
• 1 tsp red chili powder (lal mirch powder)
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder (haldi)
• 1/2 tsp chaat masala
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 tsp cumin powder (jeera powder)
• 1 tsp chana masala powder (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
• Water, as needed for gravy consistency

Instructions

1. Prepare the Masala

1. Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Once they splutter, add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
2. Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
3. Add the chopped tomatoes and green chilies. Cook until the tomatoes become soft and mushy.

2. Add Spices

1. Add turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, chaat masala, and garam masala.
2. Cook the mixture until the oil starts separating from the masala.

3. Add Chickpeas

1. Add the boiled chickpeas to the masala and mix well.
2. Add water as needed to adjust the consistency of the gravy.
3. Simmer the curry for 10-15 minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to blend together.

4. Finish and Serve

1. Add lemon juice (if using) and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
2. Serve hot with rice, chapati, or puri.

Nutrition Chart for Chana Masala (per serving, approximately 4 servings)

• Calories —————— 200 kcal
• Total Fat —————— 6 g
• Cholesterol ————— 0 mg
• Sodium ——————– 400 mg
• Total Carbohydrates — 30 g
• Protein ——————— 8 g
• Sugar ———————— 5 g
• Fiber ———————— 8 g

Note: These values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used and cooking methods.