Chana Masala
A flavorful Indian chickpea curry simmered with tomatoes, onions, and aromatic spices. This hearty vegetarian dish is rich in protein and perfect served with rice or naan bread.
Ingredients
- 2 cans chickpeas (15 oz cans), canned, drained and rinsed
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional for heat)
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 lg can diced tomatoes (14/28 oz cans), with juice
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 cups basmati rice, cooked
- 4 naan bread, warmed
Instructions
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1
Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
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2
Add 1 large finely diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
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3
Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, and 1 finely chopped (optional for heat) green chili (if using). Cook for another minute until fragrant.
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4
Add 2 tsp ground cumin, 2 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp ground turmeric, 1 tsp garam masala, 1/2 tsp chili powder, and 1 tsp salt. Stir continuously for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
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5
Add 1 lg can with juice diced tomatoes (14/28 oz cans) and 1 tbsp tomato paste. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and the oil begins to separate from the sauce.
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6
Add 2 cans canned, drained and rinsed chickpeas (15 oz cans) and 1 cup water. Stir well to combine.
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7
Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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8
Using the back of a spoon, mash some of the chickpeas against the side of the pot to thicken the sauce.
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9
Stir in 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice and half of the 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
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10
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
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11
Serve hot, garnished with the remaining fresh cilantro, alongside 2 cups cooked basmati rice or 4 warmed naan bread.