Quick Chana Masala Recipe

Ready to embark on a flavorful journey that turns humble ingredients into a vibrant dish? Let me take you through crafting my favorite aromatic chickpea curry—it’s the perfect blend of spices and zest, bringing comfort and a splash of color to your plate!

I adore making meals that are both quick and full of flavor, and my Quick Chana Masala is no exception. With a base of onions, sautéed in vegetable oil and spices like cumin, turmeric, and garam masala, it’s a rib-sticking source of protein and fiber.

I also like to add a generous amount of ginger and garlic, which makes for an oddly potent and fragrant dish.

Quick Chana Masala Recipe Ingredients

• Chickpeas: High in protein and fiber, aids in digestion.
• Onion: Adds depth of flavor, rich in antioxidants.
• Garlic: Enhances taste, beneficial for heart health.
• Ginger: Aids digestion, anti-inflammatory properties.
• Turmeric: Provides color, contains anti-inflammatory compounds.
• Garam Masala: Aromatic blend, adds warmth and complexity.
• Cayenne Pepper: Adds heat, boosts metabolism.
• Tomatoes: Rich in vitamin C, adds a tangy flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Adds freshness, enhances absorption of iron.
• Cilantro: Fresh garnish, high in antioxidants.

Quick Chana Masala Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• Salt, to taste
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make this Quick Chana Masala Recipe

1. In a large skillet set over medium heat, warm the vegetable oil.

2. Place the chopped onion in the skillet and cook it until it becomes translucent, which should take about 5 minutes.

3. Stir in ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, garam masala, and cayenne pepper, and cook for 1-2 more minutes until they’re very aromatic.

4. Incorporate the minced garlic and grated ginger, and stir for about 30 seconds.

5. Add the diced tomatoes, along with their juices, and simmer for approximately 5 minutes, letting the blend thicken a bit.

6. Put the drained and rinsed chickpeas into the skillet, blending them with the tomato mixture. Stir in the spices and salt. Smash some of the chickpeas against the side of the skillet to help thicken the sauce. Cook for about 10 minutes, adding a little water as necessary to keep the mixture loose. If using the ground nuts, stir them in at the end of cooking.

7. Add salt according to your preference and pour in the water. Mix thoroughly and heat the combination until it reaches a simmer.

8. Turn the heat down to low, put a lid on the pot, and let things simmer for roughly 10 minutes so that all the flavors can come together.

9. Incorporate the lemon juice and season with additional salt if required.

10. Before serving, add chopped fresh cilantro as a garnish.

Quick Chana Masala Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large skillet with a lid
2. Stirring spoon or spatula
3. Measuring spoons
4. Chef’s knife
5. Cutting board
6. Can opener
7. Grater (for ginger)
8. Garlic press (optional, for mincing garlic)
9. Mixing bowl (optional, for holding prepared ingredients)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?Yes, fresh tomatoes can be used. About 2 cups of them need to be chopped. They will then need to be cooked down until they reach a sauce-like consistency.
• Q: How can I make this dish spicier?A: You can add fresh chopped green chilies or increase the amount of cayenne pepper to heighten the spice level.
• Q: Is there a substitute for garam masala?A: If you don’t have garam masala, you can use a combination of ground cumin, coriander, and a pinch of cinnamon and cloves for a similar flavor.
• Q: Can I make this ahead of time?A: Yes, often the next day, Chana Masala tastes better. The flavors meld. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Q: How should I serve Chana Masala?A: Rice or flatbreads (like naan or roti) commonly accompany the meal. But really, the dish can also stand alone.
• Q: Is there a way to make this dish oil-free?You can use water or vegetable broth instead of oil to sauté the onions and spices.
• Q: Can I freeze Chana Masala?A: Yes, this dish freezes well. Store it in a container that can keep air out for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Quick Chana Masala Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Vegetable oil: Replace it with ghee or coconut oil, and enjoy a flavor boost.
Cumin seeds can be used in their whole form, but for an authentically flavored dish, you’re far better off toasting and grinding them first. Ground cumin is a way to make the best use of this potent little spice. Unlike some other spices, when it comes to using cumin, it’s best to conserve and control because it can quickly overpower.
Ginger root: If you can get your hands on fresh ginger, you should use it. It’s by far the best form of ginger to use. However, if you only have dried ginger or ground ginger on hand, you can still make a delicious ginger-flavored dish. You just might want to adjust the amount of ginger in the recipe.
Diced tomatoes in a can: Use fresh chopped tomatoes or tomato puree instead.
Substituting fresh parsley for fresh cilantro is a good option if cilantro is not your thing or is not available. You could also use fresh basil in that case.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance Flavor by Blooming Spices When adding the spices (cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, cayenne) to the skillet, ensure you cook them just until they become very fragrant. This technique, known as blooming, enhances their flavors significantly.

2. Adjust Texture with Chickpea Mash As you cook the chickpeas in the tomato mixture, mash some against the skillet with a spoon. This not only thickens the sauce but also adds a creamy texture, balancing the intact chickpeas.

3. Fresh Ginger and Garlic Impact Always use fresh ginger and garlic rather than powders. Fresh ingredients provide a much more vibrant and aromatic flavor, essential for authentic taste.

4. Tomato Prep for Richness If time permits, roast or sauté the canned diced tomatoes briefly before adding them to the skillet. This can deepen their flavor, reducing acidity and adding a touch of sweetness.

5. Cilantro Timing for Maximum Aroma Add chopped fresh cilantro just before serving. Incorporating it too early can dull its flavor and aroma, but adding it as a garnish will ensure you get the most out of its fresh, zesty notes.