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The Best Quick & Easy Chana Masala (Authentic Recipe!)

A cozy bowl of homemade, healthy Chana Masala served over a bed of basmati rice for a delicious dinner.

An easy, one-pan recipe for Chana Masala, a popular and flavorful Indian chickpea curry. This quick weeknight meal features a savory base of sautéed onions, fresh ginger, and garlic, which are cooked with warm spices like garam masala, coriander, and cumin. Canned chickpeas (garbanzo beans) and diced tomatoes are then simmered in this aromatic base until the flavors have melded together. The finished curry is served over hot brown rice and topped with a dollop of plain yogurt and fresh cilantro.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh gingerroot
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans or chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 3 cups hot cooked brown rice
  • 1/4 cup plain yogurt
  • Minced fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, heat the canola oil over medium heat. Add the onion, ginger, garlic, and optional jalapeno. Cook and stir for 4-5 minutes, until the onion is softened and lightly browned.
  2. Add the salt, garam masala, ground coriander, and ground cumin. Cook and stir for 1 minute longer until the spices are fragrant.
  3. Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes and the rinsed and drained garbanzo beans. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Reduce the heat, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend, stirring occasionally.
  5. Serve the chana masala hot with the cooked brown rice.
  6. Top each serving with a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

Notes

  • This is a quick and easy one-pan meal (for the curry itself), making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
  • ‘Blooming’ the spices by cooking them in the hot oil for a minute before adding the liquids is a key step that enhances their flavor and aroma.
  • This dish is naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, and can easily be made vegan by substituting a plant-based yogurt.

Find it online: https://www.eatswithsoul.com/easy-chana-masala/

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