Teresa's Recipes
Indian Chana Masala
Chana Masala, a beloved staple of Indian cuisine, is a hearty and aromatic dish that showcases the humble chickpea, celebrated for its nutritional benefits and versatility. This vibrant dish is infused with a medley of spices—cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala—that create a symphony of flavors. Traditionally served with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan, Chana Masala is not just a meal; it's a comforting embrace of Indian culinary heritage.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Oil
- 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
- 1 large, chopped Onion
- 3 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1 tablespoon, grated Ginger
- 2 medium, chopped Tomatoes
- 2, slit lengthwise (adjust for spice preference) Green chilies
- 2 teaspoons Coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon Garam masala
- 2 cups, cooked (or 1 can, drained and rinsed) Chickpeas
- to taste Salt
- 1/4 cup, chopped (for garnish) Fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- for serving Cooked rice or naan bread
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 45g
- Protein: 12g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Sugar: 5g
Instructions
- In a large pan, heat oil over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add cumin seeds and let them splutter for a few seconds, releasing their aromatic oils.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown, stirring occasionally, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and slit green chilies, cooking until the tomatoes soften, about 5-6 minutes.
- Sprinkle in the coriander powder, turmeric powder, and garam masala. Mix well to coat the vegetables with the spices.
- Add the cooked chickpeas and salt, stirring to combine and coat the chickpeas with the spice mixture.
- Cover the pan and let it simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, garnish with fresh cilantro and drizzle with lemon juice for a burst of freshness.
- Serve hot with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread.
Tips
- For a creamier texture, add a splash of coconut milk during the simmering stage.
- Adjust the level of heat by varying the number of green chilies used.
- Chana Masala pairs beautifully with a side of yogurt to balance the spices.