Chana Masala Authentic chickpea recipe

"Make authentic Chana Masala—chickpeas simmered in a spiced onion-tomato gravy with garlic, ginger, and warm Indian spices. A hearty vegan curry classic."

Chana Masala

Chana Masala is one of the most beloved easy cooking recipe in Indian cuisine—a rich, aromatic chickpea curry infused with traditional spices and deep flavours. Whether you're preparing a cosy meal at home or impressing guests, this recipe ensures that the chickpeas soak up all the deliciousness of the masala while maintaining their tender texture.

Ingredients Of Chana Masala:

For the Chickpeas:

1 cup dried chickpeas (or 2 cups canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained)

For the Masala Base:

• 2 medium onions, finely chopped
• 3 medium tomatoes, pureed
• 2 green chillies, slit lengthwise
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 2 tbsp oil or ghee
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chilli powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp amchur (dry mango powder) or lemon juice 
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the Chickpeas

• If using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight in water to soften them. Drain and pressure cook in fresh water with a pinch of salt until tender but not mushy.
• If using canned chickpeas, rinse and drain them.

Step 2: Sauté the Base

• Heat oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat.
• Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle to release their nutty aroma. This releases their nutty, earthy aroma and enhances the dish's overall depth of Indian taste.
• Stir in chopped onions and cook until golden brown. Next, add chopped onions, stirring them occasionally until they turn golden brown. This step is crucial because well-cooked onions add both sweetness and body to the gravy.

Step 3: Add Aromatics

• Add ginger-garlic paste and finely chopped green chillies to the pan. Cook this mixture for 1-2 minutes, Stir in chopped onions and cook until golden brown.

Step 4: Spice it Up

• Sprinkle in turmeric (which adds warmth and colour), red chilli powder (for heat), and coriander powder (which brings earthy undertones).
• Stir everything well, making sure the spices coat the onions evenly.

Step 5: Tomato Time

• Pour in tomato fresh or puree, stirring it into the mixture. Let it cook down until the oil starts to separate from the masala, indicating that the tomatoes have fully broken down and released their sweetness.

Step 6: Combine Chickpeas

• Add cooked chickpeas. Toss them into the pan, along with a little of their cooking water if you used dried chickpeas.
• Let them simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. As they cook, they soak up the rich gravy, ensuring every bite is infused with deep, aromatic goodness.

Step 7: Finish with Flavour

• To give the curry its final burst of magic, sprinkle garam masala and amchur powder (which is dried mango powder). If you don’t have amchur (dry mango) powder, a squeeze of lemon juice does the trick!
• Adjust the salt, tasting as you go. This ensures that every layer of flavour is properly balanced.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

• Our chickpea curry is now ready to be served now ! Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves, which add brightness and a pop of colour. Pair it with steaming hot rice, naan, or roti, letting every bite bring comfort and satisfaction.

Chana masala is a popular North Indian dish made primarily with chickpeas (chana), tomatoes, onions, and a blend of spices. Its nutritional value can vary based on the recipe, but here’s a general breakdown for a typical serving (about 1 cup or 200-250g of homemade chana masala):

Chana Masala

Authentic Chana Masala is a hearty North Indian curry made with chickpeas simmered in a spiced onion-tomato gravy—vegan, protein-rich, and full of bold flavour.

Nutritional Value of Chana Masala (Per Serving)

Nutrient                                 Amount (Approx.)

Calories                                          250-350 kcal

Protein                                           10-15g

Carbohydrates                              35-45g

Dietary Fibre                                8-12g

Sugars                                            5-8g

Fat                                                  6-10g

Saturated Fat                               1-2g

Monounsaturated Fat                2-3g

Polyunsaturated Fat                  1-2g

Cholesterol                                  0mg     

Sodium                                                   400-800mg (varies)

Potassium                                               400-600mg

Iron                                                         3-4mg (15-20% DV)

Calcium                                                 60-80mg (6-8% DV)

Vitamin C                                             0-20mg (15-25% DV)

Key Nutritional Benefits:

1. High in Plant-Based Protein – Chickpeas provide a good amount of protein, making it a great option for vegetarians and vegans.
2. Rich in Fibre – Supports digestion and helps maintain blood sugar levels.
3. Low in Saturated Fat – Heart-healthy when prepared with minimal oil/ghee.
4. Good Source of Iron & Folate – Important for energy and red blood cell production.
5. Contains Antioxidants – Spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander have anti-inflammatory properties. 

"Chana Masala is a beloved North Indian curry made with tender chickpeas cooked in a rich onion-tomato base, infused with ginger, garlic, and aromatic spices. It’s vegan, protein-packed, and perfect with rice or flatbread."