Delicious plate of Chana Masala garnished with cilantro and served with rice.

Chana Masala

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Chickpea spices bring warmth and depth to your meals. This dish is not only flavorful but also packed with protein and nutrients, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a healthy and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend gathering.

How to Make Chickpea Spices

Ingredients :

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion (chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander
  • ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper
  • 2 garlic cloves (grated)
  • ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • Heaping 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes
  • 3 cups cooked chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
  • ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro (plus more for serving)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (plus more for serving)
  • Cooked brown rice or white rice
  • Whole milk Greek yogurt (for serving)

Directions :

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 8 minutes, stirring often, until the onion is soft and well browned.
  2. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the cumin seeds, garam masala, coriander, turmeric, cardamom, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Stir and cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the garlic, ginger, salt, and ¼ cup of the water.
  4. Add the tomatoes, breaking them apart with your hands as you add them or crushing them with a wooden spoon in the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
  5. Add the chickpeas and the remaining ¼ cup water. Stir and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick.
  6. Stir in the cilantro and lemon juice.
  7. Serve over rice with dollops of Greek yogurt, additional cilantro, and more lemon juice if desired.

How to Serve Chickpea Spices

Serve Chickpea Spices over a bed of warm rice. Add a generous dollop of Greek yogurt on top for creaminess. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor. This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or some warm naan bread.

How to Store Chickpea Spices

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for up to three days. To reheat, simply place the chickpeas in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also add a splash of water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.

Tips to Make Chickpea Spices

  • Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. If you prefer more heat, add more cayenne pepper.
  • Use fresh herbs for the best flavor. Cilantro can be replaced with parsley if you prefer a different taste.
  • If you have time, let the dish sit for a while after cooking. The flavors will meld even better.
  • Canned chickpeas save time, but you can also use dried chickpeas. Just make sure to soak and cook them beforehand.

Variation

You can easily turn this dish into a vegetarian curry by adding vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just toss them in with the chickpeas and let them cook until tender.

FAQs

1. Can I freeze Chickpea Spices?
Yes, you can freeze this dish! Just let it cool completely and store it in an airtight container. It will last for up to three months in the freezer.

2. Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, Chickpea Spices are completely vegan, making it a great option for plant-based diets.

3. Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Absolutely! If using dried chickpeas, please soak them overnight and cook until tender before adding them to the recipe.