Name: Chana Masala
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: . Base 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 cayenne pepper; 2 cloves garlic (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); as needed Cooked brown rice or white rice (for serving); as needed Whole milk Greek yogurt (for serving)

Welcome to the vibrant world of Chana Masala! This hearty, flavorful dish is packed with spices and wholesome ingredients, making it a favorite in many kitchens. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Cooking Tips

This part’s so satisfying; the aromas will fill your kitchen and make everyone curious about dinner!

Serving Suggestions

Pair this dish with rice and a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast!

Ingredients

Instructions

Cooking the Onion:
Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 8 minutes, stirring often, or until soft and well browned.
Adding Spices:
Step 2

Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the cumin seeds, garam masala, coriander, turmeric, cardamom, and a pinch of cayenne. Stir and cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Stir in the garlic, ginger, salt, and ¼ cup of the water.
Creating the Sauce:
Step 3

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. Add the chickpeas and the remaining ¼ cup water, stir, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until thick. Stir in the cilantro and lemon juice.
Serving:
Step 4

Serve over rice with dollops of Greek yogurt, more cilantro, and more lemon juice, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 350, Fat: 10g, Carbs: 50g, Protein: 15g

Cooking techniques

Sauteing the onion and spices brings out their flavors beautifully, while simmering the sauce allows all the ingredients to meld together.

Variations or substitutions

You can use canned chickpeas for convenience or try adding spinach for extra greens. Adjust spices to your preference!

Storage tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the spice levels to suit your taste. This dish is naturally vegan!