Indian Chana Masala – Aromatic Curried Chickpeas
Indian Chana Masala – Aromatic Curried Chickpeas
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Quick & Easy Curried Chickpea Recipe - Ready in Just 30 Minutes!
Chana Masala is a must order dish at an Indian restaurant. Aromatic curry with chickpeas cooked with tomatoes, spices, coriander and coconut milk! A super delicious and heathy vegetarian dish.
Indian Mini Series
This month we are celebrating a different cuisine every week at Chilli & Life. The first two weeks of the April saw us cooking and celebrating Nigerian Cuisine and French Cuisine due to my heritage and where I live. This week it is all about Indian Food!
If you missed the first two recipes of the series be sure to check out my Creamy Chicken Korma Recipe and Spicy Butter King Prawns!
I love Indian food because I am a sauce girl! Anything that has sauce that I can drench my carb of choice in is alway going to peak my interest!
Indian food is spicy, aromatic and saucy! It is perfect for sharing and just what you want on a rainy Friday night in! Let me know what your favourite Indian dish is in the comments!
What Is Chana Masala?
Chana Masala literally means ‘mix spiced small chickpeas’. It originates from the Indian subcontinent. The main ingredient is of course chickpeas, a specific variety called chana. The chickpeas are then cooked in spices, herbs, tomatoes and sometimes cream or coconut milk.
My version is my take on my old local Indian takeaways which was super yummy! It was spicy, creamy and cooked in spices, coconut milk and finished with my favourite herb coriander!
What Do I Need?
Making this curry with chickpeas is super quick and easy to make and all you need is a few key Indian spices, fresh ingredients and herbs.
- Chickpeas – I use jarred chickpeas for quicker cooking for this quick and easy recipe.
- Onion – Brown onions are best as they are not too sweet.
- Fresh Tomatoes – Use some good quality ripe and ready red tomatoes
- Ginger & Garlic – This classic combination is in almost all Indian recipes.
- Coconut Milk – Makes the chickpeas super creamy and a little sweet.
- Coconut Flour – This will add more coconut flavour and thicken up the chickpeas.
- Curry – The classic blend of Indian spices.
- Garam Masala, Chilli Powder & Paprika – To add fragrance, spice and a little smoky flavour.
- Ground Coriander & Cumin – These ground spices are super fragrant and very complimentary together.
- Fresh coriander – Finish of the Chana Masala with some fresh and fragrant coriander.
Tips & Tricks For Cooking Curry With Chickpeas
- Use canned or jarred chickpeas to save time and have the meal ready in a rush.
- Prep and prepare all ingredients in advance and separate into separate bowls.
- use a wide mouthed lidded frying pan for easier and faster cooking.
- For extra heat use fresh chillies as well.
Chana Masala Serving Suggestions –
Chana Masala is a great main or side dish. I love having a full on Indian night and making a couple of my favourite curries and pilling everything on my plate and mixing and matching!
Try my Super Creamy Chicken Korma Recipe; or
My Velvety Smooth & Indulgent Butter Prawns!
Pair all of the above with some Fluffy Basmati Rice and some garlic naan bread.
Chana Masala – Curried Chickpeas
Equipment
- Sharp knife
- Chopping board
- Wide Lidded Frying Pan
- Silicone spatula
- Garlic Presse
Ingredients
- 400 g chickpeas
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 2 tomatoes
- 1 brown onion
- 4 garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp ginger minced
- 125 ml coconut milk
- 1 tsp coconut flour
- 1½ tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 1 tsp chilli powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp ground coriander
- ¼ tsp cumin
- ¼ cup chopped coriander
- 1 cup spinach optional
Instructions
- Dice the onions and tomatoes and set aside in bowls.
- Heat the coconut oil in the pan and add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and ginger and sauté for 2 more minutes or until fragrant.
- Add the tomatoes add some salt and pepper stir and allow the tomatoes to release juice.
- Add the ground spices and stir before adding the chickpeas. Mix to combine the ingredients.
- Once combined add the coconut milk and flour, stir and cover.
- Once the curry is boiling turn down to low to simmer for about 15-20 mins. Stir every 5 mins to ensure its not sticking and add water if necessary.
- During the last 5 minutes add the washed spinach if using and the coriander stir and recover. Once 5 minutes is up the curry is ready!
Did you try this Curry with Chickpeas Recipe?
Got any questions? Ask away! I’m here to help! If you loved this recipe, I hope you’ll leave a comment and rating below! Let me know how it turned out for you and share it on social media. Don’t forget to tag us at @chilliandlife and hashtag it #chilliandlife ! I’ll be sure to share it!
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