Chana Masala — a flavorful North Indian curry made with chickpeas simmered in a spiced onion-tomato gravy. Rich, aromatic, and full of protein, this delicious chole-style curry pairs wonderfully with bhature, puri, roti, or steamed basmati rice.
2 weeks ago
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
35 min
Servings
4–5 People
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
For the Gravy
Spices & Seasoning
Garnish
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories220
Total Fat8 g
Carbohydrates28 g
Protein9 g
Fiber6 g
*Approximate values; may vary depending on oil and ingredients used.
Instructions
1Soak chickpeas overnight in plenty of water. Drain and rinse them the next day.
2Pressure cook soaked chickpeas with 3 cups water and salt for 5–6 whistles or until soft. Set aside.
3Heat oil in a pan. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
4Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for 30 seconds till raw aroma disappears.
5Add pureed tomatoes and cook till oil starts separating from the masala.
6Now add turmeric, red chilli powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and salt. Mix and cook for 1–2 minutes.
7Add boiled chickpeas along with 1½ cups of the boiled water. Stir well and simmer for 10–12 minutes on medium heat until thickened.
8Add garam masala, amchur, and adjust salt. Simmer another 2–3 minutes.
9Garnish with chopped coriander and serve hot with bhature, poori, or steamed rice.
Storage Tips
1Store leftover chana masala in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2Reheat with a splash of water before serving to restore consistency.
3You can also freeze it in small portions for up to a month — thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Pro Tips
1For deeper flavor, add a tea bag while boiling chickpeas — it gives a rich dark color to the gravy.
2Use freshly ground spices or homemade chole masala for authentic Punjabi taste.
3Cook the onion-tomato base till the oil separates — that’s the secret to rich flavor.
4Add a dollop of butter or a dash of kasuri methi for a restaurant-style touch.