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Traditional Chana Masala

2022-10-31

By Spices Prince

Indian Cuisine

Main Course

3 Easy Ways to Make Flavorful Butter Chicken: Instant Pot, Slow Cooker, and Air Fryer

Instant Pot Butter Chicken: Quick, Tender, and Flavorful in Just 8 Minutes

Use the "Sauté" function to cook your onions, tomatoes, and spices for a rich base, then add your soaked chickpeas and water or broth. Switch to "Pressure Cook" mode for 25 minutes to get tender chickpeas and a flavorful curry with minimal prep.

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: Effortless, Rich, and Tender with Perfect Flavor

Add your soaked chickpeas, tomatoes, onion, garlic, and spices to the slow cooker, and let it simmer on low for 6-8 hours. This slow cooking method deepens the flavors, creating a perfect, hearty stew without much hands-on effort.

Crispy Butter Chicken Made Easy: Air Fryer Recipe for a Juicy, Flavorful Meal

For a crispy twist, toss chickpeas in oil and spices, then air fry at 375°F for 12-15 minutes until crispy. Add the crispy chickpeas to a cooked curry sauce made on the stovetop or induction cooktop for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Tips and Suggestions on Chana Masala

Getting the seasoning right

Chana Masala should have a blend of spices and flavors that complement the chickpeas. To ensure the right balance of spices, use fresh and good quality whole spices and grind them just before cooking, allow our article to make its case Enhance the Flavor.

Achieving the right texture

The chickpeas should be cooked until they are tender but not mushy. Soak the chickpeas for at least 6-8 hours before cooking and check for the doneness by pressing them between your fingers.

Balancing the acidity

Chana Masala has a tangy and slightly sour taste due to the addition of tomatoes or amchur powder (dried mango powder). Balancing the acidity can be a challenge, but you can do this by adding a pinch of sugar or honey to the dish.

Adding extra flavors

For added flavor and texture, you can add ingredients like roasted cumin powder, dry fenugreek leaves, or ghee towards the end of cooking.

Adjusting the consistency

Chana Masala should have a thick and slightly creamy gravy. To achieve this, you can add water or reduce the gravy to the desired consistency.

Classic Chana Masala Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 can of chickpeas
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
  • 2 green chillies, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
  2. Add chopped onion and green chillies. Cook until onion turns translucent.
  3. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn mushy.
  4. Add coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder and salt. Mix well.
  5. Drain and rinse chickpeas. Add them to the pan and mix gently.
  6. Cook for 10 minutes on medium flame. Add water if the mixture is too dry.
  7. Add garam masala powder and chopped coriander leaves. Mix well and cook for 5 more minutes.
  8. Serve hot with rice or roti.

Cooking Time

Preparation Time 20 min

Cook Time 30 min

Total time 50 min

Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 250
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 10 g
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Protein: 10 g

Variations for Chana Masala

Mango Chana Masala-Rösti

This version is made by combining spiced chickpeas with crispy rösti and a drizzle of sweet honey mango, creating a delightful fusion dish.

Honey Mango Chana Masala-Rösti

Coconut Chickpea Curry

This version is made by simmering chickpeas in a rich coconut milk sauce with Thai spices, resulting in a creamy, flavorful curry.

Thai Coconut Chickpea Curry

Potato Chana Masala

This version is made by adding tender sweet potatoes to the classic chana masala, enhancing the dish with natural sweetness and vibrant flavors.

Sweet Potato Chana Masala

Apple Chickpea Curry

This version is made by incorporating diced apples into a spiced chickpea curry, offering a unique, fruity twist that balances sweetness and spice.

Apple Chickpea Curry

Pineapple chana masala

This version is made by featuring juicy pineapple in the traditional chana masala, creating a refreshing and tangy contrast to the spiced chickpeas.

Pineapple chana masala

Chana Masala with Coconut Milk

This version is made by blending creamy coconut milk into the classic chickpea curry, resulting in a luscious texture and rich flavor profile.

Creamy Chana Masala with Coconut Milk

Punjabi Kadhi Pakora

This version is made by preparing a tangy yogurt-based curry with crispy gram flour fritters, delivering comforting flavors typical of Punjabi cuisine.

Kadhi Recipe | Punjabi Kadhi Pakora

Squash Curry with Chickpeas

This version is made by incorporating roasted butternut squash into a chickpea curry, lending a sweet and nutty flavor that elevates the dish beautifully.

Butternut Squash Curry with Chickpeas

Chana Masala Recipe Review

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