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Serve up chana masala on Meatless Monday.
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Easy Chana Masala Recipe

Chana Masala is a savory, authentic Indian dish full of healthy ingredients. This curry combines the ease of canned chickpeas and tomatoes with flavorful vegetables, herbs, and spices.

Course Dinner
Cuisine Indian
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 362 kcal
London Brazil

Ingredients

  • 3 cups chickpeas cooked
  • 2 Tbsp. oil avocado or olive
  • 1 small sweet onion finely diced
  • 1-2 green peppers jalapeno or serrano, seeds removed and finely chopped
  • 5 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 2 tsp. ginger paste or finely minced fresh ginger
  • 1 Tbsp. coriander
  • 2 tsp. Garam masala
  • 2 tsp. cumin
  • 1 tsp. turmeric
  • 1 tsp. sugar optional
  • 1 ½ tsp. salt to taste
  • 28 oz. pureed tomatoes canned

Instructions

  1. Add oil to a Dutch oven or large pot along with the diced onion and peppers. Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, or until onion becomes tender. Add the minced garlic and ginger paste and continue sauteing for an additional 30-60 seconds, being careful not to brown them.
  2. Mix in the coriander, Garam masala, cumin, turmeric, sugar, and salt. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, or until the spices become fragrant.
  3. If using canned chickpeas, drain the liquid from the can and reserve 1 cup.
  4. Pour in the pureed tomatoes, chickpeas, and ½ cup of the reserved chickpea liquid. Stir everything together until well combined.
  5. Bring the ingredients to a boil and then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring every 5-10 minutes to prevent burning on the bottom of the pot.
  6. If desired, stir in the remaining reserved chickpea liquid to thin it out.
  7. Serve over a bed of basmati rice with pita bread and enjoy!

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

Meal Prep and Storage

  • To Prep-Ahead: If you opt to cook chickpeas, you can do that a day or two ahead of time.
  • To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 to 5 days.
  • To Freeze: Let the chana masala fully cool before storing it in a freezer-safe container and keep it in the freezer for up to 6 months.
  • To Reheat: Warm this dish back up in a pot on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave.

Nutrition Facts
Easy Chana Masala Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 362 Calories from Fat 117
% Daily Value*
Fat 13g20%
Saturated Fat 2g13%
Trans Fat 0.03g
Polyunsaturated Fat 4g
Monounsaturated Fat 6g
Sodium 1024mg45%
Potassium 1064mg30%
Carbohydrates 52g17%
Fiber 14g58%
Sugar 14g16%
Protein 15g30%
Vitamin A 624IU12%
Vitamin C 68mg82%
Calcium 207mg21%
Iron 9mg50%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.