Chana Masala

I have been attempting to replicate my favorite indian meal for so long! Chana masala is a spicy tasty meal that I usually order when I’m at an indian restaurant. The tomato based sauce with the tender soft chickpeas seemed easy enough, but the spices are what makes it difficult!

I’m still perfecting this recipe, but this is the base. I suggest tasting and adding each of the spices until you reach the right combination. The flavor combination is awesome so you really can’t go wrong. Try this for your next weekend lunch, I paired mine with a small pita and a pat of smart balance.

Chana Masala
1 can of tomato sauce (14.5 oz)
2 cups of chickpeas
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 small onion, diced
1 & 1/4 teaspoons of cumin seed
1 & 1/4 teaspoons of coriander seeds
1 teaspoon of turmeric
1/2 teaspoon (or more to taste) garam masala
1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon of dried ginger
1/2 teaspoon of paprika
1 tablespoon of lime juice
salt
canola oil/ghee

Set a tablespoon or so of canola oil (or ghee) over medium high heat. Saute onions and bell pepper until tender. Add tomato sauce and seasonings and saute over low heat for about 6 minutes. Then add chickpeas and simmer until the chickpeas are tender (I used soaked chickpeas so it took a while). Then I swirled lime juice in at the end. Yum and filling!

Other posts you may enjoy:

1. Potato-Chickpea Curry
2. Simple Sustenance- Potato Curry
3. Curried Carrot Lentil Stew
4. Curry Cuisine
5. Veggie Tagine