Chickpea curry, also known as chana masala, is a popular vegetarian and vegan dish in Indian cuisine. It is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is easy to make and can be enjoyed with rice or bread.

The dish is made by cooking chickpeas in a spiced tomato-based sauce with aromatics such as onions, garlic, and ginger. The spices used in the dish can vary depending on the region and personal preference, but typically include cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala.

Chickpeas are a rich source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients such as iron, magnesium, and folate. They are a popular ingredient in many vegetarian and vegan dishes as they provide a meaty texture and can easily be incorporated into a variety of recipes.

Chickpea curry is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit individual tastes. It can be made with different types of chickpeas, such as canned or dried, and can be spiced up or toned down based on personal preference. Additionally, the dish can be made with a variety of vegetables such as potatoes, spinach, or bell peppers to add more nutrition and flavor.

Chickpea curry is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or for entertaining guests. It is a great way to incorporate more plant-based protein into your diet and enjoy the flavors of Indian cuisine.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Begin by draining, washing, and rinsing the chickpeas.
2. Finely chop the onion, cube the potatoes and cut the tomatoes , and set aside.
3. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat, and add the chopped onion. Fry until translucent.
4. Add the ginger and garlic paste, and bay leaf to the pan, and saute until lightly caramelized.
5. Add the chopped tomatoes, cumin powder, Kashmiri chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, coriander powder, salt, and mango powder (if using). Cook until the masala mixture is cooked and the tomatoes have softened and cooked well with the rest of the masala, and the oil starts to separate.
6. Add the chickpeas and cubed potatoes, and stir well to combine. Cook on medium heat for about 10 minutes.
7. Add 1 1/2 cups of water and cook for another 10 minutes or until the potatoes and chickpeas are soft, and the gravy has thickened or reduced to your preferred consistency.

Ingredients Overview:

• Chickpeas: The star ingredient of this dish, chickpeas are a great source of protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients.
• Oil: Any neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil can be used for cooking this dish.
• Onion: A finely chopped onion is sautéed until translucent to form the base of the curry.
• Tomatoes: Chopped tomatoes are used to add a tangy and sweet flavor to the dish.
• Coriander powder: This spice adds a warm and nutty flavor to the dish.
• Cumin powder: Cumin powder is added for its earthy and smoky flavor.
• Kashmiri chilly powder: A mild and less spicy variety of chili powder, it gives the dish a bright red color.
• Turmeric: A key ingredient in Indian cooking, turmeric adds a warm and earthy flavor and gives the dish a vibrant yellow color.
• Garam masala: A blend of spices including cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and cumin, garam masala adds a warm and aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Potatoes: Peeled and chopped potatoes are added to the curry for a creamy and hearty texture.
• Ginger: Fresh ginger is grated or minced and added to the curry for a zesty and aromatic flavor.
• Garlic paste: A combination of minced garlic and oil, garlic paste adds a pungent and savory flavor to the curry.
• Salt: To taste, for seasoning the dish.
• Bay leaf: A single bay leaf adds a subtle and aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Mango powder (optional): Also known as amchur, it adds a tangy and sour flavor to the dish.

These ingredients come together to create a delicious and nutritious chana masala that is perfect for any meal of the day.

Chickpea Curry - Chana Masala As Featured On Youtube

FAQS: Chickpea Curry - Chana Masala

Q: What is chickpea curry?

A: Chickpea curry, also known as chana masala, is a vegetarian or vegan Indian dish made with chickpeas and a variety of spices and herbs.

Q: Is chickpea curry healthy?

A: Yes! Chickpeas are a great source of protein and fiber, and many of the spices used in chickpea curry, such as turmeric and cumin, have been shown to have health benefits.

Q: How spicy is chickpea curry?

A: It depends on the recipe and personal preference! Some recipes may be quite spicy, while others are more mild. You can adjust the spice level by using less or more chili powder, or by adding other ingredients to balance out the heat.

Q: Can I make chickpea curry if I'm not an experienced cook?

A: Absolutely! Chickpea curry is a great dish for beginner cooks, as it generally involves simple ingredients and straightforward techniques.

Q: What are some variations of chickpea curry?

A: There are many variations of chickpea curry depending on the region and individual preferences. Some recipes may include tomatoes, spinach, or other vegetables, while others may use different spice blends.

Q: What should I serve with chickpea curry?

A: Chickpea curry is often served with rice or naan bread, but it can also be enjoyed with other side dishes like roasted vegetables, chutney, or yogurt.

Q: Can I make chickpea curry in advance?

A: Yes! Chickpea curry can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a few days, and can also be frozen for longer storage.

Q: Is chickpea curry gluten-free?

A: Chickpea curry is generally gluten-free, but it's important to check the ingredients in any spices or other ingredients used to make sure they don't contain gluten.

Q: Can I use canned chickpeas for chickpea curry?

A: Yes, canned chickpeas can be used for chickpea curry. Just be sure to drain and rinse them well before using them in the recipe.

Q: What's the best way to reheat leftover chickpea curry?

A: You can reheat leftover chickpea curry on the stove or in the microwave. Just be sure to heat it thoroughly before serving, and add a little water or broth if needed to keep it from drying out.