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–+ servings
Chana masala in a serving dish.

Authentic Chana Masala Recipe

Tressa Jamil
This authentic chana masala recipe is ready and on the table in less than an hour. Serve the tasty, spiced chickpea dish as a main dish or side.
5 from 7 votes
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine Indian, Pakistani
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 68 kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
  
  • 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
  • 1 teaspoon kalonji seeds, plus more for garnish
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 2 green cardamom pods
  • 1-3 green peppers, split lengthwise
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 - inch fresh ginger, minced
  • 1-2 teaspoons salt
  • 1-2 teaspoons Kashmiri chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • 2-3 large Roma tomatoes, pureed
  • 2 cans (15 ounce) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped, plus more to garnish
  • ½ cup water
Instructions
 
  • Warm the ghee or oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add kalonji seeds, cumin seeds, green cardamom pods, and green chiles. Saute until the ingredients sputter.
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the onions and cook until they brown and caramelize, for about 10 minutes. Then, stir in the garlic and ginger; cook for another minute. 
  • Combine salt, Kashmiri chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, and coriander powder in a small bowl. Transfer the ground spices to the pan and saute until it becomes fragrant for about 30 seconds. Stir in the pureed tomatoes and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes.
  • Add the chickpeas, cilantro, and water to the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Sprinkle kalonji seeds over the top and cover the pan with the lid slightly ajar.
  • Lower the heat and maintain a gentle simmer for about 20-30 minutes until the curry reduces.
Notes
Expert Tips
  • If the liquid evaporates before the chickpeas become tender, add more water and continue simmering. Just be sure to taste and season the curry with salt afterward.  
Nutrition Disclosure:
  • The nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 Serving | Calories: 68 kcal | Carbohydrates: 5 g | Protein: 1 g | Fat: 5 g | Saturated Fat: 3 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2 g | Cholesterol: 13 mg | Sodium: 398 mg | Potassium: 151 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 2 g | Vitamin A: 439 IU | Vitamin C: 21 mg | Calcium: 20 mg | Iron: 1 mg
Did you make this recipe? Let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and follow @thejamilghar or tag #thejamilghar on Instagram!