The strong, tangy, and deeply fulfilling Chana Masala is the essence of North Indian comfort cuisine. This particular recipe eliminates the waiting step of soaking chickpeas without compromising flavour or creaminess, unlike conventional recipes that ask for soaking them overnight. You can make a fragrant and spicy chana masala in under an hour by using dry chickpeas and pressure-boiling them directly. A thick, masala-laden sauce is made by slowly sautéing onions, tomatoes, and spices; this is the key element. For those hectic weeknights, unexpected visitors, or sudden chana cravings, try this chana masala dish, finished with kasuri methi and a splash of lemon, which you can serve with rice, roti, and a simple salad.
For dry chickpeas, throw them in a pressure cooker with 3 cups of water and a dash of salt. Cook for 20–25 minutes on high heat until tender.
Description - Step 2
Sauté Aromatics
Warm up some oil in a sturdy pan. Add cumin seeds and a bay leaf, allowing them to sizzle for 30 seconds. Add chopped onions and cook until they achieve a beautiful golden-brown hue.
Description - Step 3
Build the Masala
Add the green chilli and ginger-garlic mixture and cook for 1 minute. Mix in the tomato purée, all of the spice powders, and the salt. Sauté until the oil separates for a rich-smelling masala.
Description - Step 4
Simmer with Chickpeas
Throw in the chickpeas and 1-2 cups of water. Mash some chickpeas with the back of a spoon to make a creamy gravy while simmering over medium heat. Whisk in the kasuri methi.
Description - Step 5
Finish & Serve
Add a splash of lemon juice and a handful of fresh coriander for a burst of flavour. Turn off the heat and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving to enhance the flavour.
Yes, you can! If you're short on time but still want a creamy chana masala, use canned chickpeas or pressure-boil dried chickpeas straight.
Yes, Chana Masala is quite healthy because it contains a lot of fibre, protein, and healthy spices. For a well-balanced meal, serve it with brown rice or whole wheat roti.
Raw chickpeas have a more natural flavour but take more time to prepare, while canned chickpeas are convenient and ready to use right away.