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    YOU ARE HERE: HOME » 30-Minutes or Less!

    Nov 14, 2019 | 3 Comments | THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. THIS BLOG GENERATES INCOME VIA ADS.

    Instant Chana Masala (Chickpea Curry)

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    The first time I had Hubby Dear over at my place for dinner, I hate to admit it, but he was one of those, “I’m in the neighbourhood and I think it’ll be super fun if I drop by for some dinner cooked by you!“. We had just started seeing each other a few months ago. He was in town on some work and thought that instead of meeting up somewhere, it would be great if I cooked him a meal. Now, mind you, this was a time where I didn’t feel much at home in the kitchen. I was used to cooking, yes, but had never really cooked for anyone - other than my best friends back in college, and truth be told, I never really cared what they thought of it. But Hubby Dear, now this was BIG! This guy actually wanted me to cook for him, and that meant he had no idea what he was getting into.

    Recipe for Chana Masala (Chickpea Curry), taken from www.hookedonheat.com. Visit site for detailed recipe.

    Not wanting to creep him out, I had no choice but to say yes, and curse myself later. There was no time to stop by the supermarket - whatever I was going to make had to come from what I already had in my tiny kitchen. Being a student, with almost empty pockets at the time, didn’t allow me to have an overstocked pantry. All I found, that I actually thought I could use, was a can of chickpeas. Perfect! Canned chickpeas are one of the simplest and quickest ingredients to cook with, and seasoned with the perfect spice blend, they were undoubtedly delicious as well.

    With limited time left before he rang the doorbell, I started to get to work. As I quickly chopped and stirred, slightly more calm and collected than I was a mere few minutes ago, I went into my spice rack to pick out my most trusted ally, the Chana Masala powder. And lo and behold, just like Murphy always said, I was out of it! Today, that would not be any cause for panic, but a few years ago when I had not yet experienced much of my culinary capabilities, I was in for a disaster. But he was on his way, and I no choice but to improvise.

    Cut to 15 years later, he still requests Chana Masala for dinner every few weeks. So you could say that dinner didn’t turn out too bad!

    Recipe for Chana Masala (Chickpea Curry), taken from www.hookedonheat.com. Visit site for detailed recipe.
    Print Recipe

    Chana Masala (Chickpea Curry)

    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time15 mins
    Total Time25 mins
    Servings: 4
    Author: Meena, www.hookedonheat.com

    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoon light cooking oil
    • 1 cinnamon stick
    • 1 whole black cardamom
    • 1 teaspoon whole cumin seeds
    • 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
    • 1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger
    • 1 medium onion finely chopped
    • ½ teaspoon red chilli powder
    • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
    • 1 tablespoon coriander powder
    • 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
    • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
    • salt, to taste
    • 2 medium tomatoes finely chopped
    • 1 can chickpeas rinsed and drained
    • a handful of fresh cilantro leaves roughly chopped
    • a squeeze of fresh lemon juice

    Instructions

    • Heat oil in a deep pan and sauté cinnamon stick, whole black cardamom and cumin seeds till it starts to sizzle. Add in garlic, ginger and onions, and stir-fry for a few minutes till the
      onions start to soften and lightly brown.
    • Stir in the spices, tomato paste and salt, and fry for a few seconds to mix well. Add in the tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes till the tomatoes soften and start to pulp.
    • Stir in the rinsed chickpeas with about half a cup of water and cook covered for 8-10 minutes.
    • Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice and serve warm.

    If you like this recipe, then you will surely like my Rajma.

    Tried this recipe? Leave a Comment and let me know, also Rate it by clicking the number of stars on the recipe card. Want to share your version with me? Tag me on Instagram @hookedonheat

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    Filed Under: 30-Minutes or Less!, Gluten-free, Recent Posts, Recipes: Beans/Lentils, Vegan, Vegetarian

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Prema says

      April 25, 2020 at 8:46 am

      5 stars
      Just made this dish for the first time and am so in love with the flavours. It is the best Chana Masala I have ever had. Thanks so much for a great (and easy) recipe. Myself and my husband really enjoyed it. Will definitely be making it again.

      Reply
    2. Eslina says

      November 16, 2019 at 4:15 am

      5 stars
      OMG! I love this dish! And now I know the secret ingredients on how to cook it myself!!! Yay!!! Thank you Meena!

      Reply
    3. Nidhi Bajra says

      November 14, 2019 at 5:29 pm

      5 stars
      I love reading the stories behind all your recipes which definately taste the best. You are awesome Meenakshi

      Reply

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