Chana Masala (Chickpea Curry) with Tomatoes and Spices

A classic North Indian chickpea curry with tomatoes, onions, and a blend of aromatic spices. A hearty and flavorful vegetarian dish.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Total Time

45 minutes

Calories

450 kcal

Difficulty

Easy

Equipment

2 items

Cost

£0.57/serving

Season:

Meal Type:

Cuisine:

Main Ingredient:

Mood:

Ingredients

Servings

1cupDried Chickpeas(Soaked overnight and cooked until tender, or use 2 cans (15 oz each) drained and rinsed.)

£0.35

1mediumOnion(Finely chopped)

£0.30

2mediumTomatoes(Finely chopped or 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained)

£0.50

1tablespoonGinger(Grated or finely minced)

£0.15

2clovesGarlic(Minced)

£0.10

2tablespoonsGhee or Vegetable Oil(For sautéing)

£0.15

1teaspoonCumin Seeds

£0.05

2teaspoonsCoriander Powder

£0.05

0.5teaspoonTurmeric Powder

£0.03

1teaspoonGaram Masala

£0.08

4.5teaspoonChili Powder or Cayenne Pepper(Adjust to taste)

£0.02

0.5teaspoonAmchur (Dry Mango Powder)(Optional, adds tanginess)

£0.10

To tasteSalt

£0.01

1cupsWater(Adjust for desired consistency)

2tablespoonsFresh Cilantro(Chopped, for garnish)

£0.30

1tablespoonLemon Juice(Optional, to add a fresh flavor)

£0.10

Total Cost

£2.29

£0.57 per serving

Instructions

1.
If using dried chickpeas, soak them in water overnight. Drain and cook in a pot of boiling water until tender (about 1-1.5 hours). Alternatively, use canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed.
2.
Heat ghee or oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
3.
Add chopped onion and sauté until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
4.
Add grated ginger and minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
5.
Add chopped tomatoes (or canned diced tomatoes) and cook until they soften and release their juices, about 5-7 minutes.
6.
Add coriander powder, turmeric powder, chili powder (or cayenne pepper), and salt. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to prevent burning.
7.
Add the cooked chickpeas to the pot. Stir well to coat them with the spice mixture.
8.
Add 1-2 cups of water, depending on the desired consistency of the curry. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
9.
Stir in garam masala and amchur powder (if using). Taste and adjust salt if needed.
10.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice (optional).
11.
Serve hot with rice, roti, or naan bread.

Buy ingredients on Loop

My Notes

Nutrition Information

Nutrition per serving (300g)

450 kcal / 1883 kJ

Carbs

55g

21% of RDA

Fat

20g

29% of RDA

Protein

20g

40% of RDA

Detailed Breakdown

Fibre

15 g

50% of RDA

Sugar

10 g

11% of RDA

Sodium

400 mg

17% of RDA

Saturated Fat

8 g

40% of RDA

Chef's Tips

For a richer flavor, you can use a pressure cooker to cook the chickpeas. It significantly reduces the cooking time.

If you don't have amchur powder, you can use a squeeze of lemon juice or a small piece of dried tamarind to add tanginess.

Adjust the amount of chili powder or cayenne pepper to your preference for spice level.

You can add other vegetables to the curry, such as potatoes or spinach.

For a smoother sauce, you can blend a portion of the cooked chickpeas with a little bit of the curry gravy and then add it back to the pot.

Cooking Equipment

Large pot or Dutch oven

Skillet or frying pan

Wine Pairings

No wine pairing suggestions available for this recipe.

Share recipe

Loading recipe...

Chef's Tips

For a richer flavor, you can use a pressure cooker to cook the chickpeas. It significantly reduces the cooking time.

If you don't have amchur powder, you can use a squeeze of lemon juice or a small piece of dried tamarind to add tanginess.

Adjust the amount of chili powder or cayenne pepper to your preference for spice level.

You can add other vegetables to the curry, such as potatoes or spinach.

For a smoother sauce, you can blend a portion of the cooked chickpeas with a little bit of the curry gravy and then add it back to the pot.

Chana Masala (Chickpea Curry) with Tomatoes and Spices

Ingredients

Instructions