Chana masala recipe - North Indian style chickpea curry recipe

Chana masala North Indian style recipe - Chana masala is a side dish for rotis, parathas and rice. White chickpea or kabuli chana and tomato are the main ingredients of this dish. However, you can adjust the other ingredients according to your taste. This is a simple and easy dish to prepare with instant chana masala powder. Chana masala powder is available in all Indian grocery stores. I have used MDH chana masala and it is very aromatic. Once you pressure cook the chanas, your half the work is done.

Chana Masala Recipe

Prep time : 15  mins  + soaking time  
Cook time : 30  mins    
Total time : 45 mins
Recipe type  Main course
Cuisine : North Indian  
Serves : 4
Author : Vidya Chandrahas

Ingredients 

• 1 cup kabuli chana / white chickpea
• 4 small sized onions, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic / lasun, chopped
• 1 heaped tsp chana masala (MDH)
• 1/2 tsp chilli powder
• 1/4 tsp turemric powder
• Salt as required

Grind to paste

• 2 tomatoes
• 1 green chilli
• 1/4 inch ginger, peeled

For the tempering

• 2 tbsp oil
• 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/4 tsp asafoetida powder / hing

Method

1. Wash and soak the chana for about 8 - 10 hours. Drain water and add sufficient water to it. 
2. Pressure cook the chana and take 3-4 whistles and then on a low flame for about 5-6 minutes. The cooked chana should be soft and mashable.
3. In the meantime, grind the tomatoes, green chilli and ginger together to a smooth paste and set aside. 
4. Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds to it. When they starts spluttering, add cumin seeds and asafoetida powder. 
5. When it releases nice fragrance, add the onion and garlic. Saute till the onions are translucent. Add the chilli powder and turmeric powder. Saute for a while. 
6. Now add the above prepared paste and saute on medium flame till oil oozes out. Then add the boiled chana along with stock, chana masala and salt, mix well. Add more water if required. 
7. Bring this masala to boil on medium flame. When it is done, remove from the flame, add the chopped coriander leaves and mix well. 
8. Serve the chana masala hot with roti, chapathi, paratha, naan and rice.