Spiced Chickpea Curry

Spiced Chickpea Curry vegetarian recipe

This Spiced Chickpea Curry, or Chana Masala, is a weeknight staple. It's packed with flavor and comes together super fast for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

  • 2 medium onions
  • 2 medium tomatoes
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 0.5 inch fresh ginger
  • 400 grams canned chickpeas
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 0.5 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 0.25 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 0.5 teaspoon garam masala
  • 0.5 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 cup water
  • 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Peel and finely dice 2 medium onions.
  2. Wash and finely chop 2 medium tomatoes.
  3. Peel 3 cloves garlic and finely chop them. Peel 0.5 inch fresh ginger and grate it.
  4. Drain and rinse 400 grams canned chickpeas thoroughly.
  5. Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large pan or pot over medium heat.
  6. Add 0.5 teaspoon cumin seeds to the hot oil and let them sizzle for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Add the finely diced 2 medium onions to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until they turn soft and translucent.
  8. Add the finely chopped 3 cloves garlic and grated 0.5 inch fresh ginger to the pan. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  9. Stir in 0.25 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 0.5 teaspoon garam masala, and 0.5 teaspoon red chili powder. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until the spices are aromatic.
  10. Add the finely chopped 2 medium tomatoes to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until the tomatoes soften and break down, and the oil starts to separate from the mixture.
  11. Stir in the drained and rinsed 400 grams canned chickpeas and 0.25 teaspoon salt. Mix well to coat the chickpeas with the spice mixture.
  12. Pour in 0.25 cup water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  13. Remove the lid and gently mash a few chickpeas with the back of a spoon to thicken the curry slightly. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
  14. Wash and chop 0.25 cup fresh cilantro. Stir half of the fresh cilantro into the curry.
  15. Serve the Spiced Chickpea Curry hot, garnished with the remaining 0.125 cup fresh cilantro.

View the interactive Spiced Chickpea Curry recipe