Description
Talk about a 30 minute meal you’ll want to make ASAP. This easy recipe comes together in a cinch and uses few ingredients (but ok, lots of spices). It’s also easy on the wallet. This recipe boasts an amazing and unique flavor. Chana Masala makes for a great vegetarian main course or side dish. Serve with rice and/or homemade naan. Yes, homemade is simple and really completes the meal). See Notes below for another naan option.
Adapted from my friend Yamini’s recipe
*Vegetarian* *Vegan* (Possibly Gluten Free?)
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (or canola oil)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (depending on how spicy you like your eats)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 2 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped, about 1/2 cup (or sub canned)
- 1 – 1 1/2 cup water
- 2 15-ounce cans chick peas, rinsed and drained
- 1 teaspoon garam masala (should be available in most grocery stores)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- black pepper, if needed
Instructions
- Pre-heat a medium sauce pan to medium heat. Add oil to pan. Add onion and cook until onion is translucent and just browning, about 5-6 minutes. Add garlic and cook for one minute, or until garlic is fragrant.
- Stir in coriander, cumin, cayenne, turmeric, and salt.
- Stir in water and tomatoes and cook until tomatoes are soft, stirring occasionally, about 5-6 minutes.
- Using an immersion blender (or stand blender), blend tomato mixture until blended well. Add extra water, if needed.
- Add chick peas to tomato mixture and stir to combine. Bring mixture to a boil and then reduce heat to simmer. Stir in garam masala and additional salt or pepper, to taste, if needed. Simmer chick peas and sauce for 10 minutes.
- Serve chana masala with rice and/or naan.
Notes
Serves: 4. But even if you’re only feeding less, make the whole batch. This makes for wonderful leftovers that re-heat great the next day.
If you have the time, homemade naan can’t be beaten. But, if you need a hand, Trader Joe’s has great frozen naan. It’s available in two flavors: tandoori and garlic. And, it heats up in only 1 1/2 minutes in the oven. Not too shabby, TJs!
