Chana Masala, also known as chana chole masala, is a flavorful and protein-rich dish made with chickpeas, aromatic spices, and a rich tomato-based gravy. This traditional North Indian chana curry is a staple in many households and is often enjoyed with rice or Indian bread. Learning how to make chana masala at home ensures you get a fresh, authentic taste, free from preservatives.
The chana masala recipe varies by region, but the common ingredients in chana masala include chickpeas, onions, tomatoes, chana masala powder, and a blend of spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala. If you want to make chana masala at home, using high-quality chole chana masala powder can elevate the dish’s taste and aroma.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Chana Masala
Here’s a list of the delicious chana masala:
- 1 cup dried chickpeas (or 2 cups canned chickpeas)
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 tablespoon chana masala powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1/2 cup water
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
How to Prepare Chana Masala – Step by Step
- Soak the dried chickpeas overnight. Drain and cook in a pressure cooker until soft.
- Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds, and let them splutter.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown
- Mix in ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute
- Add tomato puree and cook until the oil separates.
- Stir in turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and chana masala powder.
- Add the cooked chickpeas and mix well.
- Pour water and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until the flavors blend.
- Finish with garam masala and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
- Serve hot with rice, roti, or naan..
Substitutes for Chana Masala Ingredients
If you don’t have all the chana masala ingredients, here are some alternatives:
- Replace chana masala powder with a mix of garam masala and ground cumin.
- Use canned chickpeas instead of dried ones for a quicker recipe.
- Swap fresh tomatoes with canned tomato puree if needed
Serving Tips for Chana Masala
Chana masala pairs perfectly with steamed rice, jeera rice, or Indian breads like naan and chapati. For extra flavor, serve it with a side of pickles and yogurt.
Frequently Asked Questions on How To Make Chana Masala
1. How to make chana masala at home?
To make chana masala, cook chickpeas, prepare a spiced onion-tomato base, and simmer everything with chana masala powder for a rich and flavorful curry.
2.What are the main ingredients in chana masala?
The key ingredients in chana masala include chickpeas, onions, tomatoes, ginger-garlic paste, and chana masala powder.
3. Can I make chana masala without chana masala powder?
Yes, you can make chana masala by using a blend of garam masala, cumin, and coriander powder instead of chana masala powder.
4. Is chana masala healthy?
Yes, chana masala is packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a nutritious meal.
Try this easy chana masala recipe today and enjoy a delicious homemade chana curry full of authentic flavors with vegetable pulao!
Learn how to make chana masala with aromatic spices and chana masala powder for a rich, flavorful dish perfect with rice or roti.
Ingredients
1 cup dried chickpeas (or 2 cups canned chickpeas)
2 onions, finely chopped
2 tomatoes, pureed
2 tomatoes, pureed
1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon red chili powder
1 tablespoon chana masala powder
1/2 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
2 tablespoons oil
1/2 cup water
Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Soak dried chickpeas overnight. Drain and pressure cook with fresh water for 4-5 whistles until soft.
- Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and bay leaf, sauté until fragrant.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute.
- Pour in tomato puree and cook until the oil separates.
- Add turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and chana masala powder. Mix well.
- Add the cooked chickpeas along with some water. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in garam masala, adjust salt, and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot with rice or roti.
Notes
- ✅ Pro Tips for the Best Chana Masala:
✔For a deeper flavor, dry roast chana masala powder before adding.
✔ If using canned chickpeas, rinse well to remove excess salt.
✔ Adjust spice levels by increasing or reducing red chili powder.
