WHAT IS CHANA MASALA?
ChatGPT The delicious 20-Minute Chana Masala (Chickpea Curry) features chickpeas coated in a rich blend of spices, creating a delicately spiced dish. Originating in North India and later becoming popular in Pakistan, this quick Pakistani/Indian main dish recipe is one of my favorite vegetarian recipe. Among simple, comforting Pakistani dishes like Aloo Gobi, Aloo Palak, and Aloo Chawal (Tehari), this Indian/Pakistani recipe truly stands out.
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS?
As noted earlier, this simple Pakistani dinner recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, needing just a can of chickpeas and a mix of whole and ground spices. Though it doesn’t rely heavily on tomatoes, a hint of tomato flavor is achieved by adding a bit of tomato paste. Personally, I like to avoid an overly tomato-heavy approach in Pakistani cooking, a preference shaped by my roots in South Pakistan, especially Karachi. This choice brings a varied flavor profile to each recipe, steering away from the common practice of relying on tomatoes in every dish.
IS THIS RECIPE LIKE TIKKA MASALA RECIPE?
Not quite. While both dishes share some similar spices in their gravy, Tikka masala is known for its rich, creamy, tomato-based sauce. In contrast, chana masala uses a lighter amount of tomato and emphasizes a more spice-forward flavor, lacking the creamy texture of tikka masala.
INGREDIENTS
Oil- Any neutral oil would work, I personally use olive oil. Chickpeas- Make sure the can of chickpeas is drained and of course you can use freshly boiled chickpeas. Ginger garlic paste- I used homemade ginger garlic paste but you can use store-bought ginger garlic paste. Tomato paste- Just 1 tbsp of tomato paste in enough for this recipe. Onion- make sure the onion is NOT golden just translucent will be perfection. Whole spices and powdered spices- mix of both brings amazing flavors out for this Pakistani curry.
HOW TO MAKE CHANA MASALA?
WHAT TO PAIR THIS RECIPE WITH?
I’d like to pair this Chana Masala with chapati or naan or even a plate of basmati or cumin rice. My daughter likes with some Raita and Kachumber on the side. Hey Friend, You’ve made it this far, so now we’re basically best friends! If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a quick review & star rating ★ below. Make sure you follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Let’s Make Chana Masala!!!
