It’s spicy, tangy, and delicious. Paired with rice or roti, this chickpea curry is a staple in most homes. It is vegan and gluten-free as well. Chickpeas are quite popular in India, and there are so many dishes that you can prepare with them. In North India, we make Pindi Chole with it. It is an advanced version of chickpea curry, and a different blend of spices is used for this type of chole. It is usually black and mostly doesn’t have that much liquid curry in it. Sometimes, I make a Garlicky Chickpea Spinach Curry. It’s so flavourful that my whole family polishes the plate clean every time they eat it. It has quite a prominent garlic flavor and in addition, the spinach makes it quite wholesome. Coming back to Chana Masala, my kids love this with white rice and some yogurt and salad on the side. It’s also really easy to make and that’s why it’s perfect for weekday lunches. If you make this in an Instant Pot, you can make it in under 20 minutes. It doesn’t use fancy spices, so no additional shopping spree for my readers who don’t own a full-fledged Indian pantry. Keeping you all in mind I have simplified the recipe, and now it’s as easy as a breeze.
Why Should You Make Chana Masala?
Super simple and easy to make. It’s also vegan and gluten-free! Chana Masala has an abundance of protein and fibers. Very pocket-friendly as well. Lastly, it freezes well and can be made in large quantities.
What Type Of Chickpeas Are Used In Making Chana Masala?
I prefer dry chickpeas sold in a grocery store. Call me old-fashioned, but I feel that using raw chickpeas in Indian curries makes them more traditional/authentic. I soak them overnight and then boil them. Boiling them to perfection is the key point. Furthermore, their texture should be melt-in-the-mouth. However, you can always use canned chickpeas. Drain all the liquid from the can and wash them with fresh water. Use drained chickpeas in making the curry.
Can You Freeze Chana Masala?
Absolutely. This freezes well. First, let it come to room temperature and then store it in freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags. Hence, this Chana Masala is ideal for dorms and student-life cooking.
What Can You Serve with Chana Masala?
Any type of rice, Naan, Kulcha, or Poori will go with it. You may want to check out these recipes- Baked Amritsari Paneer Kulcha Carrot & Peas Pulao Saffron Rice Bhature
