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Chana Masala

Bold, tangy, and deeply spiced — this Punjabi chickpea curry is a staple of Indian home cooking.

10 mins prep30 minsServes 4Easy

Method

  1. 1

    Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.

  2. 2

    Add onions and cook until deep golden brown — this is key to a rich gravy.

  3. 3

    Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 2 minutes. Add tomatoes and cook until the oil separates.

  4. 4

    Add chana masala powder, red chilli powder, amchur, and salt. Stir well and cook for 3 minutes.

  5. 5

    Add the chickpeas along with ½ cup of water. Mash a few chickpeas with the back of a spoon to thicken the gravy.

  6. 6

    Simmer for 10–15 minutes until the gravy is thick and coats the chickpeas.

  7. 7

    Garnish with fresh coriander, sliced onion rings, and a squeeze of lemon. Serve with bhatura or rice.

Chef’s Tip

Cooking the onions to a deep golden-brown is the most important step — it forms the flavour base of the entire dish. Do not rush this.