Chana Masala
Bold, tangy, and deeply spiced — this Punjabi chickpea curry is a staple of Indian home cooking.
Method
- 1
Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- 2
Add onions and cook until deep golden brown — this is key to a rich gravy.
- 3
Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 2 minutes. Add tomatoes and cook until the oil separates.
- 4
Add chana masala powder, red chilli powder, amchur, and salt. Stir well and cook for 3 minutes.
- 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
Simmer for 10–15 minutes until the gravy is thick and coats the chickpeas.
- 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.