Chana Masala
AI-generated image
Vegan Gluten-free Indian

Chana Masala

A deeply savory North Indian chickpea curry built on browned onions, toasted spices, tomatoes, and a bright finish of lemon and cilantro. It is hearty enough for a main course yet lively enough to serve with rice or flatbread.

50 min 4 servings Medium
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How to prepare

1
Heat the oil in a wide, heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and salt, then cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until soft and richly golden at the edges.
Onions browning in oil in a saucepan AI-generated image
2
Add the garlic and ginger and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant. Stir in the cumin, garam masala, turmeric, and chili powder; cook for 30 seconds until the spices darken slightly and smell toasted.
3
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and scrape the bottom of the pan. Simmer uncovered for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and the oil begins to glisten around the edges.
4
Add the chickpeas and 250 ml water. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring twice, until the sauce coats the chickpeas and the centers are hot.
5
Mash about 1/2 cup of the chickpeas against the side of the pan and stir them back into the curry. Simmer for 3 more minutes to thicken, then remove from the heat.
6
Stir in the lemon juice and chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust the salt or chili, then rest for 5 minutes so the sauce settles and the flavors round out.
7
Serve hot with basmati rice, naan, or roti, finishing with extra cilantro and a little lemon if desired.
Chana masala garnished with cilantro beside rice and flatbread AI-generated image

Why this recipe works

Browning the onion and blooming the spices before adding the chickpeas creates layered flavor, while tomato and lemon provide enough acidity to keep the earthy chickpeas bright and balanced.

Storage and reheating

How to store it

Cool within two hours, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavor improves overnight. Freeze for up to 2 months.

How to reheat it

Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat with a splash of water, stirring occasionally until steaming hot throughout. Add fresh lemon juice after reheating.

Nutrition / serving

460kcal
20.70 gprotein
68.65 gcarbs
12.88 gfat
P
Pantryvale editorial kitchen
Recipe prepared for publication with complete ingredients and ordered cooking steps.
Published 20 Aug 2026 · updated 20 Aug 2026