South Indian Chana Masala / Channa Kurma

Name: South Indian Chana Masala / Channa Kurma
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 2 cups dried chickpeas; 2 tbsp oil; 1 tsp mustard seeds; 1-2 bay leaf; 1 sprig curry leaves; 2-3 cloves garlic; 1 small piece ginger; 1-2 green chili (slit); 1 large onion; ½ cup tomato puree; 2 tsp salt (adjust as per taste); 4 cups water (divided); ¼ cup cilantro; 6-7 dried red chili (mild version); 5-6 cloves; 2-3 green cardamom; 2 sticks cinnamon; 2 tsp coriander seeds; 1 tsp cumin seeds; 1 tsp fennel seeds; 1 tbsp poppy seeds; 1 small piece tamarind; ½ cup coconut (fresh or frozen); ½ tsp turmeric powder

Instructions

Prep:10minCook:40min

South Indian chana masala is a flavorful chickpea curry made with white chickpeas, fresh coconut, and whole spices, resulting in a dish distinct from its North Indian counterpart, chole masala. Whole aromatic spices give this vegan and gluten-free curry a unique taste and flavor. Perfect with Indian bread, rice, dosa, or poori, this South Indian twist on chana masala is sure to delight your palate.

Updated at: Sat, 12 Sep 2026 08:28:29 GMT