Authentic Chana Masala (Indian Chickpea Curry)

Name: Authentic Chana Masala (Indian Chickpea Curry)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1/4 cup neutral oil ( such as avocado or grapeseed); 1 tsp cumin seeds; 1 medium yellow onion (finely chopped); 5 garlic cloves (crushed); 1-inch piece ginger (crushed); 1 small green chili pepper (such as Serrano or Thai chili) (sliced); 2 tsp coriander powder; 1 tsp cumin powder; 1 tsp paprika powder (or Kashmiri chili powder if you have it); 1/2 tsp turmeric powder; 1/4 tsp red chili powder; 2 medium tomatoes (finely chopped or puréed in a food processor); 2 cans (around 15-oz each) chickpeas (rinsed and drained (See Note 1)); 1 1/4 tsp sea salt or table salt (or to taste); 1/4 tsp baking powder (or sub baking soda) ((optional - for extra tender chickpeas) (See Note 2)); 1/2 tsp garam masala or chaat masala; 1 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice; 2-3 tbsp cilantro leaves (chopped); julienned ginger (optional, for garnish); 1/8 tsp freshly cracked black pepper (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Prep:15minCook:30min

This authentic Indian & Pakistani-style Chana Masala recipe is vibrant, with just the right amount of tanginess, and rich in spicy flavor. This recipe makes tender, flavorful chickpeas in a perfectly spiced curry and requires simple ingredients that are commonly used in South Asian cooking. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that’s healthy, naturally vegan, and gluten-free.

Updated at: Thu, 04 Sep 2025 05:54:41 GMT