Channa (Chickpea) Masala
A superhealthy, tasty and delicious Indian dish of chick peas smothered in an tangy, tomato garam masala sauce. If you use canned chickpeas then it’s also really quick and super easy to make. If you have some spinach that you need to use up, you could chuck that into the pan at the very end just long enough for it to wilt in the heat, for added yumminess and iron. Then devour it on it’s own or with rice for a complete protein. If you’re really hungry add a portion of my dhal or some naan, like I have in the picture, or whizz up some easy Roti.
Enjoy! x
Channa (Chickpea) Masala
I honestly think the hardest part of this recipe is chopping the onion! It's easy to double the quantities and it freezes really well. Don't worry if you haven't got fresh corriander leaves, it tastes great with it - but yummy without it too! If I'm in a rush, I leave out the black mustard seed step too.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp oil I use olive oil but use your preference
- 1 tsp black mustard seeds optional - see my notes above
- 1 clove garlic or use garlic paste
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 large onion chopped
- 400g tin tomatoes
- 1 tsp garam masala if you don't have any - use red chili powder or paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 400g tin chickpeas drained
- 1 small bunch corriander chopped finely
- 1 splash lemon or lime juice use bottled for convenience as alternative
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a pan and add the mustard seeds. Once they begin to pop add the cumin, garlic and chopped onion to the pan and cook over a medium heat for a few minutes until the onion is translucent.
- Add the tinned tomatoes and stir.
- Add the garam masala and salt. Stir well.
- Mix in the chickpeas and allow to cook on medium heat for 3-5 minutes.
- Pour in 1/2 cup of water. Lower the heat and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Add the lemon or lime juice (to taste) and garnish with the chopped coriander.
- Enjoy!
Notes
If you've run out of tinned tomatoes you can make this recipe with tomato puree. Just substitute the tinned tomatoes with 1/2 cup of puree and add water as necessary for the constituency you want. OR, of course you can one large fresh, chopped tomato instead. No excuses!