Chana (Chickpea) Masala

Chickpeas, or chana, are an ancient variety of legume that have been eaten in India for centuries. There are different varieties of chickpeas available, but the variety most often used are the pale, mild legumes also known as garbanzo beans. In Indian markets you’ll also find black chickpeas (or kala chana), which are darker and smaller than regular chickpeas. Chana masala is an extremely popular dish in both India and the U.S.
This recipe from Indian Cuisine Diabetes Cookbook, by May Abraham Fridel. To order directly from the American Diabetes Association, click here.
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- Prep time
- 15 min
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- Cook time
- 40 min
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- Servings
- 3 Servings
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- Serving size
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About 2/3 cup / 109 g
Ingredients
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sunflower oil
- 2 tbsp
- 2 tbsp
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cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp
- 1/2 tsp
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fresh ginger (peeled and grated)
- 1-inch piece
- 1-inch piece
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garlic (grated)
- 2 clove
- 2 clove
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medium red onion (finely diced)
- 1
- 1
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smoked paprika (smoked)
- 2 tsp
- 2 tsp
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amchoor (mango) powder
- 2 tsp
- 2 tsp
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ground turmeric
- 1/4 tsp
- 1/4 tsp
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ground coriander
- 1 tsp
- 1 tsp
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medium tomato (finely diced)
- 1
- 1
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tomato paste
- 1 tbsp
- 1 tbsp
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water
- 1 cup
- 1 cup
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chickpeas (garbanzo beans) (drained and rinsed)
- 1 (15-oz) can
- 1 (15-oz) can
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Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/2
- 1/2
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salt
- 1/4 tsp
- 1/4 tsp
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finely minced cilantro leaves
- 1 tbsp
- 1 tbsp
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Directions
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Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat and add the cumin seeds. When seeds start to splutter, add the ginger and garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add onion and sauté until the onion is golden brown, about 2 minutes.
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Add the paprika, amchoor powder, turmeric, coriander, tomato, and tomato paste to the onion mixture. Reduce heat to medium and saute, stirring constantly, until the masala comes together, about 2 minutes.
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Add chickpeas and stir to coat in the masala. Add 1 cup / 240 mL water and mix well. Simmer for 20 minutes.
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Once the sauce thickens, remove from heat and add lemon juice, salt, and the cilantro. Serve hot.