Who needs takeout when you can make this easy Chana Masala Recipe? Gluten-free, packed with protein, and ready to eat in under 30 minutes.
Garam masala spice, chickpeas and tomatoes produce a simple chickpea stew that is a hearty budget-friendly meal.
Chickpea curry (or some call it stew) is so delicious and nutritious. When you can cook dinner at home in under 30 minutes (and have leftovers too), why dish out dollars for takeout? This super easy chickpea recipe is a favourite around here.
RECIPE and INSTRUCTIONS for this vegan chana masala can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
If you are like me, cooking once and eating twice or more makes life easier in the kitchen.
For This Chickpea Recipe You Will Need:
- Chickpeas – I used canned but you can cook dry chickpeas ahead of time if you prefer.
- Tomatoes – canned diced tomatoes work well. If you have any roasted tomatoes in the freezer they would be perfect for this recipe.
- Water
- Onion – I like white onions, but any onion will do.
- Garlic – Fresh is best, but powdered works if you don’t have any on hand.
- Ghee – Olive oil or coconut oil are great substitiues.
- Curry Powder – mild or hot depending you, your preference.
- Garam Masala – easily found in the grocery store.
- Chili Powder – hot or mild works.
- Fresh Ginger – fresh is best for this recipe, but again powdered works in a pinch. You will have to adjust the amount.
- Garnish – parlsey or cilantro.
What Is Garam Masala?
It is a blend of spices that usually consist of:
- cumin
- coriander
- green cardamom
- black cardamom
- cinnamon
- nutmeg
- cloves
- bay leaves
- peppercorns
- fennel
- mace
- dried chilies
There are many combinations and variations to this spice blend. The spices are generally toasted, then ground to a powder. You can for sure make your own homemade blend. I like to try different blends from stores and speciality markets. They are different every time. It adds so much flavour to dishes. Warm, sweet with only a touch of heat.
Making Chana Masala Is So Easy
This is a one-pot chana masala recipe. Well, ok if you are cooking the chickpeas from scratch, it will be more than one pot. As I said, I use canned chickpeas for convenience (so much easier).
30 Minutes to Dinner:
- If you are making rice, get that cooking. This is an option, but I recommend it.
- Turn the oven on to warm the naan bread too (or not), but you will really want to.
- Rinse your chickpeas and have them ready and waiting. Try not to eat all of them before you use them.
- Dice your onions, grate your ginger and mince your garlic.
- Now you will just cook the onions until tender.
- Add the spices and tomatoes.
- Cook a little more.
- Add the chickpeas and heat through.
- Your rice should be ready, your bread should be warm.
- Put some rice in a bowl, spoon the chana masala over the rice. Grab some naan. DIG IN!
OMG, how fast is that? Most people are still debating which pizza they want to order. Simple right?
This recipe was adapted from (affiliate) Yum & Yummer.
Healthy Chickpea Recipes
What is chana masala? It is actually an Indian chickpea stew from the Punjabi region. I don’t know about you, but we LOVE Indian food. All those warm, spicy flavours are so enticing. It really is like travelling the world without leaving the kitchen.
This vegan-friendly dish is perfect for the plant-based diet craze. Chickpeas are such a great ingredient. Hands down one of my absolute favourite proteins to cook with. Especially if I am looking for a meat alternative.
A healthy ingredient to work with, chickpeas are filled with fibre, vitamins, and minerals. You can cook them from dry if you like, but for the most part, I use canned organic chickpeas.
Do you consume chickpeas on a regular basis? They work well in chili, salads, and make the perfect snack. I usually munch away on them as I rinse them for recipes.
Some of our favourite ways to enjoy them are:
- Healthy Chickpea Salad
- Hot Italian Sausage and Apple Stuffed Squash
- Fall Flavours Apple Salad
- Greek Nachos and Creamy Hummus
Just in case you were wondering the difference between Chana Masala and Tiki Masala? Tiki masala is made with meat, usually chicken. Both contain the wonderful spicy sauce.
Serving and Storing
When making this chana masala recipe, I did make sure I had lots of extra sauce. Pouring this wonderful Indian chickpea stew over some rice, and sopping up the sauce with naan bread is the ONLY way to eat it (in my opinion anyway). I would have no problem eating this with mashed potatoes too.
Place in sealed containers and keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Can you freeze chana masala? YES!! This is the PERFECT batch recipe. Great to pop into containers or freezer bags for easy meals down the road. Budget-friendly too.
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Easy Chana Masala Recipe
Ingredients
- 26 ounces canned chickpeas (rinse and drain)
- 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes
- ¾ cup water
- 1 cup onion (diced)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon ghee (or olive/coconut oil)
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon yellow curry powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (I used Aleppo Chiles)
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger (I used a micro plane for this)
- Parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Get all your spices measured into a small bowl.
- Dice your onion, mince the garlic and grate the ginger. Set everything aside.
- Rinse your chickpeas and put them aside. Open the canned tomatoes.
- Heat a non stick pan over medium high heat. Add the ghee.
- Add the onions, cook until soft and start to brown (about 10 minutes).
- Add the garlic, ginger and spices. Cook for 30-40 seconds.
- Add the tomatoes and water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and cook for 15 minutes. Liquid will start to absorb (slightly). You still want to have some sauce especially if you are having this with rice and naan bread. YUM!!
- Add the chickpeas, mix, cover and heat through (about 5 minutes)
- At this point the Chana Masala is done. Dish over rice and serve.
Brittany Poulson
I am a recent convert to Indian food – I love the taste of it. This looks like a perfect dish to try out for dinner sometime soon. One pan meals that are healthy and delicious are winners in my book!
Homemade & Yummy
Well this is an easy recipe, quick and delicious too.
Marisa Frnca @ all Our Way
Oh, that looks so good. I’m still into the comfort food recipe with lots of those flavors. We do like our chickpeas and they are very versatile. Adding all those spices to it makes it so satisfying. Hubby is a protein junky but with all the flavors going on here I don’t think he’d know there wasn’t meat.
Homemade & Yummy
Give it a try, he just might be surprised. Add some wine and bread…I know you and I would be happy campers for sure.
Veena Azmanov
I love making chickpeas often because its a great way to get protein on meatless days. Love how pretty this looks. The bright color from the tomatoes just makes the dish pop. yum
Homemade & Yummy
This is a weeknight winner for sure.
Jolina
I totally get that about fast food. We have been eating our fair share of takeout this past few weeks and last night was when we ate homemade food again after a while. It was the best meal ever. This chana masala looks amazing! We love chickpeas and eat it in so many different ways. Can’t wait to try this.
Homemade & Yummy
Yeah eating out is something I am liking less and less these days.
candy
Using chickpeas to get protein is wonderful and cuts the cost of the dish now when not using meat.
Homemade & Yummy
Yes, chickpeas are a great ingredient to work with, and delicious to eat too.
Stephanie
Wow, that looks delicious, and so healthy! I have everything at home except the chickpeas (only because I made hummus last week). I am going to bookmark this to make in the next few weeks.
Homemade & Yummy
ENJOY…we are having the leftovers tonight. Yum!!
The Food Hunter
I love how easy it is to make
Homemade & Yummy
Thanks for stopping by. Hope you give this recipe a try soon.
Amelie
I totally agree with you: who needs takeout if you can fix a meal in less than 30 minutes? Way more tasty and at least you know exactly what’s in it. And this recipe is so simple with just a handful ingredients. Just pinned it!
Homemade & Yummy
This is so quick and easy….and level of cook can whip this up in no time flat.
Emily
This looks so delicious and packed full of flavour. I love that it’s healthy too, great recipe!
Homemade & Yummy
So easy, nutritious and delicious. MUCH better than takeout any day.
Beth
That is a gorgeous Chana Masala! I am a huge chickpea fan and Indian food, as well! I’ve never made it at home! I totally have to change that! Your recipe looks like a great way to start!
Homemade & Yummy
This is so quick and easy….faster than pizza delivery for sure.
Adriana Lopez Martin
Chana Masala is one of my favorite vegetarian dishes I love mine spicy and paired with warm pita bread, Great recipe and yoru pictures are mouthwatering!
Homemade & Yummy
Thanks…hope you give it a try. Naan is a must (in my opinion).
Jessica Robinson
Looks like an amazing hearty meal and quick to prepare! Great for weeknight dinners!
Homemade & Yummy
It is a weeknight winner dinner for sure.
Teri Stephens
I have been wanting to try making a masala recipe but have felt intimidated for some reason…I love your take on it and putting this on my list of must try ideas. Thank you for sharing!
Homemade & Yummy
No need to feel intimidated….this is super easy. Hope you give it a try.
Dannii
You just can’t beat a homemade curry and anything with chickpeas is great for a budget friendly and protein packed meal.
Homemade & Yummy
Yes, Yes, and YES!!
Marsha | Marsha's Baking Addiction
This is a comfort meal right here, looks so delicious!
Homemade & Yummy
It sure is a winner in our house.