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    Home » Recipes

    Easy Chana Masala Recipe

    October 12, 2021 *Updated* October 12, 2021 / By: Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy 210 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Disclosure Policy.
    Jump To Recipe

    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.

    Easy Chana Masala in a white bowl.

    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.

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    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.
    Vegan chickpea curry in bowl.

    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:

    1. If you are making rice, get that cooking. This is an option, but I recommend it.
    2. Turn the oven on to warm the naan bread too (or not), but you will really want to.
    3. Rinse your chickpeas and have them ready and waiting. Try not to eat all of them before you use them. 
    4. Dice your onions, grate your ginger and mince your garlic.
    5. Now you will just cook the onions until tender.
    6. Add the spices and tomatoes.
    7. Cook a little more.
    8. Add the chickpeas and heat through.
    9. Your rice should be ready, your bread should be warm.
    10. 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? 

    Vegan chickpea curry cooking in a pan.

    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.

    Indian chickpea stew in a bowl, cookbook in the background.

    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. 

    Easy to make chana masala for dinner.

    Be sure to CLICK THE SUBSCRIBE BUTTON located in the TOP MENU. You will get a FREE PRINTABLE and recipes! FOLLOW ME on social media too.

    Easy Chana Masala Pin Image
    Easy Chana Masala Featured Image

    Easy Chana Masala Recipe

    Who needs takeout when you can make this Chana Masala recipe for an easy dinner tonight? Gluten free, packed with protein, and ready to eat in under 30 minutes. Save money and cook at home. Vegan friendly too.
    4.99 from 144 votes
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    Course: Main Course, Main Dish, Meatless Meal
    Cuisine: Indian
    Keyword: chickpea curry, Easy Dinner, vegan
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 35 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 254kcal
    Author: Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

    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)
    US Customary – Metric

    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.

    Nutrition Information

    Calories: 254kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 809mg | Potassium: 721mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 414IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 142mg | Iron: 5mg

    Notes

    Since I am a CARB FREAK….having this over rice and dipping in naan bread is a MUST (in my opinion)!! **NOTE** This recipe was adapted from the cookbook Yum & Yummer by Greta Podleski.
    Tried this recipe?Take a picture and tag @homemadeandyummy
    Nutritional information on this site is generated via a plugin. I am not responsible for the accuracy of the plugin information.

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    MEET THE AUTHOR

    Gloria Duggan is the author for Homemade & Yummy, where she creates fun and easy recipes. She is also a brand ambassador/influencer for well-known companies. Gloria has judged food competitions and has posted about local food events. Gloria's work has been featured in magazines, and she has been interviewed on several podcasts. Read More…

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kate

      October 14, 2021 at 9:00 am

      Chana Masala is one of my favourite takeaway dishes, but I’ve never tried making it at home – thanks for the recipe, can’t wait to try it!

      Reply
      • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

        October 14, 2021 at 9:05 am

        This is super easy to make. Dinner is ready in under 30 minutes. ENJOY!

    2. Allyssa

      October 14, 2021 at 4:53 am

      Thank you so much for this amazing and really delicious chana masala recipe! It’s super easy to make! Will surely have this again, Highly recommended!

      Reply
      • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

        October 14, 2021 at 9:05 am

        So glad you liked this chana masala recipe. You are welcome!

    3. Linda

      October 13, 2021 at 5:45 pm

      I found this looking for quick weeknight meals. Just made it and it was delicious! Even my picky kid enjoyed it!

      Reply
      • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

        October 14, 2021 at 9:07 am

        Well this is such an easy and meal to make. So glad your family enjoyed it.

    4. Jeri

      October 13, 2021 at 4:58 pm

      I made this chickpea chana masala recipe for meatless Monday, and my whole family loved it! It was so quick and easy to make! I will definitely be making it again! Plus, my husband was so impressed I made Indian cuisine! Thanks!

      Reply
      • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

        October 14, 2021 at 9:07 am

        I love cooking the flavours of the world in my kitchen. So glad you enjoyed this recipe.

    5. Jessica

      October 13, 2021 at 3:16 pm

      This is my kind of meal; simple and with all those spices, no doubt flavorful. I can’t recall ever trying a curry with chickpeas so that will be new to me. I think I’ll give it a shot this Friday – it’s supposed to get down into the 30’s here. Thanks so much!

      Reply
      • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

        October 14, 2021 at 9:08 am

        You are welcome. This chickpea curry is ready in no time. ENJOY!

    6. Liz

      October 13, 2021 at 12:46 pm

      So much easier than my usual recipe and just as delicious!! We all loved it!

      Reply
      • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

        October 14, 2021 at 9:08 am

        Sometimes simple is just as good right? We love this recipe too.

    7. Claudia Lamascolo

      October 13, 2021 at 11:01 am

      My goodness, this is fantastic since I don’t eat meat at all I am absolutely so excited to make this today!

      Reply
      • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

        October 14, 2021 at 9:09 am

        This is the perfect meal for a meat-free dinner.

    8. Trish Bozeman

      October 30, 2019 at 12:39 pm

      Yay for easy weeknight and meatless meals! We rarely eat meat and I’m always so excited when I find a delicious recipe that can become a staple in our house. Love the Indian flavors and the chickpeas. SO GOOD!

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        October 30, 2019 at 5:00 pm

        This is such an easy meal. I like to make lots…so I have some leftovers for lunch too.

    9. Jenni LeBaron

      October 27, 2019 at 1:24 pm

      I am totally craving warm and hearty dishes like this right now. This chana masala sounds like it will warm bellies and also the house up wonderfully. I just need a warm piece of pita or flatbread and I am a happy girl!

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        October 27, 2019 at 6:40 pm

        I love the fact this can be made faster than pizza delivery. Budget-friendly and super delicious too.

    10. Dana

      October 10, 2019 at 9:18 am

      I was *just* talking about getting chickpeas this week to make something like this! I’m craving the warmth and heaviness of a curry/stew and with loads of chickpeas, it’s just so wholesome. Get me some naan or pita and I’m set.

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        October 11, 2019 at 9:22 am

        This is a favourite around here. Easy to make. Leftovers are great too.

    11. M. F. Stewart

      October 07, 2019 at 3:41 pm

      I’m always buying chickpeas and then I don’t know what to do with them. Well, I saw your recipe and I was craving something spicy and different. Your recipe certainly did satisfy! I even had enough left over for lunch.

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        October 10, 2019 at 7:59 am

        This is such an easy recipe to prepare…and leftovers are great as you can see. So glad you enjoyed it.

    12. Carmy

      October 05, 2019 at 7:09 pm

      I keep seeing that cookbook at my local library – I love how they have corresponding videos for the recipes. I’ll have to check it out the next time I see it on the shelf! Love how quick this recipe is to throw together!

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        October 07, 2019 at 8:23 am

        It really is a great one for your collection. I just used it again yesterday. There is a link in the post.

    13. Sarah

      October 04, 2019 at 8:16 pm

      I love Chana masala!! I even make it when we go camping- it’s so good! You use slightly different spices than I do- I’ll have to try your version!

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        October 07, 2019 at 8:23 am

        This is perfect to make when you go camping. Super easy!!

    14. Jim

      October 04, 2019 at 2:35 pm

      The wife made this for me last night and I started to complain about no meat!! But one taste kept me quiet because it had plenty of taste and very satisfying. We have some extra and I’m eating it for lunch tomorrow.

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        October 04, 2019 at 6:06 pm

        I am so glad you loved this recipe as much as we do. Super easy to make….and perfect for a meatless meal that is totally satisfying.

    15. Jacqueline Meldrum

      October 04, 2019 at 9:37 am

      I love chana masala although I just call it chickpea curry. I usually grind spices but this is definitely quicker. I’ll have to try your version.

      Sharing it now 🙂

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        October 04, 2019 at 6:07 pm

        Thanks so much for sharing. I hope you give this a try….and calling it chickpea curry is just fine!!

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