Chana Gashi
A comforting Konkani curry made with chickpeas simmered in a smooth coconut and red chili masala. It has a gentle tang from tamarind and a rich, home-style flavor that pairs beautifully with rice or neer dosa.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~480 min
Soak the chickpeas.
Rinse the chickpeas well and soak them in plenty of water overnight or for at least 8 hours. Drain before cooking.
- pressure cook · ~30 min
Cook the chickpeas until tender.
1.Add the soaked chickpeas and 3 cups water to a pressure cooker.2.Cook on medium heat until the chickpeas are soft and creamy inside, about 20 minutes after the first whistle.3.Let the pressure release naturally, then lightly mash a few chickpeas to help thicken the curry.TIPWell-cooked chickpeas give Chana Gashi its best texture, so do not stop when they are just barely tender. - roast · ~3 min
Roast the spices for the masala.
1.Heat a small pan over low heat.2.Dry roast the dried red chili, coriander seeds, and cumin seeds until fragrant and slightly darker.3.Take the pan off the heat and let the spices cool for a minute.TIPKeep the heat low so the chilies toast evenly without turning bitter. - mix · ~3 min
Grind the coconut masala.
Blend the roasted spices with fresh coconut, tamarind, turmeric powder, and a little water into a smooth paste.
- simmer · ~10 min
Simmer the curry.
1.Add the ground masala to the cooked chickpeas along with salt.2.Mix well and add a little more water if the curry looks too thick.3.Bring it to a gentle simmer and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring now and then.TIPThe curry should be thick enough to coat the chickpeas but still pour easily into a katori. - temper · ~1 min
Make the tempering.
1.Heat oil in a small pan over medium heat.2.Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.3.Add curry leaves and cook for a few seconds until fragrant. - assemble · ~1 min
Finish the Chana Gashi.
Pour the tempering over the simmering curry and mix gently. Cook for 1 more minute so the flavors come together.
- serve
Serve hot.
Serve Chana Gashi hot with steamed rice, neer dosa, or plain dosa.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Cook the soaked chickpeas until creamy at the center; slightly undercooked chickpeas make the gashi taste grainy.
- 2Lightly mash a few cooked chickpeas before simmering to naturally thicken the curry without extra coconut.
- 3Roast the red chilies on low heat only until aromatic; blackened chilies will make the masala bitter.
- 4Grind the coconut masala very smooth so the curry gets its signature silky Konkani texture.
- 5Add water gradually while simmering; Chana Gashi should be thick yet still easy to pour over rice.
- 6Let the curry rest 10 to 15 minutes after tempering so the tamarind, coconut, and spices settle together.
- 7This curry tastes even better the next day; refrigerate and reheat gently, adding a splash of water if it thickens.
Adapt it for your goals.
Mild-spice
Reduce the dried red chilies for a gentler version that still keeps the coconut-tamarind balance intact.
no onion no garlicNo-onion-no-garlic
This recipe is already naturally free of onion and garlic, making it ideal for simple sattvic-style home meals.
moong gashiMoong-gashi
Swap chickpeas for whole moong for a lighter curry with the same classic coconut and tamarind masala.
thicker gravyThicker-gravy
Use slightly less water while simmering for a thicker Chana Gashi that pairs especially well with neer dosa.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Protein-Rich Chickpeas
Chickpeas add plant protein and fiber, making this curry hearty and satisfying when served with rice or dosa.
Fiber From Legumes and Coconut
The combination of chickpeas and fresh coconut contributes fiber that supports fullness and gives the dish body.
Spice-Based Antioxidants
Red chilies, coriander, cumin, curry leaves, and turmeric bring aromatic compounds and antioxidant-rich plant ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Use cooked canned chickpeas, simmer them a bit longer with the masala, and mash a few to help recreate the thicker texture.



