Classic Chana Masala
A rich, aromatic chickpea curry simmered in a spiced onion-tomato gravy with a touch of tang from dried mango powder. This North Indian staple delivers deep, comforting flavor with every bite and pairs beautifully with bhature, roti, or steamed rice.
For 4 servings
- prep
Soak and cook the chickpeas.
1.Soak dried chickpeas in enough water overnight (8-10 hours) for 4-5 hours.2.Drain the soaking water and rinse the chickpeas well.3.Add chickpeas, 3 cups of water, a tea bag, and a pinch of salt to a pressure cooker.4.Pressure cook on medium heat for 4-5 whistles or until soft. Let the pressure release naturally.5.Discard the tea bag. Reserve the cooking liquid and set the chickpeas aside.TIPAdding a tea bag gives the chickpeas a rich, dark color traditionally found in classic chana masala. - temper · ~1 min
Temper the whole spices.
1.Heat oil and ghee together in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat.2.Add cumin seeds and let them crackle for 30 seconds.3.Add bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and cloves. Sauté until fragrant (30 sec).TIPUse a mix of oil and ghee for the right balance of richness without making the dish too heavy. - saute · ~11 min
Build the onion base.
1.Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn deep golden brown (8-10 minutes), stirring often.2.Add ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies. Sauté until the raw smell goes away (1-2 min).TIPTake your time browning the onions. The deep color is key to a rich gravy. - saute · ~10 min
Cook the tomato masala.
1.Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and mushy (5-7 min).2.Stir in coriander powder, cumin powder, red chili powder, and turmeric powder.3.Cook the masala until the oil starts separating from the mixture (3-4 min).TIPMash the tomatoes with the back of your spatula while they cook to break them down faster. - simmer · ~25 min
Simmer the curry.
1.Add the cooked chickpeas to the masala and stir well to coat them evenly.2.Pour in the reserved chickpea cooking liquid and 1.5 cups of water.3.Add salt and mix everything. Bring to a gentle boil.4.Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Mash a few chickpeas against the side of the pan to thicken the gravy.TIPMashing a few chickpeas releases starch into the gravy and creates a thicker, heartier texture. - mix · ~3 min
Finish with garam masala, amchur, and black pepper.
1.Uncover the pan. The gravy should be thick and reduced.2.Sprinkle garam masala, dry mango powder, and black pepper over the curry.3.Stir gently and let it simmer for a final 2-3 minutes.4.Turn off the heat. Adjust consistency with a splash of hot water if needed.TIPAdding garam masala at the very end preserves its aromatic punch. - garnish
Garnish with cilantro and ginger, then serve hot.
Transfer to a serving bowl. Top generously with chopped coriander leaves and julienned ginger. Serve piping hot with bhature, roti, naan, or steamed rice.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Soak the dried chickpeas for at least 8 hours to ensure even cooking and a creamy texture.
- 2Use the tea bag while pressure-cooking chickpeas to achieve the dark, restaurant-style color without artificial coloring.
- 3Brown the onions deeply (8–10 minutes) — this builds the foundational sweetness and color of the gravy.
- 4Cook the tomato masala until the oil separates from the mixture; this indicates the base is fully cooked and flavorful.
- 5Mash a few chickpeas against the side of the pan during simmering to naturally thicken the gravy.
- 6Add garam masala, dry mango powder, and black pepper only at the end to preserve their volatile aromas.
- 7Let the curry rest for 10 minutes after cooking — the flavors meld and deepen as it sits.
Adapt it for your goals.
High-Protein / Vegan
Replace ghee with an extra tablespoon of neutral oil or coconut oil to keep it fully plant-based. Add a handful of boiled, cubed potatoes along with the chickpeas for extra heft and protein.
Low Oil / JainLow-Oil / Jain
Omit ghee completely and use only 1 tbsp oil. Skip onion and garlic (for Jain version) and substitute with asafoetida (hing) in the tempering plus a bit of fennel seed powder to mimic the depth. Use an extra pinch of dry mango powder and fresh tomato for tang.
Creamy Restaurant StyleCreamy Restaurant-Style
Stir in 2–3 tablespoons of heavy cream or coconut milk after the final simmer for a richer, silkier gravy. Add a pinch of sugar (1/4 tsp) to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and amchur.
Punjabi Chole (Chickpea Curry with Spinach)Punjabi Chole (Chickpea Curry with Spinach)
After the gravy is ready, fold in 1 cup of finely chopped or frozen spinach and simmer for 5 minutes before adding the final spices. This adds a layer of earthy flavor and boosts the nutritional profile.
Spice Free / Kid FriendlySpice-Free / Kid-Friendly
Omit green chilies, red chili powder, and black pepper. Replace with a pinch of sweet paprika for color. Increase cumin powder slightly for warmth. Use the amchur sparingly (just a tiny pinch) for mild tang.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Plant-Based Protein
Chickpeas are a rich source of plant protein, supporting muscle maintenance and satiety.
High in Dietary Fiber
The chickpeas and onions provide soluble and insoluble fiber, aiding digestion and promoting gut health.
Rich in Antioxidants
Turmeric, cumin, and coriander are packed with antioxidant compounds (like curcumin) that help combat oxidative stress.
Iron Absorption Enhancer
The vitamin C from tomatoes and green chilies helps the body better absorb the iron naturally present in chickpeas.
Anti-Inflammatory Spices
Ginger, garlic, and turmeric are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, supporting joint and immune health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, drain and rinse two 15-oz cans of chickpeas. Skip the pressure-cooking step and add them directly to the masala. Simmer for only 10 minutes to avoid mushiness, and use water instead of reserved cooking liquid.
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