Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (200g) dried chickpeas, soaked overnight (or 2 cans (15 ounces/425g each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed)
  • 4 cups (950ml) water (if cooking dried chickpeas)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda (optional, for softening dried chickpeas)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or ghee)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, grated or minced
  • 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1/4 teaspoon amchur (dried mango powder) (optional, for tanginess)
  • 1 (14.5 ounce/411g) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) water or vegetable broth
  • 1/4 cup (loosely packed) fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Salt to taste
  • Lemon juice to taste (optional, for brightness)

Instructions:

  1. If using dried chickpeas, cook them in a pot with water and baking soda (if using) until tender. Drain and set aside. If using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse.
  2. Heat oil in a large pot. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle. Add onions and sauté until golden brown. Stir in garlic, ginger, and green chilies, and sauté until fragrant.
  3. Add coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala to the pot. Sauté briefly, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the spices!
  4. Add diced tomatoes and tomato paste to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Add the cooked chickpeas, water (or vegetable broth), amchur (if using), and salt to the pot. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 20 minutes, or up to 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  6. For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to partially blend the curry (optional).
  7. Stir in fresh cilantro and lemon juice (if using). Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot. This is a flavorful Chana Masala Recipe (Chickpea Curry).