Skip to main content

Chana Masala

This simplified version of an Indian favorite is a delightful way to showcase tasty chickpeas.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    4 servings

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced
Two 15-to 16-ounce cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 to 2 teaspoons garam masala or good-quality curry powder
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
2 teaspoons grated fresh or jarred ginger
2 large tomatoes, diced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro, or to taste
Salt to taste
Hot cooked grain (rice, quinoa, or couscous), optional

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat the oil in a wide skillet. Add the onion and sauté until translucent. Add the garlic and continue to sauté until the onion is golden.

    Step 2

    Add the chickpeas, garam masala, turmeric, ginger, tomatoes, lemon juice, and about 1/4 cup water. Bring to a simmer, then cook over medium-low heat for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. This should be moist and stewlike, but not soupy; add a little more water, if needed.

    Step 3

    Stir in the cilantro and season with salt. Serve on its own in shallow bowls or over a hot cooked grain, if desired.

  2. Menu Suggestions

    Step 4

    Omit the option of a plain cooked grain; see the menu with Curried Cashew Couscous (page 93).

  3. Step 5

    If you choose to serve this with a plain cooked grain, as suggested in the recipe, complete the meal with fresh flatbread and Fruitful Red Slaw (page 177).

  4. Step 6

    If time allows, make Apricot Chutney (page 225) as an accompaniment with any menu.

  5. nutrition information

    Step 7

    Calories: 320

    Step 8

    Total Fat: 6g

    Step 9

    Protein: 12g

    Step 10

    Carbohydrates: 56g

    Step 11

    Fiber: 6g

    Step 12

    Sodium: 645mg

Reprinted with permission from Vegan Express: Featuring 160 Recipes for Quick, Delicious, and Healthy Meals by Nava Atlas. Copyright © 2008 by Nava Atlas. Excerpted by permission of Broadway, a division of Random House, Inc. All rights reserved. Nava Atlas is the author of nine cookbooks, including The Vegetarian Family Cookbook, The Vegetarian 5-Ingredient Gourmet, and Vegetarian Soups for All Seasons. She lives in the Hudson Valley region of New York with her husband and two teenage sons (all vegans).
Read More
Grab your Easter basket and hop in—you’ll want to collect each and every one of these fun and easy Easter recipes.
A warmly spiced Ashkenazi charoset, perfect for your Passover seder—or spooned over yogurt the next morning.
Like airy lemon chiffon cake and a Cadbury egg–inspired tart.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Like lemony risotto and tandoori-style cauliflower.
Think a Hugo spritz, a gin basil smash, and plenty more patio-ready pours.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.