Channa Masala (Chole) Recipe - Indian Vegetarian Recipes /Show Me The Curry

chickpeas

🥗Healthier: black beans

💰Cheaper: split peas

Black beans provide a similar texture and flavor, while split peas are often less expensive.

garam masala

🥗Healthier: homemade spice blend

💰Cheaper: curry powder

Homemade blends can be tailored for health and cost.

green chilies

🥗Healthier: jalapeños

💰Cheaper: bell peppers

Jalapeños add heat, while bell peppers are milder and more affordable.

oil

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Coconut oil offers unique flavor and health benefits.

Soak 2 cups of chana (garbanzo beans) in 8 cups of water overnight.

In a pressure cooker on high heat, add the soaked chana with the same water, bay leaf, black cardamom, cinnamon stick, tea bags, and salt; mix well.

Close the pressure cooker and let it whistle 2-3 times, then lower the heat and cook for about 20 minutes.

After 20 minutes, check the chana; they should have cracks indicating they are soft inside.

Remove the tea bags and separate the chana from the liquid, saving the liquid for later use.

In a medium-sized skillet over medium to medium-high heat, add 1.5 tbsp of oil.

Once the oil is hot, add 1/8 tsp of asafoetida (hing) and quickly add the can of crushed tomatoes; mix well.

Cook the tomatoes until the oil separates from them, covering the skillet to prevent splattering if necessary.

Once the oil has separated, add the dry spices: 1 tbsp chana masala, 0.5 tsp red chili powder, 0.5 tsp anardana powder, and 0.5 tsp dried mango powder; mix well.

Add the cooked chana to the skillet and mix thoroughly.

Gradually add the reserved cooking liquid from the chana, little by little, allowing it to be absorbed as you cook.

Cover the skillet and let the chana cook, stirring occasionally to prevent burning, until the desired consistency is reached; the dish should be drier with concentrated flavors.

Garnish with sliced onions, green chilies, and cilantro or coriander leaves before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary