chickinthekitchen.com

Chana Masala (Chickpea Curry)

February 16, 2010

I think this simple dish wins for having the most types of spices I’ve ever used in a single recipe. It is really full-flavored, though not too spicy for my relatively low heat tolerance. J. declared it “not totally bland,” which coming from a guy who likes to sweat and have some discomfort from spicy food, is a compliment.

I used canned, diced tomatoes but didn’t love how big the chunks were compared to the smaller chickpeas. Next time I’d use crushed tomatoes if good fresh tomatoes, which I would puree, weren’t available. I served the chana masala with white basmati rice and International Fabulous Flats’ whole-grain naan.

I thought the boys would eat the naan and rice, but they surprised me and refused to eat any of it. I cannot make a side of pasta or challah with every single meal, so they went to bed without dinner and without complaint. I really hate when they don’t eat, even though it clearly doesn’t bother them.

Chana Masala
Adapted from Smitten Kitchen

1 Tbsp. canola oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 jalapeños, seeded and minced
2 tsp. grated ginger (I use bottled)
1 Tbsp. ground coriander
2 tsp. ground cumin
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 tsp. ground turmeric
2 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. curry powder (I used red roasted masala curry powder)
1 15-oz. can crushed tomatoes
2/3 c. water
2 15.5-oz. cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/2 tsp. salt
juice of 1 lemon

Heat canola oil in a large skillet. Add onion and jalapeños and cook over medium heat until softened and the onions start to brown. Add in ginger through curry powder, and continue stirring for a few minutes, until spices are warmed and their scent increases.

Stir in tomatoes with all their liquid, water, and drained chickpeas. Simmer, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes, stirring every once in a while. Just before serving, add in salt and the lemon juice. Stir, taste, and adjust for seasoning (particularly for heat — you might want more cayenne). Serve over rice.

Filed under: Veggie Mains

Tags: Chana Masala, cumin, curry, dinner, food, ginger, grain, International Fabulous Flats, recipe, spicy, turmeric, whole, whole grain