Easy Homemade Chana Masala
Easy homemade Chana Masala recipe with chickpeas, tomatoes, and warm spices. Vegan, gluten-free, and ready in 40 minutes.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes with juices
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Optional garnish: fresh cilantro sprigs and diced red onion
Instructions
- 1
Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until it shimmers, about 1 minute.
- 2
Add the diced yellow onion to the hot oil and sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- 3
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking over medium heat while stirring constantly until the mixture becomes fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- 4
Sprinkle the ground cumin, ground coriander, garam masala, turmeric, and cayenne pepper directly into the pot and stir vigorously to coat the aromatics, toasting the spices for about 45-60 seconds until you notice the aroma intensify.
- 5
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their liquid and stir thoroughly to combine all the spices with the tomato base, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- 6
Add the drained chickpeas and vegetable broth to the pot, stirring well to distribute the ingredients evenly throughout the sauce.
- 7
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat and let it cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.
- 8
Taste the chana masala and season with sea salt and black pepper, adjusting the spice level to your preference by adding more cayenne if desired.
- 9
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the fresh cilantro and lime juice, which will brighten the flavors of the finished dish.
- 10
Ladle the chana masala into serving bowls and garnish with additional fresh cilantro sprigs and diced red onion if you'd like.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Olive oil | Coconut oil or ghee | Ghee adds authentic Indian flavor while coconut oil provides medium-chain triglycerides for faster metabolism |
| Canned diced tomatoes | 1.5 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped plus 2 tablespoons tomato paste | Fresh tomatoes reduce sodium and added preservatives while increasing fresh nutrient density and antioxidants |
| White granulated salt | Himalayan pink salt or sea salt in same quantity | Pink salt contains trace minerals like potassium and magnesium that support heart health and reduce inflammation |
| Regular vegetable broth | Homemade vegetable broth or bone broth | Homemade broths eliminate preservatives and sodium while providing collagen and gelatin for enhanced gut health |
| Ground spices (cumin, coriander, garam masala) | Whole spices toasted and ground fresh | Freshly ground spices retain more volatile oils and contain higher concentrations of anti-inflammatory compounds |
| Canned chickpeas | Dried chickpeas soaked overnight and cooked until tender | Dried chickpeas contain lower sodium, more resistant starch for better blood sugar control, and improved digestibility |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4)
| Calories | 298 |
| Total Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 420mg |
| Carbohydrates | 41g |
| Fiber | 11g |
| Sugar | 7g |
| Protein | 13g |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
