How to make the ultimate Chana Masala just like your favorite Indian restaurant serves.

Make the ultimate Chana Masala just like you'd find in your favorite Indian restaurant.

If you're a fan of Indian cuisine, you've probably eaten your fair share of chana masala. This flavorful dish is a staple in Indian restaurants, and it's no wonder why. The combination of tender chickpeas, spicy tomato sauce, and aromatic spices makes for a delicious meal. But have you ever tried making chana masala at home, only to be disappointed that it doesn't taste quite the same as your favorite restaurant's version? Fear not, because with the right techniques and ingredients, you can create the ultimate chana masala that will transport you straight to the streets of Mumbai. In this article, we'll share some expert tips and tricks to help you achieve that perfect balance of spices and flavors that will have you coming back for a second (and maybe even a third!). So, grab your apron and let's get cooking!

Introducing Chana Masala

Chana Masala is a popular vegetarian dish from India. It consists of boiled chickpeas cooked in a spicy tomato sauce seasoned with various spices. It's usually served with flatbread or rice and is often eaten for lunch or dinner.

The origins of Chana Masala are unknown, but the dish is popular throughout India and is often served in restaurants and street markets. It's also a favorite of vegetarians and vegans because it's a protein-rich and nutritious meal.

Understanding Key Ingredients

The key ingredient in chana masala is chickpeas. You can buy canned chickpeas or use dried chickpeas, which you need to soak before cooking. If you use dried chickpeas, soak them in water overnight and then boil them for 1-2 hours until tender.

The tomato sauce for chana masala is made with fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic, and ginger. The onions are first sautéed in oil until soft and translucent, then the tomatoes and spices are added. The tomato sauce should be cooked until thick and sautéed.

Other important ingredients are spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala . Make the tastiest garam masala yourself; you can find the recipe here. These spices add flavor and aroma to the dish and are essential for the authentic taste of chana masala.

Essential spices for the perfect Chana Masala

Chana Masala has a unique flavor created by combining various spices. Here are some of the essential spices you'll need to make the perfect Chana Masala:

- Cumin seeds: Cumin is one of the most important spices in Indian cuisine and adds an earthy flavour to the dish.

- Coriander Seeds: Coriander has a light, citrus flavor and adds a refreshing taste to the Chana Masala.

- Turmeric: Turmeric gives the dish its yellow color and has a slightly bitter taste.

- Garam masala: Garam masala is a blend of several spices and adds a complex flavor and aroma to the Chana Masala.

It's important to toast the herbs before adding them to the tomato sauce. This intensifies the flavors and allows them to blend better with the other ingredients. Grind or crush the herbs just before cooking to ensure the flavors and aromas are still fresh.

All these herbs and spices can be found in our Indian spice kit .

Preparing the chickpeas

If you're using dried chickpeas, soak and cook them before adding them to the tomato sauce. If you're using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse them before adding them to the tomato sauce.

To soften the chickpeas even more, you can cook them in a pressure cooker or crockpot. This will make them soft and creamy and allow them to blend better with the tomato sauce.

Cooking Chana Masala

Cooking chana masala requires patience and attention to detail. Here are some steps to making the perfect chana masala:

1. Heat oil in a pan and fry the onions over a low heat until soft and translucent.

2. Add the garlic and ginger and fry for a few more minutes.

3. Add the tomatoes and herbs and cook until the tomato sauce is thick and spicy.

4. Add the cooked chickpeas to the tomato sauce and simmer until all the flavors are well combined.

It's important to stir the chana masala occasionally while it simmers to prevent it from burning. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a little water to thin it out.

Tips to improve the taste

Here are some tips to enhance the flavor of your Chana Masala:

- Use fresh herbs and spices for the best flavor.

- Add some lemon juice to the tomato sauce for a fresh taste.

- Add some cream to the tomato sauce for a creamy texture.

- Let the chana masala simmer for a few hours to let the flavors meld.

Serving and pairing suggestions

Chana Masala is usually served with flatbread like naan or roti, or with rice. The dish can also be served with a salad or raita for a more refreshing touch.

If you serve chana masala with rice, you can add a little saffron to the rice for added flavor and aroma. Chana masala can also be served with a glass of mango lassi or another soft drink.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Chana Masala:

- Can I use canned chickpeas?

Yes, you can use canned chickpeas. Just make sure you drain and rinse them before using.

-Can I freeze Chana Masala?

Yes, you can freeze chana masala. Let the dish cool before transferring it to an airtight container and freezing it.

-How long can I keep Chana Masala in the refrigerator?

You can store Chana Masala in the refrigerator for about three to four days if stored in an airtight container.

Conclusion

Chana Masala is a delicious and nutritious dish that can easily be made at home with the right techniques and ingredients. By roasting the spices and gently cooking the chickpeas, you can intensify the flavors and achieve the perfect balance. Serve the dish with flatbread or rice and, if desired, add a salad or raita for a refreshing contrast. With these tips, you can create the ultimate Chana Masala that tastes just as good as it does at your favorite Indian restaurant.

Recipe card

Ingredients:

- 2 cups dried chickpeas or 2 cans of chickpeas

- 2 medium onions, finely chopped

- 4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped

- 1 piece of ginger (1 inch), finely chopped

- 4 medium tomatoes, finely chopped

- 2 teaspoons cumin seeds

- 2 teaspoons coriander seeds

- 1 teaspoon turmeric

- 1 teaspoon garam masala (make the tastiest fresh and aromatic garam masala yourself)

- 2 tablespoons oil

- Salt to taste

- Water

Instructions:

1. If using dried chickpeas, soak them in water overnight and then boil them for 1-2 hours until tender. If using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse them. Grind the spices in a coffee grinder or grind them in a mortar and pestle. Gently roast them briefly to release all the aromas.

2. Heat oil in a pan and fry the onions until soft and translucent.

3. Add the garlic and ginger and fry for a few more minutes.

4. Add the tomatoes and herbs and cook until the tomato sauce is thick and spicy.

5. Add the cooked chickpeas to the tomato sauce and add water until everything is covered.

6. Bring to a boil and simmer until all the flavors are well combined.

7. Serve with rice, naan or roti.