Description
This homemade Chana Masala with tomatoes and fresh cilantro is a satisfying, flavorful, and easy dinner idea. It transforms humble chickpeas into a healthy, hearty, and family-friendly plant-based meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 x 15-oz cans canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 x 28-oz can canned diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 medium fresh yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4–5 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 1.5 tablespoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 0.5–1 teaspoon chili powder (or cayenne), to taste
- 1 cup water or vegetable broth
- 0.5 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon oil
Instructions
- Prep Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large 10-inch skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped yellow onion; sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently until sweetly fragrant.
- Build Flavor Base: Add minced garlic and grated ginger; cook 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in ground cumin, turmeric, and chili powder; cook 30 seconds, letting spices bloom.
- Simmer The Sauce: Pour in canned diced tomatoes (undrained), rinsed chickpeas, garam masala, and 1 cup water or broth. Stir. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cover. Cook for 15-20 minutes until flavors meld and the sauce thickens.
- Finish And Serve: Remove from heat. Stir in half the fresh chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve with cauliflower rice or your favorite grain.
Notes
For extra nutrition, stir in a handful of fresh spinach, diced sweet potatoes, or a swirl of coconut milk for creaminess. A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end adds fantastic brightness. When tomatoes are in season, use 3-4 fresh chopped instead of canned for a lighter taste. For a creamier texture, mash some chickpeas against the pot. If the sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered for 5-10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (350 g)
- Calories: 300 calories
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 12 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: chana masala, chickpeas, Indian, vegetarian, vegan, healthy, easy dinner, one pot, tomatoes, cilantro