Homestyle Chickpea Curry from Northern India (Chana

Name: Homestyle Chickpea Curry from Northern India (Chana Masala)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 200 grams Dried chickpeas (garbanzo beans); 1/2 tsp Turmeric; 1 tsp Cumin seeds; 2 clove Garlic; 1 1/2 cm Ginger; 1 large Onion; 1 large Tomato; 1 tsp Garam masala; 1 Salt; 1 Butter; 1 handful Cilantro; 2 tbsp Oil; 1 to 2 tablespoons Lemon juice

Servings: persons

200 grams Dried chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
1/2 tsp Turmeric
1 tsp Cumin seeds
2 clove Garlic
1 1/2 cm Ginger
1 large Onion
1 large Tomato
1 tsp Garam masala
1 Salt
1 Butter
1 handful Cilantro
2 tbsp Oil
1 to 2 tablespoons Lemon juice

1
Wash the chickpeas, and soak in plenty of water overnight.
2
Boil for 90 minutes in a pot.
3
If you are using canned chickpeas, skip this step.
4
Add enough fresh water to cover the cooked chickpeas.
5
Mix in the turmeric and cayenne pepper.
6
Microwave for about 10 minutes until the chickpeas are softened.
7
Heat oil in a heavy bottom pan.
8
Add cumin seeds and stir-fry until they're no longer making a crackling sound.
9
Add chopped garlic and ginger and stir-fry.
10
When the ginger and garlic are well cooked, add the onion and stir fry until translucent or brown.
11
When the onions are translucent or browned, add canned tomatoes and continue stir-frying.
12
Keep stir frying until it forms a paste like the photo.
13
This is the key to making a delicious dal.
14
Add cooked and microwaved chickpeas, water and all.
15
Add the garam masala here too.
16
Add enough water to the pan to cover all the ingredients.
17
If the water level gets too low as you simmer, top up with more.
18
Taste, and add salt.
19
Simmer for about 15 minutes over low-medium heat without a lid.
20
Add butter and cilantro, and it's done.
21
In northern India, we usually eat this curry with a bread called chapati instead of rice.
22
Squeeze on a spritz of lemon juice and enjoy!

394

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 13 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 200 grams Dried chickpeas (garbanzo beans), 1/2 tsp Turmeric, 1 tsp Cumin seeds, 2 clove Garlic, and more.

Yes, Homestyle Chickpea Curry from Northern India (Chana Masala) falls under the Vegetarian category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Homestyle Chickpea Curry from Northern India (Chana Masala)

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions