Easy Vegan Chana Masala (Curried Chickpeas)

Vegan Chana Masala!

I recently got back from a trip to visit my college-age daughter, and like most moms, I left her with a lot more food than she had when I arrived! As a busy student, she often doesn’t have time to prep meals or spend long afternoons in the kitchen. I wanted to leave her with a full fridge and ideas for future meals she could make in a matter of minutes. At her request, the first dish I made this week was Vegan Chana Masala. After a few successful taste tests, I’m now sharing that recipe with you!

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A Note About Slow Carbs…

At AH, we’re always looking for ways to add slow carbohydrates to our meals, and chickpeas are a popular choice. These versatile legumes hold up well to cooking and are a great vessel for a wide variety of seasonings. Chana Masala is a quick and easy dish to prepare. It’s also easy to cook up a large batch and save for leftovers in the freezer. Add variety to the dish by serving it with tofu, tempeh, or edamame. Alternatively, if you consume animal-based proteins too, try adding chicken, yogurt, or sour cream.

Chef Kenzie’s Chana Masala Toppings

This Vegan Chana Masala can be prepared in a variety of ways to suit your family and friends’ preferences. Chef Kenzie loves to switch up the toppings each time to keep things interesting. Try some of these tasty toppings to spice up your vegan chana masala…

Toasted nuts (peanuts, cashews, or almonds), chopped or slivered
A spoonful of cashew cream
Fresh parsley, finely chopped
Roasted cherry tomatoes
Dried tomatoes, chopped
Unsweetened shredded coconut, toasted

Looking for More Vegetarian Recipe Ideas?

Check out our downloadable meal planning classes. Each class comes with an eBook including a Specialized One-Week Meal Plan and Prep Sheet, or Specialized Recipes, as well as Additional Resources prepared by Chef Dawn Ludwig and Chef Kenzie Osborne. Each class also has the option to add-on downloadable presentation slides for more recipes and extra resources.

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Quick and Easy Chana Masala

Chef Dawn Ludwig

Chana Masala, or curried chickpeas, is a traditional dish in Indian cuisine. It can range in flavor from mild to intensely spicy depending on the type and amount of curry powder you use. If you aren’t a fan of the mixtures commonly found in supermarkets, try creating your own curry powder blend by combining turmeric, coriander, cumin, ginger, mustard, black pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, and cayenne. Feel free to experiment to find the perfect level of seasoning for you and your family

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine Indian

Servings 6 Servings

Equipment

Immersion Blender

Ingredients

1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil
2 tbsp curry powder (or to taste)
4 cups chickpeas, with 1 cup cooking liquid (or 4 cans chickpeas and 1 cup water)
salt, to taste, depending on how much salt is in your chickpeas
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 inch fresh ginger, peeled, optional

Instructions

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add spices and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
If using ginger, puree with 1/3 cup water in a jar with an immersion blender.
Next, add the chickpeas, chickpea liquid, ginger, and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. The chickpea liquid should thicken into a nice saucy consistency.
Finally, adjust seasoning to taste and serve.

Notes

How to Serve

Serve the recipe as a side to a fatty meat for a healthy, slow carb option. If you’d like to make the Chana Masala the main dish, use 3 Tablespoons of oil instead of 1, add an additional 1 to 2 Tablespoons of spices, and then saute 2 pounds of cubed, extra-firm tofu in the oil mixture before adding the other ingredients. Serve with a small side of berries and whipped cream.

Nutrition (Side Dish)

Fat: 6g

Carbohydrate: 34g

Protein: 11g

Nutrition (Main Meal)

Fat: 30g (48%)

Carbohydrate: 39g (28%)

Protein: 34g (24%)

Calories: 560

Keyword Dairy-Free, One Pan, Slow Carbohydrates, Vegetarian

Vegan Chana Masala!

Love this Post? Share it with a Friend!

A Note About Slow Carbs…

Chef Kenzie’s Chana Masala Toppings

Looking for More Vegetarian Recipe Ideas?