Go Back Email Link
Easy Vegan Chana Masala

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
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
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