Cupboard Chickpea Curry (Chana Masala)

Some days I come home, look into my fridge, and see nothing. Then to the pantry, still nothing. We all have days where we look throughout our kitchen trying to find inspiration for a great meal, but just fall short of creativity or supplies. Yet, one thing I always find I have sitting in the back of my pantry is a big 'ol can of garbanzo beans! With a single can, you can make a quick, filling, and flavorful meal without spending too much at the store! Chana Masala is a classic vegetarian Indian dish, made with chickpeas and a medley of spices.

I will note that I often times cheat and have boxed chana masala seasoning on hand. Although if I am feeling up to it, I follow a great recipe that I linked in the ingredients list! The beauty of this dish is that it is flexible to what you have available at the time! Do not stress if you are missing a thing or two on the list, there are plenty of substitutes and ways to prepare this dish! Who knows, maybe you'll master your very own chana masala recipe!

Chana Masala Recipe

Cook time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons oil

• 1/4 yellow onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• 1.5 tablespoons chana masala seasoning

• 10 ounces crushed tomatoes

• 3 tablespoons coconut Greek yogurt (optional*)

• 1 teaspoon berbere (optional*)

• 2 teaspoons ginger, grated

• Salt and pepper to taste

• MSG (optional, for added flavor enhancement)

• Basmati rice (any will do though)

Instructions:

• Warm the oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and allow it to infuse the oil.

• Add the finely chopped onions to the pan and sauté until they turn translucent and begin to caramelize. This will enhance their natural sweetness and depth of flavor.

• Incorporate the chickpeas into the pan, ensuring they are well-coated with the oil and onions. This will help the spices adhere to them and enhance their taste.

• Sprinkle the chana masala seasoning over the chickpeas, stirring well to evenly distribute the spices.

• Pour in the crushed tomatoes, allowing them to simmer with the chickpeas and spices. This will create a base for the dish, marrying the flavors together.

• Gently fold in the coconut Greek yogurt, adding a creamy and tangy element to the Chana Masala. *Alternatively, you can use any dairy of your choice, or none at all!

• *For those seeking an extra layer of heat and complexity, you could sprinkle in the berbere spice. Its fiery notes and distinctive flavor profile will take your Chana Masala to new heights.

• Grate fresh ginger directly into the pan, infusing the dish with its invigorating warmth and zesty undertones.

• Season with salt, pepper, and msg to taste (optional)

• Allow the Chana Masala to simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together.

Tips for a Perfect Chana Masala:

• To enhance the flavors, consider toasting the chana masala seasoning in a dry pan before adding it to the dish. This will awaken the spices and release their aromas.

• For a thicker consistency, mash some of the chickpeas with the back of a spoon or use an immersion blender. This will help create a creamier texture.

• Garnish your Chana Masala with fresh cilantro leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving. These additions will add brightness and freshness to the dish.

• Pair your Chana Masala with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Conclusion:

This dishes wide variety makes it a suitable meal for almost any situation. If you find yourself with a lot of time and ingredients, take the dish to a new level by blending your own spices and trying new flavors. If you are in a rush with little ingredients do it the simple way, incorporating whatever you have on hand! As always, if you like what you make, feel free to share it on MODMIND's shared gallery!