Chana Masala (Authentic Chickpea Curry)

Chana masala, also called Chole in Punjabi, is one of the most popular North Indian and Pakistani curries. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that’s healthy, naturally vegan, and gluten-free. This recipe makes tender, flavorful chickpeas in a perfectly spiced curry and requires simple ingredients that are commonly used in South Asian cooking.

If there’s one dinner recipe I’ve turned to for years when I have no time, creativity, or motivation to cook, it’s chana masala. There’s no planning, thawing, or (thanks to canned chickpeas) soaking required. It’s a straightforward, one-pot recipe that captures the essence of South Asian cooking.

Chana Masala – the best of weeknight dinners

Chana masala reminds me of my time spent living in Midland, TX. Midland was a small town in West Texas where healthy and delicious dining options were scarce, and halal options almost nonexistent. At the time, my food-related frustrations (don’t we all have them?) were at their peak. I longed for quality, nutritious, flavorful food, and – with due respect to Tex-Mex – I quickly ran out of options.

Looking back, that deprivation also brought about resilience in me. It instilled the habit of cooking and planning and making do with what I had. Instead of opting for restaurant food that I wouldn’t find tasty or feel good eating, I opened a couple of cans of chickpeas and got to work. Chana masala became my takeout, delivery, and drive-thru.

Over the years, I’ve tried many variations of chana masala to see what gives the best flavor. This chana masala is vibrant, just the right amount of tangy, and rich in spicy flavor. I tested and tweaked the recipe until my husband said it’s one of the best he’s had – thus giving the seal of approval to be shared on the blog.

Tips and points on making Authentic Chana Masala:

1. The canned chickpeas, though already cooked, need to be simmered with water in the curry to help absorb the flavors and be as tender as possible.
2. Adding a small amount of baking powder makes the chickpeas extra tender. You can either marinate the chickpeas in the baking powder before adding them to the curry or add directly to the curry as I have.
3. The garam masala at the end is standard, but lately, I’ve been loving the addition of chaat masala. Chaat masala, much like amchur (dry mango powder), lends a subtle tang, and I’m more likely to have it on hand.
4. The recipe moves pretty quickly once the onions are brown, so make sure to have all the ingredients (especially the spices) near the stovetop and ready to use.
5. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to slightly crush the chickpeas to thicken the curry and give a restaurant-like finish.

Using Uncooked Chickpeas Instead of Canned

You don’t have to use canned chickpeas/garbanzo beans to make this recipe. If you prefer, just pre-cook the the chickpeas as you normally would, then use them in the recipe when called for chana masala. If you use salt to cook the chickpeas, just adjust salt when making this recipe.

1 can of drained chickpeas is about 1 1/2 cups of chickpeas. Around 3/4 cup of dried chickpeas should yield that amount, though I haven’t measured this myself.

Adding Potatoes to Make Aloo Chana

You can also add potatoes to this curry to make aloo chana (potatoes and chickpea curry). I have used 3 small potatoes and they were the perfect amount. Add the potatoes alongside the chickpeas, then cover and cook as directed. The potatoes will take the same time to fully cook.

More Easy Vegetarian Dinner Recipes:

Zucchini Curry – Pakistani-style Toriyan
Easy Spinach and Potato Curry (Aloo Palak)
Easy Mixed Vegetable Curry
Red Lentil Dal (Masoor Dal) (another Midland favorite!)
Baingan ka Bharta (Smoked Eggplant Curry)

If you try this recipe, please let me know in the comments below and tag me on Instagram so I can see your creations. I love hearing from you!