Chana Masala: Tea-Infused Chickpea Curry
Description
Chana Masala is a delightful tea-infused chickpea curry that brings the rich flavors of Indian cuisine into your kitchen. This medium-spiced dish is packed with vibrant ingredients and aromatic spices, making it a perfect vegetarian option for family dinners or gatherings. The addition of black tea enhances the depth of flavor in the chickpeas, giving this curry a unique twist that will impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds.
Nutritional Information
| Nutritional Component | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 12 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dried chickpeas (or cooked chickpeas in a tin) | 300g (400g tin) |
| Black tea bag | 1 |
| Ginger (fresh, peeled) | 4cm piece |
| Green chillies (slit) | 2 |
| Medium tomatoes (chopped) | 2 |
| Rapeseed oil | 1 tbsp |
| Medium onions (thinly sliced) | 2 |
| Garlic (sliced) | 3 cloves |
| Kashmiri chilli powder | 1 tsp |
| Coriander powder | 1 tsp |
| Cumin seeds | 2 tsp |
| Pomegranate powder | 2 tsp |
| Black salt | ½ tsp |
| Salt | to taste |
| Garam masala | ½ tsp |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp |
| Fresh coriander (roughly chopped, for garnish) | to taste |
| Chaat masala | 1 tsp |
Preparation Time
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 10 minutes |
| Cooking | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
Instructions
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Soak the Chickpeas: Begin by soaking the dried chickpeas in approximately 1.5 liters of water overnight. This step helps to soften the chickpeas, ensuring they cook evenly and quickly.
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Cook the Chickpeas: After soaking, drain the chickpeas and place them in a large saucepan. Cover them with fresh water and add the black tea bag. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 1.5 hours, or until the chickpeas are tender. If you’re using canned chickpeas, you can skip this step and move on to the next.
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Prepare the Chickpeas: Once cooked, drain the chickpeas, discarding the tea bag. Reserve the cooking liquid, as it will be added later for extra flavor. To create a delightful texture, mash a few of the chickpeas using a potato masher. This will help thicken the curry and provide a creamy consistency.
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Sauté the Aromatics: In a separate pan, heat the rapeseed oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté until they are golden brown. This process will enhance their sweetness and flavor.
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Add the Garlic and Spices: Incorporate the sliced garlic, ginger, and slit green chillies into the pan with the onions. Sauté for another 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Following this, sprinkle in the Kashmiri chilli powder, coriander powder, and cumin seeds, stirring well to coat the onion mixture with the spices.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften, creating a rich sauce. Stir in the mashed chickpeas and the whole chickpeas, combining everything thoroughly. Gradually add the reserved cooking liquid to reach your desired consistency, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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Season the Curry: Sprinkle in the pomegranate powder, black salt, regular salt to taste, and garam masala. Mix well, and let the curry simmer for an additional 10–15 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse their flavors.
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Finish with Freshness: Just before serving, stir in the lemon juice for a burst of brightness. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
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Serve and Garnish: Ladle the Chana Masala into serving bowls and garnish with freshly chopped coriander and a sprinkle of chaat masala. This final touch adds an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful presentation.
Serving Suggestions
Chana Masala pairs wonderfully with warm naan, basmati rice, or jeera rice. Serve it with a side of cooling raita or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Conclusion
Enjoy the vibrant flavors of this tea-infused Chana Masala, a perfect addition to any vegetarian meal. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting friends, this dish promises to deliver warmth and comfort in every bite. Delight in the rich blend of spices, the heartiness of chickpeas, and the aromatic infusion of tea—this recipe is a true celebration of Indian cuisine!
