Chana Masala (Tea-Infused Chickpea Curry)
Chana Masala, a delightful tea-infused chickpea curry, is a flavorful and aromatic dish, celebrated for its balance of spices, earthy chickpeas, and a subtle infusion of tea that enhances its depth. The combination of Kashmiri chili powder, garam masala, and pomegranate powder adds a touch of warmth and tang, while the green chilies and ginger provide an invigorating kick. This vegetarian curry is a wonderful dish for any occasion, offering a satisfying and wholesome meal.
Serves: 6
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Difficulty Level: Medium Spice
Rating: 3.5/5 (76 votes)
Dietary Information: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dried chickpeas (or cooked chickpeas) | 300g (or 400g tin) |
| Black tea bag | 1 |
| Ginger | 4cm piece |
| Green chilies | 2 |
| Tomatoes | 2 medium |
| Rapeseed oil | 1 tbsp |
| Onions (thinly sliced) | 2 medium |
| Garlic (sliced) | 3 cloves |
| Kashmiri chili powder | 1 tsp |
| Coriander powder | 1 tsp |
| Cumin seeds | 2 tsp |
| Pomegranate powder | 2 tsp |
| Black salt | ยฝ tsp |
| Salt to taste | as required |
| Garam masala | ยฝ tsp |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp |
| Fresh coriander (roughly chopped) | for garnish |
| Chaat masala | 1 tsp |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Chickpeas:
- Begin by soaking the dried chickpeas in approximately 1.5L of water overnight. This will soften them and reduce the cooking time.
- The following day, drain the soaked chickpeas and place them in a large saucepan. Add enough fresh water to fully cover the chickpeas.
- Insert the black tea bag into the water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the chickpeas cook for 1ยฝ hours or until they are tender and fully cooked.
- Once the chickpeas are cooked, remove the tea bag and set it aside. Keep the cooking liquid for later use.
-
-
Mash the Chickpeas:
- Drain the cooked chickpeas, reserving some of the cooking liquid. Take a potato masher and mash a few of the chickpeas to create a slightly thickened texture for the curry. You can mash to your preference, depending on whether you want a chunkier or smoother consistency.
-
Prepare the Base:
- Heat the rapeseed oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the thinly sliced onions and sautรฉ until golden and soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add the sliced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the garlic to release its fragrant aroma.
- Stir in the fresh ginger and chopped green chilies, cooking for 1 minute to infuse the oil with their heat and flavor.
-
Spice it Up:
- Add the Kashmiri chili powder, coriander powder, cumin seeds, and pomegranate powder. Stir to coat the onions and garlic in the spices, allowing them to bloom in the oil, which will take about 2 minutes.
- Pour in the mashed chickpeas along with the remaining chickpea cooking liquid, mixing everything together to form a rich, flavorful curry sauce.
-
Final Seasoning:
- Season the curry with black salt and regular salt to taste. Add garam masala for its warming, aromatic qualities, and stir well to combine.
- Simmer the curry on low heat for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the curry to thicken.
-
Garnish & Serve:
- Stir in the lemon juice to brighten the flavors, and finish with a sprinkling of freshly chopped coriander leaves and a dusting of chaat masala for an added burst of flavor.
- Serve the Chana Masala hot with rice or flatbreads like naan or chapati. Garnish with extra coriander if desired.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sodium: 500mg
Allergen Information:
- This dish contains no dairy, making it suitable for those with lactose intolerance.
- There are no common allergens such as nuts, gluten, or soy, so it is considered safe for those with allergies to these ingredients.
Dietary Preferences:
- Vegetarian โ This recipe is entirely plant-based, featuring chickpeas as the main protein source, making it perfect for vegetarians and vegans.
- Gluten-Free โ The recipe does not contain any gluten, making it an excellent choice for those following a gluten-free diet.
- Dairy-Free โ The curry is dairy-free, suitable for individuals avoiding dairy products.
Cooking Tips:
-
Tea Infusion: The tea bag used to cook the chickpeas infuses a mild, earthy flavor into the beans, enhancing the dishโs overall depth. If you prefer a stronger tea flavor, you can leave the tea bag in for a bit longer, but avoid letting it steep too long to prevent bitterness.
-
Adjust the Spice Level: The green chilies in this recipe can be adjusted to suit your preference for heat. If you prefer a milder curry, consider using fewer chilies or removing the seeds before adding them to the pan.
-
Texture Variations: If you prefer a smoother curry, use a blender to blend the chickpeas before adding them to the pan. This will create a richer, creamier consistency.
-
Adding Vegetables: You can enhance the dish by adding other vegetables, such as spinach, bell peppers, or peas. These can be added in the final stages of cooking, allowing them to soften without losing their vibrant color.
-
Serving Suggestions: This curry pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or flatbreads like naan or roti. For a more filling meal, serve it alongside a fresh salad with yogurt or a cooling cucumber raita.
Conclusion:
Chana Masala, with its complex blend of spices and tea-infused chickpeas, offers a delightful and comforting meal that embodies the essence of traditional Indian cooking. Whether served as a simple weeknight dinner or a special meal for guests, this flavorful vegetarian curry promises to leave everyone satisfied. The combination of earthy chickpeas, fragrant spices, and a touch of acidity from lemon juice makes this dish irresistible. For those looking to experience a new twist on a classic favorite, Chana Masala is the perfect choice!
