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A bowl of spicy and hearty chana masala, a classic Indian chickpea curry, topped with fresh onion | SPICE ROOM Denver
chana masala
chickpea curry
vegetarian
vegan
healthy
MAINS

Spicy Chana Masala

ByCulinary TeamLast updated

A protein-packed chickpea curry bursting with bold spices - a North Indian vegetarian staple.

Easy
Prep: 15 minsCook: 35 minsServes: 4-6

Ingredients

  • 2 cans chickpeas, drained
  • 2 large onions, finely diced
  • 4 tomatoes, pureed
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
  • 2 tbsp chana masala spice
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp amchur (dry mango powder)
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil
  • fresh cilantro and lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat oil in a large pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.

  2. 2

    Add onions and cook until deep golden brown, about 12-15 minutes.

  3. 3

    Add garlic and ginger, cook for 2 minutes.

  4. 4

    Add tomato puree and all spices. Cook until oil separates, about 10 minutes.

  5. 5

    Add chickpeas and 1 cup water. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.

  6. 6

    Mash a few chickpeas for thicker gravy. Add amchur.

  7. 7

    Garnish with cilantro and serve with bhatura or rice.

Chef's Notes

Chana Masala, also known as Chole, is a beloved Punjabi dish that proves vegetarian food can be incredibly satisfying. The secret is in the spice blend and cooking the chickpeas until they absorb all those beautiful flavors.

SPICE ROOM Kitchen, Culinary Team at SPICE ROOM Denver

SPICE ROOM Kitchen

Culinary Team

The SPICE ROOM culinary team collaborates on recipes inspired by generations of family cooking traditions from across India and Nepal. Every recipe we share is tested and refined in our Denver kitchens to bring you authentic flavors at home.

Indian Cuisine
Himalayan Cuisine
Home Cooking

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Spicy Chana Masala

Spicy Chana Masala

Prep: 15 mins · Cook: 35 mins · Serves: 4-6

Key ingredients: 2 cans chickpeas, drained, 2 large onions, finely diced, 4 tomatoes, pureed, 4 cloves garlic, minced, 1 inch ginger, grated, 2 tbsp chana masala spice…

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Recipe by SPICE ROOM Denver

<blockquote cite="https://denverspiceroom.com/blog/spicy-chana-masala" style="max-width:400px;font-family:Georgia,serif;border:1px solid #D4A853;border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden;margin:1em auto;">
<img src="https://denverspiceroom.com/food/channa-masala.jpg" alt="Spicy Chana Masala" style="width:100%;height:200px;object-fit:cover;" />
<div style="padding:16px;">
<h3 style="margin:0 0 8px;font-size:18px;color:#1A1A2E;">Spicy Chana Masala</h3>
<p style="margin:0 0 8px;font-size:13px;color:#666;">Prep: 15 mins · Cook: 35 mins · Serves: 4-6</p>
<p style="margin:0 0 12px;font-size:12px;color:#888;">Key ingredients: 2 cans chickpeas, drained, 2 large onions, finely diced, 4 tomatoes, pureed, 4 cloves garlic, minced, 1 inch ginger, grated, 2 tbsp chana masala spice…</p>
<a href="https://denverspiceroom.com/blog/spicy-chana-masala?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=recipe_embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:inline-block;padding:8px 16px;background:#D4A853;color:#1A1A2E;text-decoration:none;border-radius:8px;font-size:13px;font-weight:bold;">Get Full Recipe →</a>
<p style="margin:8px 0 0;font-size:10px;color:#aaa;">Recipe by <a href="https://denverspiceroom.com?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=recipe_embed" style="color:#D4A853;">SPICE ROOM Denver</a></p>
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