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    Home » Recipes » Main Dish

    Chana Masala

    Published: Aug 4, 2019 · Updated: Apr 17, 2020 by Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC · 48 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    A delicious bowl of Indian chana masala., topped with fresh cilantro.

    Chana masala, an Indian staple, is made with a mixture of chickpeas, Indian spices, tomatoes, and fresh herbs, it's tasty and so easy to make. Enjoy it with a bowl of Basmati rice, quinoa, naan, or in a Buddha bowl.

    A delicious bowl of Indian chana masala., topped with fresh cilantro.

    Editor's note: This recipe was originally published on January 18, 2019. Since then, it’s been freshened up with new pictures, commentary, and made even more delicious.

    What is chana masala made of?

    Chana masala (also called "chole") is an Indian dish made with chickpeas, a blend of Indian spices, tomatoes, and fresh herbs. It's traditionally enjoyed with a fluffy deep-fried bread called "batura" or Basmati rice.

    The following spices are used to make a spice blend in this recipe:

    • Turmeric
    • Coriander
    • Cumin
    • Paprika
    • Salt
    • Black pepper

    Chana masala served in Indian restaurants usually contains a lot of oil. However, it's easy to cook chana masala that's just as delicious at home with a few simple ingredients and a handful of spices. It can be made on the stovetop or a pressure cooker.

    Close-up of chana masala

    How to make homemade chana masala

    1. Cook onion and garlic: In a big pot, warm oil on medium-low heat. Add diced onion and a couple of cloves of garlic. Cook this on medium-low heat until the onion starts to appear translucent and smells fragrant.

    2. Add the spices: Stir in the spice blend and cook for a minute until it becomes fragrant.

    3. Add remaining ingredients and simmer: Stir and bring the dish to a simmer. Cover pot and simmer until the chickpeas are soft and tender. If you feel like there is too much liquid, simply simmer it without the lid to evaporate the water.

    4. Add lemon juice and cilantro: Turn off the heat completely and add the lemon juice and fresh cilantro. The lemon juice adds tanginess to the dish while the cilantro adds more flavor.

    5. Serve and enjoy: If you want to save it for later, be sure to completely cool down the chana masala before storing it in the fridge in an airtight glass container.

    Step-by-step instructions on how to make chana masala (Indian chickpea curry)

    Storing and reheating

    Fridge: If stored in a glass airtight container in the fridge, the chickpea curry will last up to 3 days.

    Reheat: Reheat in the microwave or stovetop when ready to serve.

    Freeze: Yes, cool it down completely before storing it in an air-tight container in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy it, reheat it on the stovetop. This makes it a great candidate for meal prep as it heats perfectly.

    Serving suggestions

    While you can enjoy a bowl of Indian chickpea curry on its own, here are a few other ways to serve it:

    • Served over rice, such as Basmati rice, jasmine rice, or brown rice
    • Served over perfectly cooked quinoa, which is also so easy to make in the Instant Pot.
    • Enjoy with naan which is a fluffy Indian flatbread, made with yeast
    • Dip roti, an Indian flatbread, in chana masala
    • In a bowl. I love adding it to a vegan power bowl.
    A bowl of Indian Chickpea curry with a side of Basmati rice

    More easy Indian recipes

    • Red Lentil Curry
    • Cauliflower Tikka Masala
    • How to Make Kitchari
    • Coconut Chickpea Curry
    • Vegan Kheer (Indian Rice Pudding)

    I hope you love this recipe as much as I do. Sign up for email updates to get delicious recipes delivered straight to your inbox. You can also follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook.

    Bowl of chana masala with fresh cilantro

    Chana Masala

    5 from 25 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep time: 5 minutes
    Cook time: 30 minutes
    Total time: 35 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 302kcal
    Author: Sapana Chandra
    Chana masala is an Indian staple, Made with a delicious mixture of chickpeas, Indian spices, tomatoes, and fresh herbs, it's tasty and so easy to make.

    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoons oil or butter, I used avocado oil
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
    • ½ teaspoon ground coriander
    • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
    • ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
    • ½ teaspoon ground paprika
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • 2 (15-oz) cans chickpeas, rinsed well and drained
    • 1 (14.5-oz) can diced tomatoes 
    • 2 cups water
    • ¼ cup chopped cilantro
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

    Instructions

    • In a big pot, warm oil on medium-low heat. Stir in the onion and garlic until the onion starts to appear translucent, about 5 minutes.
    • Add coriander, cumin, turmeric, paprika, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring for a minute until the spices become fragrant.
    • Add the chickpeas, tomatoes, and water. Stir and increase the heat to medium. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
    • Cover the pot and let the dish cook until the chickpeas are soft and tender, for about 25 minutes.
    • Turn off the heat and stir in the lemon juice and chopped cilantro. Adjust seasoning, if needed, and serve.

    Notes

    • If you feel like there is too much liquid in the chana masala, simply remove the lid and continue to simmer to evaporate the liquid until you reach the desired consistency.
    • If you're using dried chickpeas, be sure to cook them beforehand. Instant Pot chickpeas are easy to make if you're running short on time.
    Instant Pot Instructions:
    • Set pressure cooker to Sauté on Normal and heat oil in the inner steel pot of the pressure cooker. Add onion and garlic; sauté until onions are translucent, stirring occasionally, about 3 minutes. Press Cancel. Add the spices, chickpeas, tomatoes, and water to pressure cooker; stir well.
    • Select "Pressure Cook" (or Manual) and cook for 5 minutes on High Pressure. Release the steam naturally for 10 minutes before quick-releasing the pressure. Select Cancel. Stir in the lemon juice and chopped cilantro.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 302kcal, Carbohydrates: 40g, Protein: 13g, Fat: 12g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 940mg, Potassium: 577mg, Fiber: 12g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 412IU, Vitamin C: 19mg, Calcium: 129mg, Iron: 4mg
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Indian
    Tried this recipe?Mention @realandvibrant and hashtag #realandvibrant!
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    About Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC

    Sapana Chandra is a certified health coach, author of Plant Power Bowls, and founder of Real +Vibrant. Here you’ll find simply delicious vegetarian recipes with step-by-step photo instructions – recipes you’ll be excited to enjoy and share with your loved ones.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sara Skelley says

      September 28, 2022 at 5:39 pm

      This is sooo great! My husband travels for work a lot and I usually have the worst diet when he is gone: it’s too much effort to make food for one (in addition to what my picky kiddo will eat). Tonight I was actually hungry and I remembered I had picked up an extra can of chickpeas just to try this recipe. Omg..I had to use all my self control just to stop drinking the broth before it even cooked! Only change I made was to add more garlic due to personal preference. Served it with naan bread. I froze the leftovers bc I know my husband is going to go crazy for this recipe for lunches. 10/10.5 stars

      Reply
    2. Laurie Rasor says

      August 01, 2021 at 8:00 pm

      Have A Good Day5 stars

      Reply
    3. Sophie says

      October 16, 2019 at 1:54 pm

      That chana masala looks so so good. Thanks for the recipe.5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        October 25, 2019 at 12:59 pm

        Thank you, Sophie!

        Reply
    4. Mary says

      October 16, 2019 at 11:44 am

      I could eat this all winter!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        October 25, 2019 at 12:59 pm

        So happy to hear, Mary! Glad you enjoyed it.

        Reply
    5. Helen of Fuss Free Flavours says

      October 16, 2019 at 11:38 am

      Chana Masala is one of my favourite Indian dishes. I love chickpeas, and this is such an easy meal to make and yet so full of flavour. I even like it cold. Ideal for any day of the week, and great for batch cooking and freezing.5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        October 25, 2019 at 12:59 pm

        Yes! I couldn't agree with you more, Helen!

        Reply
    6. Kelly Anthony says

      October 16, 2019 at 11:06 am

      I love anything with cumin and this chana masala looks so easy and fast that I'm sure it will be on our monthly rotation.5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        October 25, 2019 at 1:00 pm

        I think you'll love it, Kelly!

        Reply
    7. Anita says

      October 16, 2019 at 11:05 am

      This looks so delicious. Would you believe it that I have everything in my pantry to make this recipe? I think I am going to give this a try. 🙂5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        October 25, 2019 at 1:00 pm

        I hope you loved it, Anita!

        Reply
    8. Emily says

      September 09, 2019 at 10:48 am

      This looks so delicious, love your easy step by step photos too!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        October 16, 2019 at 10:51 am

        Thank you! I hope you enjoy it, Emily.

        Reply
    9. Sara says

      September 09, 2019 at 10:09 am

      Loved this! Thanks for the Instant Pot method- any time I can use my IP, I'm about it. I liked that this curry has common spices that I use for many different dishes so I didn't have to go out and purchase anything but the chickpeas.5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        October 16, 2019 at 10:51 am

        So happy to hear, Sara! I love making it in the Instant Pot - so quick and easy!

        Reply
    10. Kavita Favelle says

      September 09, 2019 at 9:37 am

      This looks like a good classic recipe for channa masala, also one of my favourites. My mum often makes it for us, and sometimes I will make it too, to her recipe!

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        October 16, 2019 at 10:51 am

        Happy to hear, Kavita!

        Reply
    11. Andrea says

      September 09, 2019 at 9:06 am

      This looks so delicious. All the different spices with the chickpeas just sounds so flavorful too.5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        October 16, 2019 at 10:52 am

        Thank you!

        Reply
    12. kim says

      September 09, 2019 at 9:01 am

      Looks so yummy, flavorful and easy! Will be trying for sure!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        October 16, 2019 at 10:52 am

        Thank you, Kim - can't wait to hear what you think!

        Reply
    13. Tisha says

      August 14, 2019 at 10:52 pm

      Love chickpeas! This looks so flavorful and delicious!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra says

        August 16, 2019 at 3:46 pm

        Thank you! I love how easy they are to cook with!

        Reply
    14. Natalie says

      August 14, 2019 at 10:18 pm

      I never tried chana masala before, but it sure looks and sounds so delicious! Comforting and homey ♥5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra says

        August 16, 2019 at 3:46 pm

        I do hope you give it a try!

        Reply
    15. Beth Pierce says

      August 14, 2019 at 9:08 pm

      I know what I will be having for dinner tomorrow! So light and tasty; can't wait to enjoy this recipe!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra says

        August 16, 2019 at 3:46 pm

        I hope you enjoy it, Beth!

        Reply
    16. Monica says

      August 14, 2019 at 8:29 pm

      I love this! It looks beautiful - such a great vibrant color - and I'm excited that the spices are all things I normally keep in my pantry. This will be perfect fall comfort food for my vegetarian kids!

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra says

        August 16, 2019 at 3:47 pm

        That makes me happy to hear! The spices certainly bring this dish to life!

        Reply
    17. Irina says

      August 14, 2019 at 5:32 pm

      What a wonderful blend of Indian spices used to make this chickpea curry! We have recently started making Indian meals to "spice" our usual cuisine. I am bookmarking the recipe for later. Thanks for sharing.5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra says

        August 16, 2019 at 3:47 pm

        I hope you enjoy it, Irina!

        Reply
    18. Dannii says

      August 05, 2019 at 2:57 am

      Chickpea curry is always our go to for a quick and healthy meal.

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra says

        August 12, 2019 at 6:06 pm

        So glad to hear! It's definitely one of my favorites.

        Reply
    19. Amy | The Cook Report says

      August 05, 2019 at 2:56 am

      Chickpea curry is one of my favourites, so delicious!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra says

        August 12, 2019 at 6:07 pm

        So glad to hear you love chickpea curry, Amy!

        Reply
    20. Tatiana says

      August 05, 2019 at 12:28 am

      Sounds like an amazing combination of flavors. I love how quick and simple it is to make! I bet this makes your home smell amazing!!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra says

        August 12, 2019 at 6:07 pm

        The spices do create the best aroma. I'm so glad you love it!

        Reply
    21. Sylvie says

      August 04, 2019 at 11:33 pm

      What a delicious looking dish, packed with yummy flavours and ingredients! I love that it is vegan too5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra says

        August 12, 2019 at 6:07 pm

        Thank you, Sylvie! So glad you like it.

        Reply
    22. Natalie says

      August 04, 2019 at 9:58 pm

      Looks so delicious and comforting! I love Indian food - it's the best food for meal plans, as it heats perfectly ♥5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra says

        August 12, 2019 at 6:08 pm

        I love how quickly it heats up - one of the many reasons I love it!

        Reply
    23. Sarah says

      June 03, 2019 at 6:07 pm

      Made this for dinner tonight. It turned out perfect.5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra says

        June 06, 2019 at 4:29 pm

        So happy to hear! Glad you enjoyed it.

        Reply
    24. Rebecca says

      May 31, 2019 at 9:13 am

      I love this so much. It turned out perfectly and my in-laws loved it!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra says

        June 06, 2019 at 4:28 pm

        Ah so glad to hear!! Thank you!

        Reply
    25. Manju @ Cooking Curries says

      January 23, 2019 at 11:54 am

      Always a favorite and reminds me that I havent made chana masala in a while! Loved all the pics.5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra says

        June 06, 2019 at 4:28 pm

        Thank you!

        Reply

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    Sapana Chandra

    Hi, I'm Sapana! I’m a recipe developer and author of the cookbook Plant Power Bowls. Here you'll find simple, delicious, vegetarian recipes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Learn more about me

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