Chana Masala (Savory Indian Garbanzo Beans)

My old friend Sudesh shared this recipe with me almost 50 years ago. It’s a savory mix of chick peas, tomatoes, garlic, onions and spices…lots of spices, simmered to perfection. The chick peas are served with Roti or Naan bread.

I cook the chick peas in a pressure cooker, but the old stove top method works as well (directions are on the bag of chick-peas)

Chana Masala (Savory Indian Garbanzo Beans)

Recipe by Diane BeckerCourse: Appetizers u0026amp; Dips, Ethnic Dishes, Main Dish – Vegetarian, Side Dishes
Servingsservings

Ingredients

  • 1 bag garbanzo beans (1 pound)

  • ¾ cup corn oil

  • 1 entire bulb of garlic, peeled and chopped

  • 4 large onions, chopped

  • 1 -3 inch piece of ginger, peeled and chopped

  • 3 large tomatoes, chopped

  • ½ bunch fresh coriander

  • 5 chili peppers, chopped

  • 3 Tablespoons garam masala (Indian spice)

  • 1 Tablespoon curry

  • 1 Tablespoon salt

  • ½ Tablespoon chili powder

  • ½ Tablespoon paprika

  • 1 teaspoon tamarind paste

  • 8 ounce can tomato sauce

  • ¾ cup water

  • Coriander seeds

  • Caraway seeds

Directions

  • Toast the coriander and caraway seeds in the fry pan for 1 minute. Remove from pan.
  • In the fry pan, sauté the onions, garlic, ginger and peppers until soft.
  • Add the chopped tomatoes and sauté another 2 minutes.
  • Add the remaining ingredients (except the garbanzo beans)and cook until thick.
  • Place the garbanzo beans in the pressure cooker, cover with water about 1 inch above the beans and cook for 10 minutes.
  • Drain and rinse well.
  • Add beans to the tomato mixture and simmer for 15 minutes.
  • Serve with Roti or Naan bread (I have used flour tortillas on occasion).

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