Looking for a warm, comforting dish that’s packed with protein and bursting with aromatic Indian spices? This Vegan Chana Masala is exactly what you need. As someone who’s made this dish countless times, I can tell you it’s not just delicious but also incredibly satisfying. The combination of tender chickpeas simmered in a rich, spiced tomato sauce creates a meal that’s both nutritious and deeply flavorful.
Ingredients
- 2 (15 oz) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 medium onions, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add diced onions and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for another 2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
- Add chopped tomatoes and all the dry spices (coriander, turmeric, garam masala, and chili powder). Cook until tomatoes break down and oil starts to separate, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add the chickpeas and water. Season with salt to taste.
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens and chickpeas are tender.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Cook Time and Serving Size
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6 people
Recipe Notes
For the best results, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t rush the onion-cooking process – properly caramelized onions create a deep, rich base flavor.
- If using dried chickpeas instead of canned, soak them overnight and cook until tender before starting the recipe.
- The sauce will thicken as it cools. If it gets too thick, simply add a splash of water and reheat.
- This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
- Serve with rice, naan bread, or quinoa for a complete meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
This Vegan Chana Masala is perfect for meal prep and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Remember to let the spices bloom properly in the oil – this is key to developing those authentic Indian flavors that make this dish so special.
