Chana Masala Recipe using Spice Mix

Chana Masala Recipe using Spice Mix

Authentic Chole masala made with pre-measured Indian spices and blends

More Info

Chana Masala, also called Chole, is a popular North Indian dish that warms your belly on a cold winter day! My mom learned to cook this from other Indian military wives when my Dad was stationed in North Indian bases.

Prep time: 15 mins; Cook time: 30 mins; Serves 4

INGREDIENTS TO MAKE CHANA MASALA:

  • Cooking oil - 2 Tbsp
  • Finely chopped onions - 1.5 cups
  • Diced tomatoes - 2 cups
  • Ginger - 2"
  • Garlic - 4-6 cloves
  • Flavor Temptations Chana Masala Spice Mix (contains 4 Flavor Blends) - 1
  • Canned chickpeas (washed and drained) - 2 cans
  • Water (enough to cover chickpeas) - 2 cups
  • Salt to taste -1-2 tsp
  • Chopped cilantro - 6-8 stems (optional)

STEPS TO MAKE CHANA MASALA:

  1. Heat oil in 12” skillet on medium heat, add Blend #1(Cumin Seeds) and step back to allow seeds to burst and sizzle, releasing their flavors
  2. Add onions and cook until onions are soft and transparent
  3. Add ginger and garlic, cook for 1 minute
  4. Add Blend #2(Turmeric powder, Coriander powder and Cumin powder) and cook for 3-4 minutes, releasing fragrant aromas
  5. Add Blend #3(Cayenne) according to preferred spice level:

(Hot: add all of it; Medium: add half of it; Mild: do not add any)

  1. Add tomatoes and cook on medium heat for 6-8 minutes until tomatoes are soft and oil separates
  2. Add Chickpeas, salt, and enough water to cover the beans
  3. Cook covered 10-12 minutes on medium heat, until beans are soft. Squish a few of the beans to help thicken the sauce
  4. Stir in Blend #4(Garam Masala). Uncover and simmer on low heat until sauce thickens to salsa consistency
  5. Garnish with chopped cilantro (optional)

 SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CHANA MASALA:

Serve hot over bed of long-grained or naan bread

Want a shortcut?  Chana masala recipe using Curry Sauce is an ideal solution for you!

Vegan

Fully plant-based

Gluten-free

Contains no gluten

Dairy free

Contains no dairy products

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FAQs

Indian spices turmeric powder garam masala cumin seeds curry powder recipe

How authentic is this recipe?

All our recipes are authentic and traditional family recipes passed along by my Mom.

Can I use Curry powder instead of individual spice blends?

Technically, you could use Curry powder or a common spice mix. However, this would not provide the authentic taste of traditional spice layering technique that is unique to Indian cooking

Can this recipe be made with meat?

Sure! Simply replace beans or veggies with cooked meat of your choice