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Easy Authentic Chana Masala Recipe (Chickpea Curry)

Easy Homemade Chickpea Curry

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp Oil or Ghee For blooming spices and sautéing
  • 2 Bay leaves Whole
  • 3 Cardamom pods Whole
  • 1 inch Cinnamon stick About 1-inch piece
  • 4 Cloves Whole
  • 1 Star anise Whole
  • 1 medium Red onion Finely chopped
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 2 Green chilies Slit down the middle
  • 1 tbsp Ginger-garlic paste Store-bought or homemade
  • 1 cup Tomato sauce Can substitute with crushed tomatoes
  • 0.5 tsp Turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp Red chili powder Adjust to taste for less heat
  • 1 tsp Cumin powder
  • 1 tbsp Coriander powder
  • 30 oz Chickpeas Canned, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tsp Salt To taste
  • 0.5 tsp Black pepper Freshly ground
  • 1 cup Water For simmering
  • 1 tsp Garam masala
  • 1 tsp Fenugreek Leaves or seeds
  • 2 tbsp Cream or yogurt Optional, to balance acidity
  • 0.25 cup Cilantro Freshly chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the bay leaves, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, cloves, and star anise. Toast for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add the finely chopped red onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Stir in the minced garlic, slit green chilies, and ginger-garlic paste, cooking for 1 additional minute.
  • Stir in the tomato sauce, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, and coriander powder. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the oil begins to separate slightly from the sauce.
  • Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas to the pot, along with the salt and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to coat the chickpeas. Pour in 1 cup of water and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  • Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  • Uncover and stir in the garam masala, fenugreek, and cream or yogurt. Simmer for 2 more minutes. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.