10-Minute Chickpea Masala with Toasted Garam Masala
A quick and satisfying chickpea masala that layers warm toasted spices with fresh aromatics for a weeknight-friendly plant-based curry. This Indian-inspired curry recipe (vegan), ready in about 15 minutes, pairs canned chickpeas, onion, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups, drained and rinsed canned chickpeas
- 1 medium, finely diced onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp, grated fresh ginger
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp coriander seeds
- 3 cloves whole cloves
- 1 small (1-inch) piece cinnamon stick
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup water
- to taste salt
- 2 tbsp, chopped for garnish fresh cilantro
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 tsp coriander seeds, 3 whole cloves, and 1 small (1-inch) cinnamon stick for 2-3 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly. Grind toasted spices finely using a mortar and pestle or spice grinder.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely diced onion, sauté for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp grated fresh ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1/2 tsp ground turmeric, 1 tsp ground toasted spice mix, 1 tsp garam masala, and 1/2 tsp red chili powder. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the spices bloom and the tomato paste darkens slightly.
- Step 5: Add 2 cups drained canned chickpeas, 1/2 cup water, and salt to taste. Stir well, bring to a simmer, and cook uncovered for 4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and coats the chickpeas.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro and serve immediately with basmati rice or warm naan.
Frequently asked questions
How long does 10-Minute Chickpea Masala with Toasted Garam Masala take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (5 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover 10-Minute Chickpea Masala with Toasted Garam Masala?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep canned chickpeas from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in 10-Minute Chickpea Masala with Toasted Garam Masala?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale 10-Minute Chickpea Masala with Toasted Garam Masala for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is 10-Minute Chickpea Masala with Toasted Garam Masala vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
