Traditional Chana Masala with Garam Masala Spice Blend
A true Indian comfort dish featuring tender chickpeas simmered in a fragrant tomato-onion gravy with authentic garam masala. This indian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 55 minutes pairs chickpeas, onion, tomato puree for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, 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
- 400 g chickpeas
- 2 medium onion
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp coconut oil in a deep pan over medium heat; add 1 tsp cumin seeds and toast until fragrant, then add 2 finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Step 2: Stir in 1/2 tsp coriander powder and cook for 1 minute until aromatic, then add 1 cup tomato puree and simmer for 10 minutes until oil separates from the mixture.
- Step 3: Add 400 g cooked chickpeas and 1 tbsp garam masala, stirring to coat evenly; simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until the gravy thickens and coats the chickpeas.
- Step 4: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro just before serving to maximize freshness.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Traditional Chana Masala with Garam Masala Spice Blend take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 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 Traditional Chana Masala with Garam Masala Spice Blend?
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 chickpeas from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Traditional Chana Masala with Garam Masala Spice Blend?
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 Traditional Chana Masala with Garam Masala Spice Blend for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.
What goes well with Traditional Chana Masala with Garam Masala Spice Blend?
Indian vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.
