Vegan Chana Masala
Vegan Chana Masala is a classic Indian dish known for its rich and flavorful chickpea curry. This vegan version of chana masala offers all the deliciousness of the traditional recipe without any animal products, making it a perfect choice for plant-based diets.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 1 can (14 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped, for garnish (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
- Cooked rice or naan bread, for serving
INSTRUCTIONS
Prepare the Curry:
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Cook for a minute to toast the spices.
Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and tomato sauce. Stir to combine.
Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas to the skillet. Mix well with the tomato mixture.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the chickpeas to absorb the flavors and become tender. If the curry becomes too thick, you can add a bit of water.
Serve Vegan Chana Masala:
Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Optionally, serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
Serve hot with cooked rice or naan bread for a satisfying and flavorful vegan chana masala meal.
TIPS
- Adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of chili powder or using fresh green chilies.
- Customize the chana masala by adding spinach or other leafy greens for added nutrition and color.
- You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or a dollop of vegan yogurt before serving for added freshness and creaminess.
NUTRITION VALUE
- Calories: 250-300 (approximate values)
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Protein: 7-9g
- Fat: 10-12g
- Fiber: 7-9g
