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Recipe by James John Deren

Chana Masala

This is one of those delicious dishes where you quickly find your favorite way to make it; I clearly like mine with extra tomato, ginger and garlic!

Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 25 mins
Servings 4 - 6 servings
Category Main Dish

Ingredients

  • 1 T Ghee (or vegetable oil)
  • 1 T Vegetable Oil
  • 1 ½ t Cumin Seeds
  • 1 t Coriander Seed, freshly ground
  • 3 T Fresh Ginger, minced (see notes)
  • 1 T Garlic, minced
  • 1 C Onion, chopped (about 1 medium)
  • 1 Serrano Chili Pepper, minced
  • 2 t Garam Masala
  • ½ t Turmeric
  • 25 oz Tomato, diced canned
  • 30 oz Chickpeas (two 15 oz cans)
  • ½ C Vegetable Broth (low sodium) or water
  • 1 t Kosher Salt

Instructions

  1. 1 Heat Oil And Ghee In A: Heat oil and ghee in a large pot over medium high heat until shimmering.
  2. 2 Add Coriander And Cumin: Add coriander and cumin. Saute until fragrant, about 15 seconds.
  3. 3 Add Ginger And Garlic, Stirring Constantly: Add ginger and garlic, stirring constantly until fragrant. Do not let brown.
  4. 4 Add Onion And Serrano Pepper And: Add onion and Serrano pepper and saute until softened.
  5. 5 Add Garam Masala And Turmeric, Stirring: Add garam masala and turmeric, stirring to coat the mixture.
  6. 6 Add The Tomato, Chickpeas, Vegetable Broth: Add the tomato, chickpeas, vegetable broth and salt, scraping the bits on the bottom of the pan into the liquid.
  7. 7 Simmer 20-25 Minutes, Stirring Occasionally: Simmer 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid starts reducing.
  8. 8 Using A Potato Masher, Coarsely Smash: Using a potato masher, coarsely smash about ¼ of the chana masala then stir to thicken.

Pro Tips & Delicious Variations

  • It’s simple to scrape off the ginger peel with the back of a spoon, and a mini-chop is great for recipes requiring several minced herbs and spices, such as ginger and garlic. Just chop coarsely and whirl until chopped.
  • During gardening season, substitute the canned tomato with 3 cups of chopped fresh tomato and saute with the onion. Top each serving with fresh chopped coriander leaves (cilantro).
  • Serve with garlic naan and a dollop of greek yogurt.
  • There is nothing like Ghee, but vegan margarine works fine.
  • Garam masala is a blend of many toasted spices. You can find it in Indian/International markets and better grocery stores such as Whole Foods.
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©️ 2026 James John Deren