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TrendyTadka Editorial

20-Minute Canned Chickpea Chana Masala

Make restaurant-style North Indian chickpea curry in 20 minutes using canned garbanzo beans, crushed tomatoes, and everyday pantry spices.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 2 cans 15 oz / 425 g each chickpeas (garbanzo beans), rinsed and drained
  • 2 tbsp neutral cooking oil avocado, canola, or vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp whole cumin seeds
  • 1 large yellow onion finely diced, about 1.5 cups
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger finely grated
  • 1 green serrano or jalapeƱo chili stemmed and finely minced; seeds removed for mild heat
  • 1 can 14.5 oz / 411 g petite diced tomatoes (with juices)
  • 1 tbsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp Kashmiri chili powder or mild paprika
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp amchur dried mango powder OR 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 1 cup water or low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the whole cumin seeds and let them sizzle for 20 to 30 seconds until aromatic and slightly darkened.
  2. Add the diced onion and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown around the edges. Stir in the minced garlic, ginger, and green chili. Cook for 60 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add ground coriander, ground cumin, turmeric, Kashmiri chili powder, and salt. Stir constantly for 30 seconds to bloom the ground spices in the oil.
  4. Add the canned diced tomatoes with their juices. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, crushing the tomatoes with your wooden spoon, until the liquid reduces and oil begins to bead at the edges.
  5. Pour in the rinsed chickpeas and 1 cup of water or vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.
  6. Using the back of a sturdy wooden spoon or potato masher, crush about one-third of the chickpeas directly against the bottom of the pan. Stir well; this releases starch and naturally thickens the curry gravy.
  7. Simmer uncovered for 6 to 7 minutes until the gravy is thick, cohesive, and coats the chickpeas.
  8. Stir in garam masala and lemon juice (or amchur). Simmer for 1 final minute. Remove from heat, garnish generously with fresh cilantro, and serve with basmati rice, bhature, or warm naan.

Notes

Recipe development note: This recipe was developed using culinary research and established cooking techniques. TrendyTadka does not operate a physical test kitchen, so results can vary with ingredients, equipment, and technique.