Easy Vegan Chana Masala
by: claire cary
Chana masala made easy! This vegan chana masala is a 1 pot Indian dish that is packed with plant protein, flavor and is perfect for meal prep. Serve with fresh naan and basmati rice for a delicious plant powered dinner.
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4
Ingredients
- 2 cans chickpeas drained and rinsed
- 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
- 6 cloves garlic finely minced
- 2 tbsp coconut oil*
- 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
- ⅓ cup finely chopped cilantro plus more for garnish
- 1 28 ounce can strained tomatoes*
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 serrano pepper*
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 ½ tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- ½ tsp chili powder
- 1 ¼ tsp garam masala
- ½ tsp amchur powder or juice from 1 lemon*
- 1 tsp brown or coconut sugar
- ⅛ tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp salt
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add the chopped onion to a pan with the coconut oil.
- Saute for 5-10 minutes or until the onion is translucent.
- Add the finely minced cilantro, garlic, ginger, serano pepper, cinnamon stick and bay leaves.
- Saute an additional 5 minutes.
- Add in all spices, sugar and salt. Stir well.
- After a few minutes, add the strained tomatoes, drained and rinsed chickpeas and stir until well combined.
- Partially cover and let simmer for 20-25 minutes on low heat.
- Remove the bay leaves and cinnamon stick.
- Taste and add more garam masala, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, etc.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with naan, white rice, or enjoy as is!
Notes
I suggest using refined coconut oil to prevent a coconut flavor to the dish.
Spice note: I made this a few times, once using 1 serrano pepper with the seeds and it was very spicy. I made it a second time, using 1 serrano pepper with no seeds and it was more mild. 1 serrano pepper with a couple of seeds was the perfect spice for me, but use more seeds if you like spice or use two peppers.
A 28 ounce can of pureed tomatoes, unseasoned tomato sauce, or crushed tomatoes also work.
The amchur powder is a necessary component to traditional chana masala, but if you can't find it, no worries, lemon juice works just fine!
Serving: 1bowl / Calories: 334kcal / Carbohydrates: 46g / Protein: 13.9g / Fat: 12.1g / Fiber: 13.8g / Sugar: 7.4g
