Chana Masala (Savory Indian Chick Peas)

Ingredients

1onion, chopped

1tomato, chopped

1 (1 inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and chopped

4 cloves garlic, chopped, or more to taste

1green chile pepper, seeded and chopped(Optional)

3 tablespoons olive oil

2bay leaves, or more to taste

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon coriander powder

1 teaspoon garam masala

½ teaspoon turmeric powder

1 pinch salt to taste

water as needed

1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas

1 teaspoon fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish, or more to taste

Directions

Step 1

Grind onion, tomato, ginger, garlic, and chile pepper together in a food processor into a paste.

Step 2

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry bay leaves in hot oil until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour the paste into the skillet and cook until the oil begins to separate from the mixture and is golden brown in color, 2 to 3 minutes. Season the mixture with chili powder, coriander, powder, gram masala, turmeric, and salt; cook and stir until very hot, 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 3

Stir enough water into the mixture to get a thick gravy; bring to a boil and stir chickpeas into the gravy. Reduce heat to medium and cook until the chickpeas are heated through, 5 to 7 minutes. Garnish with cilantro.

Cook's Notes:

Serve with my ‘Mattar Paneer’ recipe for a totally authentic Indian dinner.

As an optional serving suggestion, use the “Indian Naan Bread” recipe instead of rice as a companion to this dish.

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