May 12, 2016, Updated Aug 28, 2024
You’ll Love This Indian Chickpea Curry Recipe
There are as many channa masala recipes (also known as chickpea masala, kadala curry or chickpea curry) as there are cooks in India. It is wonderful, nourishing vegan comfort food that sticks to your ribs and warms you from the inside. It’s packed with fiber and protein, and is a naturally gluten-free option. When my mother-in-law makes her version for us, we often eat it for breakfast with pooris (puffy fried whole-wheat flatbreads) or puttu (steamed coconut and rice flour). The smell in my kitchen brings back wonderful family memories. I love how the chickpeas become thick and super soft. We eat ours for dinner more than breakfast, with fresh chapatis (recipe coming soon) or fluffy basmati rice. For a smaller-batch, quicker recipe, try my Easy Curry Chickpeas with coconut milk instead.
Variations and Substitutions
Explore diverse twists:
Dried Chickpeas: (aka garbanzo beans) The hearty base, soaked for tenderness. Oil: A blend of 1/3 cup for onions and 1 tsp for spice infusion. Yellow Onion: Softened and golden for a rich foundation. Cumin Seeds: Toasty aroma and deep flavor. Jalapeño, Ginger, Garlic: The trio that kicks in the spice. Garam Masala: Infusing warmth with a hint of curry. Cinnamon: A subtle note of sweetness. Diced Tomatoes: Bringing a juicy, saucy element. Yellow Potatoes: Adding a comforting, starchy touch. Cilantro: (aka coriander) A fresh, herbal finish.
Canned Chickpeas: Opt for four 15-ounce cans canned chickpeas for a quicker version. Rinse and drain them before adding to the curry. Adjust water quantity as needed, keeping an eye on the stew-like consistency. Spice Level: Adjust jalapeño quantity for milder or spicier kicks. You can also add some red chili powder for a kickier curry sauce. Variations and Substitutions Explore diverse twists to customize your curry: Canned Chickpeas: Opt for convenience with two 15-ounce cans. Rinse and drain before adding, adjusting water as needed. Spice Variations: Include 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder or coriander powder for a warm, earthy note. You can also add 6 cardamom pods, a bay leaf and/or a cinnamon stick. Adjust to taste. Swap Vegetables: You can substitute potatoes with sweet potatoes or 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets. Adjust water and cooking time accordingly. Coconut Chickpea Curry: Try my Curry Chickpeas recipe with coconut milk (you could even use homemade coconut milk). Ginger Garlic Paste: Replace ginger and garlic with 2 tablespoons of ginger-garlic paste. Adjust quantity based on your taste preference.
Grab these Tools
Equip yourself for curry mastery:
Pressure Cooker or Dutch Oven: I like to use my Instant pot to pressure cook dry chickpeas, but you could also use the stovetop. Chopping Board and Knife: Essential for onion, jalapeño, and potatoes. Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring and flavor blending. Measuring Spoons: To ensure precise spice quantities. Timer: Handy for chickpea cooking and simmering intervals.
We usually accompany it with a spoonful of cucumber yogurt salad and sometimes Indian mango pickle. This is my family’s version. I usually just throw things together and adjust to taste, but this time I took the time to measure and make sure it was just right, while keeping it pretty simple so that you could make it without buying a dozen spices.
Making This Indian Chickpea Curry Recipe
I use the quick method for soaking beans 9 times out of 10. Mostly because I haven’t planned in advance. I make my chickpeas in a pressure cooker and with it, you can actually skip the soaking altogether, but I don’t. See, soaking gets rid of a lot of the indigestible carbohydrate which causes the… er… musical effect of beans. If you wonder about the salt in the chickpea-cooking step, I’ve been reading about the case for salting beans during cooking and have learned from several authorities that it does not actually make them tough. And now I have perfectly seasoned beans. So go ahead and salt the water.
Tips and Notes on This Indian Chickpea Curry Recipe
Take your time with the onions and let them get nicely caramelized – that is the flavour foundation for the whole dish; as with many curries, the onions basically dissolve and become the sauce.
I kept it mild, because I am feeding little kids, but feel free to add another jalapeño (it’s a big batch for just one) or some cayenne (that way you can add small amounts closer toward the end until you get the heat to your liking).
This recipe makes a really big batch, because I like to make it once and eat it all week, plus have some to freeze.
Feel free to cut the recipe in half, but it is not a quick preparation, so I feel like you should make lots and share or save (or both!).
How to Serve This Indian Chickpea Curry Recipe
Serving up this hearty dish is a breeze. Pair it with complementary toppings or sides to elevate your dining experience.
Chickpea Curry Enhancements
Experiment with these toppings or add-ins:
Fresh Cilantro: A burst of freshness to brighten each bite. Lime Juice: Squeeze for a bright kick. Lemon juice works, too. Yogurt Drizzle: Cool down the spice with a dollop of yogurt.
Side Dishes for Indian Curry
Complete your meal with these sides:
Butter Naan: A soft and garlicky bread, perfect for scooping. Garlic Naan Recipe Basmati Rice: Fluffy grains to soak up the flavorful curry. Add some cumin seeds for jeera rice. Cucumber Yogurt Salad: Refreshing yogurt-based side to balance the heat. Roti: soft, whole wheat flatbreads. Paratha: Flaky, layered south-indian flatbreads. Aloo Gobi: Cauliflower Curry is a perfect vegetable side.
Pairing these additions enhances the dining experience, turning your Indian Chickpea Curry into a complete and satisfying meal. Next Chickpea Reading: Creamy Chickpea Salad Indian style with curry spices + Buffalo Chickpea Wrap
Meal Prep Ease: Cook chickpeas and sauté onions a day ahead for quicker assembly. Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 2-3 months; thaw before reheating. Microwave Reheat: Warm individual servings in the microwave for a quick and convenient meal.
Efficiently plan your meals with these make-ahead and storage tips, ensuring a hassle-free experience whenever you crave a bowl of this flavorful curry.
My Indian Husband’s Favorite Recipes
Put some of Adarsh’s favorite Indian food recipes on your must-make list:
The Chicken Korma that he says will change your life. Best-Ever Creamy Butter Chicken Butter Paneer Saag Paneer Potato Samosas, Chicken Samosas and Samosa Pie Creamy Madras Lentils Amma’s special Masoor Dal recipe Malai Kofta Indian Chai (tea the authentic Indian way)
