Spiced chickpea stew with tomato, ginger, and cilantro
Indian Chana Masala
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
30 min
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4
4 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Indian Chana Masala
Spiced chickpea stew with tomato, ginger, and cilantro
A fast chickpea stew with tomato, onion, ginger, and warm spices that tastes far bigger than the ingredient list suggests.
15m
Prep Time
30m
Cook Time
45m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Chana masala is pantry cooking at its best. The chickpeas make it practical, but the ginger, spices, and tomato give it the kind of depth that keeps it from feeling like a fallback meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cans chickpeas, drained
- 1/2 cup water
- Cilantro and lemon for serving
Instructions
- 1
Cook the onion, ginger, and garlic in the oil until softened and lightly golden.
- 2
Add the spices and cook for 30 seconds, then stir in the tomatoes.
- 3
Simmer until the tomato base darkens slightly and thickens.
- 4
Add the chickpeas and water and cook for 10 to 15 minutes.
- 5
Finish with cilantro and lemon juice and serve with rice or flatbread.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with warm naan bread or basmati rice
Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime
Pair with a cooling cucumber raita on the side
Substitutions
Crushed tomatoesPureed fresh tomatoes
Fresh tomatoes work but usually need a bit longer to cook down
Garam masalaCurry powder
Different profile, but it still builds warmth and depth
FlavorPantry
Test Kitchen Pick
Garam Masala
Helpful Pantry Staple
Why the spice blend matters
A better spice blend gives the recipe more rounded flavor without making you buy ten separate jars first.
This is often the pantry shortcut that makes the result taste more complete.
- Adds warmer depth quickly
- Useful across curries, lentils, and vegetable dishes
If you are cooking Indian food more than once, garam masala is a practical pantry anchor.
Shop garam masala for this recipeTips & Storage
Pro Tips
Mash a few chickpeas into the sauce for a thicker stew-like finish.
A little extra ginger at the end gives the dish more lift.
Storage
Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (1 serving) · 4 servings
Calories280
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein10g
Carbohydrates36g
Fat11g
Fiber8g
Sugar8g
Sodium520mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use dried chickpeas?
- Yes, but cook them first. Canned chickpeas make this especially fast.
- Is this very spicy?
- Not by default, though you can add chili powder or fresh chile easily.
Explore More
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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