Easy Chana Masala

Easy Chana Masala

a hearty vegetarian curry

Recipe by
Reviewed by Arturs Arnicans
Prep Time: 9m
Cook Time: 15m
Total Time: 24m
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy
4.9 (25 Reviews)
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Ingredients

Adjust servings:

Nutritional Information

359
calories
8g
fat
2mg
cholesterol
616mg
sodium
64g
carbohydrate
10g
protein
Easy Chana Masala

Recipe Description

This Easy Chana Masala is my take on the Indian garbanzo bean curry found at street food carts, work and school canteens, as well as weddings and family gatherings throughout India and Pakistan. Legumes such as garbanzo beans are a staple food group if you want to have a healthy vegetarian or vegan diet. They are full of important nutrients and general health benefits!

Start by sautéing onion, garlic, ginger and jalapeno pepper if using. Add a blend of garam masala, ground coriander, ground cumin and salt and cook for a minute. Stir in tomatoes and garbanzo beans and cook for 12-15 minutes until the flavors are combined. Serve with brown rice and cilantro. You can drizzle plain yogurt (or a vegan equivalent) over the top if you desire.

To make this Easy Chana Masala, you will need the following ingredients:

Ingredients for Easy Chana Masala

Steps to make

  1. 1

    Sauté onion, garlic and ginger

    5 min
    Step 1 - Easy Chana Masala

    Heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add ½ cup of chopped onion, 1 tablespoon of minced ginger root, 2 minced garlic cloves and a finely chopped jalapeno pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes while stirring until the onion is soft and lightly browned.

  2. 2

    Add salt and spices

    1 min
    Step 2 - Easy Chana Masala

    Add ½ a teaspoon of salt, 1 tsp garam masala, ½ tsp ground coriander and ½ tsp ground cumin and continue to cook for one minute while stirring.

  3. 3

    Add tomatoes and garbanzo beans

    3 min
    Step 3 - Easy Chana Masala

    Stir in a can of tomatoes and a can of garbanzo beans. Bring the chana masala to a boil.

  4. 4

    Simmer

    15 min
    Step 4 - Easy Chana Masala

    Reduce the heat. Simmer the curry with the lid on for 12-15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the flavors are combined fully.

  5. 5

    Serve

    Step 5 - Easy Chana Masala

    Serve over hot brown rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro and yogurt (if using).

This Easy Chana Masala is a really wholesome vegetarian garbanzo bean curry that takes less than 30 minutes to cook. Try it out soon and please come back to leave a comment below.

About the author

Nina Cole

Nina dreams of gender equality and for women all over the world to feel empowered and enjoy the same freedom she has. She’s a careful consumer, believing that by being more conscious about the way we live we can make the world a better place! Already a vegetarian, she uses animal products sparingly and tries to produce as little waste as possible. Most of her recipes are vegan as a result!

Recipe Reviews

Have you made this recipe? Share your experience and help other cooks!

★★★★★
★★★★★
4.9 out of 5 (25 reviews)
Patricia Smith
March 10, 2025
Verified

Super easy and yummy! Loved it!

Vicky
March 8, 2025
Verified

Superb and delicious!

Xavier
February 8, 2025
Verified

Superb recipe ever!

William Dupont
July 28, 2024
Verified

Cette recette de Chana Masala est exceptionnel. J'ai essayé de la préparer pour mon premier dîner avec des amis, et ils ont adoré. C'est simple à faire et sain en plus! Les saveurs se mélangent tellement bien, je vais la refaire souvent.

Dave
September 24, 2023
Verified

I made this Easy Chana Masala for my wife and it's a hit. It's simple, yet packed with flavor. This recipe made me feel proud to serve a taste of India at our dinner table. Will definitely cook again.

Ian Mitchell
September 1, 2023
Verified

I whipped this up for my mates last week; it tasted just like the street food in my travels to India! Absolutely loved the spices and simplicity. Yum!

Betty
June 25, 2022
Verified

Tried this Chana Masala for my fam last week. So simple and tasty! Couldn’t believe how fast it was, and everyone loved it. A new fav for sure.

Laura
April 9, 2022
Verified

Making this Easy Chana Masala felt like a family celebration. My kids loved it, and it brought everyone together for a cozy dinner.

Robbie
April 7, 2022
Verified

Delicious, quick meal!

Yasmin Patel
August 13, 2021
Verified

Delicious

Rachel
February 14, 2021
Verified

Wow! This Easy Chana Masala took me back to the street food stalls in Mumbai! It's so simple to make and bursting with flavors. I whipped it up for my friends, and they couldn’t stop raving about it. Totally a new favorite!

Diana Smith
October 12, 2020
Verified

Superb! I made this for a family gathering and everyone loved it. The flavors were so vibrant, and it was easy to whip up. I even got my kids to eat their veggies! Can't wait tomake it again.

Eisley Bismark
March 23, 2020
Verified

Could not believe how good this turned out recommending this instantly to my friends they love anything with garbanzo beans!!

Caleigh Gutshall
March 23, 2020
Verified

Very simple to make this thanks to the amazing instructions that come with pictures, most places don't bother to show you but you guys put in the effort and thanks to that my meal turned out great.

Audrina Gogna
March 21, 2020
Verified

Chana masala is one of my favorite dishes but I never knew how people made it so good and thanks to you now I know! Was amazing very pleased.

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