Meatless Monday: Chana Masala

Chana Masala is a healthy and hearty delicious dish.  New to Indian cooking?  No problem!  This simple recipe is the perfect introduction and will make your kitchen smell like heaven!  It's a family favorite.     

PRINTER FRIENDLY RECIPE

INGREDIENTS 

1 Tbsp. vegetable oil 
2 medium onions, diced 
1 clove garlic, minced 
2 t. fresh ginger, grated 
1 fresh jalapeno, minced 
1 Tbsp. ground coriander 
2 t. ground cumin 
1/2 t. ground cayenne pepper  
1 t. ground turmeric
2 t. cumin seeds, toasted and ground
2 t. paprika
1 t. garam masala
1 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes with their juices
2/3 c. water
2 15-ounce cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/2 t. salt 
1/2 lemon, juiced

DIRECTIONS

Heat oil in a large skillet. Add onion, garlic, ginger and pepper and sauté over medium heat until browned, about 5 minutes.  Reduce heat to medium-low and add the coriander, cumin, cayenne, turmeric, cumin seeds, paprika and garam masala.  Cook onion mixture with spices for 2 minutes, then add the tomatoes with their juices, stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan.  Add the water and chickpeas.  Simmer for 10 minutes, then stir in salt and lemon juice.

Chana Masala is often eaten with a type of fried bread called chole bhature that is on my list of recipes to try.  We serve ours with rice and naan and/or gluten-free cornbread.

Enjoy!

~Merrill ♥