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Chana Masala

This simplified version of an Indian favorite is a delightful way to showcase tasty chickpeas.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    4 servings

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced
Two 15-to 16-ounce cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 to 2 teaspoons garam masala or good-quality curry powder
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
2 teaspoons grated fresh or jarred ginger
2 large tomatoes, diced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro, or to taste
Salt to taste
Hot cooked grain (rice, quinoa, or couscous), optional

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat the oil in a wide skillet. Add the onion and sauté until translucent. Add the garlic and continue to sauté until the onion is golden.

    Step 2

    Add the chickpeas, garam masala, turmeric, ginger, tomatoes, lemon juice, and about 1/4 cup water. Bring to a simmer, then cook over medium-low heat for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. This should be moist and stewlike, but not soupy; add a little more water, if needed.

    Step 3

    Stir in the cilantro and season with salt. Serve on its own in shallow bowls or over a hot cooked grain, if desired.

  2. Menu Suggestions

    Step 4

    Omit the option of a plain cooked grain; see the menu with Curried Cashew Couscous (page 93).

  3. Step 5

    If you choose to serve this with a plain cooked grain, as suggested in the recipe, complete the meal with fresh flatbread and Fruitful Red Slaw (page 177).

  4. Step 6

    If time allows, make Apricot Chutney (page 225) as an accompaniment with any menu.

  5. nutrition information

    Step 7

    Calories: 320

    Step 8

    Total Fat: 6g

    Step 9

    Protein: 12g

    Step 10

    Carbohydrates: 56g

    Step 11

    Fiber: 6g

    Step 12

    Sodium: 645mg

Reprinted with permission from Vegan Express: Featuring 160 Recipes for Quick, Delicious, and Healthy Meals by Nava Atlas. Copyright © 2008 by Nava Atlas. Excerpted by permission of Broadway, a division of Random House, Inc. All rights reserved. Nava Atlas is the author of nine cookbooks, including The Vegetarian Family Cookbook, The Vegetarian 5-Ingredient Gourmet, and Vegetarian Soups for All Seasons. She lives in the Hudson Valley region of New York with her husband and two teenage sons (all vegans).
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