Fragrant, soothing Chana Masala

The kitchen has become our go-to-place in these days of self-isolation and social distancing, triggered by the COVID-19 crisis. As many of us are spending more time honing our culinary skills, we are also learning about the journey of our local milk, meat, fish and produce to our plates. To help you along your epicurean adventure, Alooatta.com has partnered with the BC Dairy Association to bring you this delicious series of South Asian recipes.

 

Chana Masala

Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Equipment:

large skillet

wooden spoon

saucepan

 

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp (5 mL) cumin seeds

• 1 tsp (5 mL) black mustard seeds

• 1/4 cup (60 mL) ghee

• 1 large onion, diced

• 2 fresh green chili peppers, seeded and diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp (15 mL) minced fresh ginger

• 1/2 cinnamon stick (2 inches/5 cm long)

• 4 cardamom pods

• 2 tsp (10 mL) garam masala

• 1 tsp (5 mL) each ground turmeric and coriander

• 1 tsp (5 mL) pepper

• 1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt

• 1/2 tsp (2 mL) dried mango powder (amchoor)

• 1/4 tsp (1 mL) cayenne pepper

• 2 cans (540 mL each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• 1 can (796 mL) diced tomatoes

• 1 tsp (5 mL) brown sugar

• 1 1/2 cups (375 mL) plain 4% Greek yogurt, divided

• 2 tbsp (30 mL) lime juice

• 1 1/2 cups (375 mL) basmati rice, cooked according to package directions, for serving

• 2 tbsp (30 mL) finely chopped fresh cilantro

• 2 tbsp (30 mL) 2% yogurt

 

Instructions:

1. Heat large skillet set over medium heat; cook cumin and mustard seeds for 1 to 2 minutes or until fragrant and starting to pop. Stir in ghee, onion, chili peppers, garlic, ginger, cinnamon stick and cardamom pods; cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until onions are very tender.

2. Stir in garam masala, turmeric, coriander, pepper, salt, mango powder and cayenne; cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until fragrant. Stir in chickpeas; cook for 1 minute or until well coated. Stir in tomatoes and sugar; bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer for 20 to 25 minutes or until thickened. Reduce heat to low.

3. Remove 1/2 cup (125 mL) masala and toss with 1/2 cup (125 mL) yogurt. Stir back into skillet and cook until heated through. Stir in lime juice. Serve masala over bed of rice and sprinkle with cilantro. Drizzle with yogurt.

 

Tip: Alternatively, serve with warm naan bread.

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