Channa masala is a popular north Indian dish accompanied by Chole Bhatura.
Chick peas/Garbanzos has loads of nutritious benefits, Chick peas are high in fibre and perfect food for those who are in diet and planning to loose weight. Including chick peas in your daily diet will help to lower the bad cholesterol level.
I have used Desi chick peas for this dish.The chickpeas are soaked overnight and boiled well and mixed with the onion ,tomatoes and spices to form a thick gravy.There are many varieties in making Channa masala But in the below recipe i have grounded fresh spices without using ready made Chole masala powder. As the name goes the Chickpeas are coated well with thick Masala/Gravy.
Ingredients:
- Chick peas - 2 cups
- Onion -2 (Finely Chopped)
- Green Chillies-2
- Tomatoes -3
- Ginger -1/2 Inch
- Garlic -5 pods
- Chilly Powder - 1 tsp
- Turmeric powder-1/2 tsp
- Lime Juice - 2 tsp
- Coriander Leaves -1 Sprig
- Curry Leaves -6
- Salt as per taste
- Oil - 3 Tsp
Spice Paste:
- Cumin Seeds/Jeera -2 tsp
- Coriander Seeds -2 Tsp
- Cardamon /Elachi - 4
- Cinnamon -1 Inch
- Sesame seeds -1 tsp
- Pepper Corns -5
- Cloves -3
- Bay leaf -3
- Fennel Seeds -2 Tsp
- Red chillies -2
Preparation:
1. Roast all the ingredients mentioned in the spice paste in a low heat ,When cool grind to a fine powder,when roasting keep stirring often to avoid over browning.
2.Finely chop onion
3.Take 2 tomatoes and make it to a Puree, and remaining 1 tomato cut into pieces.
4. Boil the chick peas with enough water and pressure cook for minimum 5 whistles,The chole should be very soft when you mash it with spoon. When Boiling the chick peas add 1 Tbsp of salt.
Method:
1. Add oil in a pan,When hot add the curry leaves,onion and stir well.When onions are transparent add the ginger/garlic paste and stir well.
2.Add the tomato puree and chopped tomatoes and cook until the oil starts leaving on the edges.
3.Now add the ground spices along with chili powder,turmeric powder,chillies and salt and combine well.
4. now add the boiled chole to the masala, Covered and cook in medium heat for 10 minutes.
5. When Channa/Chole is well combined with thick gravy,Turn off the heat add Lime juice and coriander leaves.
6. Serve this Channa Masala/Chole Masala along with Bhatura/Puri/Chapatti/Naan/Plain Rice.
Tips:
1.You can add amchur powder if so don't add lime juice
2.If your chilli is very spicy you can skip using the chilly powder.
3. Spice can be adjusted according to your taste.
4. For additional flavor you can add 2tsp of coconut when roasting the spices.