Chana Masala
Easy and quick chana masala recipe served over basmati rice. This spicy, hearty Indian dish is vegan and gluten free. It makes great leftovers, too!
Also known as Authentic Chana Masala

Community Recipes
Public community recipes are kept separate from reviewed starting paths.
Authentic Chana Masala (Chickpea Masala)
Chana masala recipe that rivals any restaurant! It's authentic, super easy to make and full-flavored with tender delicious chickpeas..
Chana Masala
This chana masala recipe is easy to make with chickpeas, tomatoes and flavorful spices. Serve with rice for a healthy, satisfying vegan meal!
Quick Chana Masala
Easy and quick chana masala recipe served over basmati rice. This spicy, hearty Indian dish is vegan and gluten free. It makes great leftovers, too!
Variant Map
The reviewed ways this dish changes across variants.
Authentic Chana Masala (Chickpea Masala)
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Chana masala recipe that rivals any restaurant! It's authentic, super easy to make and full-flavored with tender delicious chickpeas..

This chana masala recipe is easy to make with chickpeas, tomatoes and flavorful spices. Serve with rice for a healthy, satisfying vegan meal!

Easy and quick chana masala recipe served over basmati rice. This spicy, hearty Indian dish is vegan and gluten free. It makes great leftovers, too!
Compare
Open side-by-side comparisons from reviewed recipe and variant targets.
Authentic Chana Masala vs. This Quick & Easy Method
I’ve modified Angela’s ingredients and cooking method a bit.
Let me be the first to point out that this recipe is somewhat unconventional! Authentic chana masala is typically made with whole spices, plus some dried mango powder (amchur).
Canned Tomato Options
I love using crushed fire-roasted tomatoes in this recipe, which offer a shortcut to rich, long-simmered flavor.
If you don’t have them, don’t worry. You can also use canned whole tomatoes (with their juices), and crush them against the side of the pot with a sturdy spoon as they simmer.
Spice Options
Garam masala is traditionally used in chana masalas.
Garam masala roughly translates to “hot spice mix” in English. It’s made from a blend of coriander, cumin, cardamom (green and black), cinnamon, black pepper, cloves, and other spices that vary by region and preference.
How This Dish Works
Mechanics, choices, and evidence-backed explanations.
I was happy when I found a recipe for quick and easy chana masala in the pages of Angela Liddon’s cookbook, The Oh She Glows Cookbook (affiliate link).
Ingredient Map
Ingredient-related notes and reviewed constraints surfaced for the dish.
Notes
Recipe adapted with permission from The Oh She Glows Cookbook by Angela Liddon. *TAME THE HEAT: While chana masala is inherently full of spice, the serrano (or jalapeño) and cayenne pepper are what bring the heat.
If you’re sensitive, reduce or omit them both. You can always stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper at the end of cooking if you want more. **SPICE BLEND NOTE: Garam masala is traditional.
Contextual Substitutions
Dish-specific substitutions with expected changes and cautions.
Swap
Chili Powder to Hot Chili Flakes
Chili powder or hot chili flakes, to taste
Expected change: The source lists this as an alternative in the same ingredient row.
Swap
Chili Powder to To Taste
Chili powder or hot chili flakes, to taste
Expected change: The source lists this as an alternative in the same ingredient row.
Swap
Serrano Pepper to Jalapeño Peppers
2 Serrano or jalapeño peppers, roughly chopped, stems discarded
Expected change: The source lists this as an alternative in the same ingredient row.
Swap
Serrano Pepper to Roughly Chopped
2 Serrano or jalapeño peppers, roughly chopped, stems discarded
Expected change: The source lists this as an alternative in the same ingredient row.
Swap
Serrano Pepper to Stems Discarded
2 Serrano or jalapeño peppers, roughly chopped, stems discarded
Expected change: The source lists this as an alternative in the same ingredient row.
Swap
Garlic to Thinly Sliced
4 medium cloves garlic, thinly sliced or finely chopped by hand (see note)
Expected change: The source lists this as an alternative in the same ingredient row.
Source: Spaghetti Puttanesca (Spaghetti With Capers, Olives, and Anchovies)
Swap
Garlic to Finely Chopped By Hand
4 medium cloves garlic, thinly sliced or finely chopped by hand (see note)
Expected change: The source lists this as an alternative in the same ingredient row.
Source: Spaghetti Puttanesca (Spaghetti With Capers, Olives, and Anchovies)
Swap
Yellow Onion to Leek
1 medium yellow onion or large leek, finely diced (about 8 ounces; 225g)
Expected change: The source lists this as an alternative in the same ingredient row.
Source: Caldo Verde (Portuguese Potato and Kale Soup With Sausage) Recipe
Swap
Yellow Onion to Finely Diced
1 medium yellow onion or large leek, finely diced (about 8 ounces; 225g)
Expected change: The source lists this as an alternative in the same ingredient row.
Source: Caldo Verde (Portuguese Potato and Kale Soup With Sausage) Recipe
Swap
Water to Milk
5 cups (1.2L) water, milk, or chicken stock or vegetable stock (see note)
Expected change: The source lists this as an alternative in the same ingredient row.
Source: Smooth and Creamy Polenta
Swap
Water to Chicken Stock
5 cups (1.2L) water, milk, or chicken stock or vegetable stock (see note)
Expected change: The source lists this as an alternative in the same ingredient row.
Source: Smooth and Creamy Polenta
Swap
Water to Vegetable Stock
5 cups (1.2L) water, milk, or chicken stock or vegetable stock (see note)
Expected change: The source lists this as an alternative in the same ingredient row.
Source: Smooth and Creamy Polenta
Swap
Coconut Oil to Avocado Oil
2 tablespoons coconut oil or quality high-heat oil such as avocado oil, divided
Expected change: The source lists this as an alternative in the same ingredient row.
Source: Kale and Coconut Fried Rice
Swap
Yellow Onion to White Onion
1 medium yellow or white onion, chopped
Expected change: The source lists this as an alternative in the same ingredient row.
Source: Best Lentil Soup
Swap
Coconut Oil to Extra Virgin Olive Oil
⅓ cup (75 grams) melted coconut oil or extra-virgin olive oil or high quality vegetable oil*
Expected change: The source lists this as an alternative in the same ingredient row.
Source: Healthy Banana Bread!
Swap
Coconut Oil to Vegetable Oil
⅓ cup (75 grams) melted coconut oil or extra-virgin olive oil or high quality vegetable oil*
Expected change: The source lists this as an alternative in the same ingredient row.
Source: Healthy Banana Bread!
Swap
Coconut Oil to Olive Oil
1/2 cup melted coconut oil or olive oil
Expected change: The source lists this as an alternative in the same ingredient row.
Source: The Very Best Granola
Swap
Lemon Juice to Orange Juice
2 tablespoons lemon juice or orange juice
Expected change: The source lists this as an alternative in the same ingredient row.
Source: Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
Swap
Coconut Oil to Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 tablespoons coconut oil or extra-virgin olive oil
Expected change: The source lists this as an alternative in the same ingredient row.
Source: Quick Chana Masala
Swap
Serrano Pepper to Jalapeño Pepper
1 medium serrano or jalapeño pepper*, minced (remove ribs and seeds to tame the spice level)
Expected change: The source lists this as an alternative in the same ingredient row.
Source: Quick Chana Masala
Swap
Fire-Roasted Tomatoes to Whole Peeled Tomatoes
1 large can (28 ounces) fire-roasted crushed tomatoes or whole peeled tomatoes, with their juices
Expected change: The source lists this as an alternative in the same ingredient row.
Source: Quick Chana Masala
Swap
Coconut Oil to Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil or extra-virgin olive oil**
Expected change: The source lists this as an alternative in the same ingredient row.
Source: Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Swap
Extra Virgin Olive Oil to Avocado Oil
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil
Expected change: The source lists this as an alternative in the same ingredient row.
Source: AIR FRYER CHICKEN BREAST
Swap
Water to Broth
1 ½ cup water or broth
Expected change: The source lists this as an alternative in the same ingredient row.
Swap
Brown Rice to White Rice
Cooked brown rice or white rice
Expected change: The source lists this as an alternative in the same ingredient row.
Source: Chana Masala
Swap
Whole Milk to Almond Milk
2 cups whole milk or unsweetened almond milk
Expected change: The source lists this as an alternative in the same ingredient row.
Source: Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Swap
Water to Milk
water or milk, for brushing
Expected change: The source lists this as an alternative in the same ingredient row.
Source: Fresh Apple Cinnamon Scones
Swap
Cinnamon to Vietnamese Cinnamon
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon or 2 teaspoons Vietnamese cinnamon*
Expected change: The source lists this as an alternative in the same ingredient row.
Source: Cinnamon Star Bread
Swap
Ginger Garlic Paste to Crushed
1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste or crushed ((or ¾ tsp ginger paste))
Expected change: The source lists this as an alternative in the same ingredient row.
Source: Paneer Makhani
Source and Cultural NotesSources, origin declarations, and evidenced notes for this dish.
Authentic Chana Masala vs. This Quick & Easy Method
I’ve modified Angela’s ingredients and cooking method a bit.
Let me be the first to point out that this recipe is somewhat unconventional! Authentic chana masala is typically made with whole spices, plus some dried mango powder (amchur).
Authentic Chana Masala vs. This Quick & Easy Method · raw_snapshot.article_sections[0] · Quick Chana Masala
Canned Tomato Options
I love using crushed fire-roasted tomatoes in this recipe, which offer a shortcut to rich, long-simmered flavor.
If you don’t have them, don’t worry. You can also use canned whole tomatoes (with their juices), and crush them against the side of the pot with a sturdy spoon as they simmer.
Canned Tomato Options · raw_snapshot.article_sections[2] · Quick Chana Masala
Spice Options
Garam masala is traditionally used in chana masalas.
Garam masala roughly translates to “hot spice mix” in English. It’s made from a blend of coriander, cumin, cardamom (green and black), cinnamon, black pepper, cloves, and other spices that vary by region and preference.
Spice Options · raw_snapshot.article_sections[3] · Quick Chana Masala
Craving more Indian recipes?
I’m working on my expanding my collection of Indian recipes, but here are a few favorite recipes inspired by Indian cuisine.
Creamy Golden Milk (Hot or Iced) Quick Dal Makhani Masala Lentil Salad with Cumin Roasted Carrots Turmeric-Spiced Whole Roasted Cauliflower Roasted Cauliflower: See the Indian-inspired version. Please let me know how this recipe turns out in the comments.
Craving more Indian recipes? · raw_snapshot.article_sections[4] · Quick Chana Masala
Notes
Recipe adapted with permission from The Oh She Glows Cookbook by Angela Liddon. *TAME THE HEAT: While chana masala is inherently full of spice, the serrano (or jalapeño) and cayenne pepper are what bring the heat.
If you’re sensitive, reduce or omit them both. You can always stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper at the end of cooking if you want more. **SPICE BLEND NOTE: Garam masala is traditional.
Notes · raw_snapshot.article_sections[8] · Quick Chana Masala
About Chana Masala
Chana masala is a chickpea curry.
Its name translates literally to spiced chickpeas, “chana” meaning chickpeas and “masala” meaning spice. Variations of the dish, such as Punjabi chole masala, are popular throughout India and Pakistan.
About Chana Masala · raw_snapshot.article_sections[0] · Chana Masala
What is Chana Masala?
Chana masala is a North Indian curried dish made with white chickpeas, onions, tomatoes, spices and herbs. ‘Chana’ is a Hindi word for ‘Chickpeas’ and ‘Masala’ here refers to a ‘spiced gravy’.
So it’s nothing but chickpeas simmered in a spicy onion tomato masala. This is one of the world’s most popular vegetarian curries & is a staple in the Indian homes & restaurants.
What is Chana Masala? · raw_snapshot.article_sections[0] · Chana Masala Recipe (Chickpea Masala)
AIR FRYER CHICKEN BREAST
Article
View sourceBest Lentil Soup
Article
View sourceBroccoli Cheddar Soup
Article
View sourceCaldo Verde (Portuguese Potato and Kale Soup With Sausage) Recipe
Article
View sourceChana Masala
Article
View sourceChana Masala Recipe (Chickpea Masala)
Article
View sourceChicken Chile Verde Pressure Cooker Recipe
Article
View sourceCILANTRO LIME RICE (CHIPOTLE COPYCAT)
Article
View sourceCinnamon Star Bread
Article
View sourceFresh Apple Cinnamon Scones
Article
View sourceHealthy Banana Bread!
Article
View sourceKale and Coconut Fried Rice
Article
View sourceMexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites)
Article
View sourcePaneer Makhani
Article
View sourceQuick Chana Masala
Article
View sourceSmooth and Creamy Polenta
Article
View sourceSpaghetti Puttanesca (Spaghetti With Capers, Olives, and Anchovies)
Article
View sourceStrawberry Rhubarb Crisp
Article
View sourceThe Very Best Granola
Article
View sourceVegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Article
View source
Source declarations
Recipe: Quick Chana Masala
Imported from the cookie-and-kate page for dev review.
Source: Quick Chana Masala
Recipe: Chana Masala
Imported from the love-and-lemons page for dev review.
Source: Chana Masala
Recipe: Authentic Chana Masala (Chickpea Masala)
Imported from the swasthis-recipes page for dev review.
AIR FRYER CHICKEN BREAST
Article
View sourceBest Lentil Soup
Article
View sourceBroccoli Cheddar Soup
Article
View sourceCaldo Verde (Portuguese Potato and Kale Soup With Sausage) Recipe
Article
View sourceChana Masala
Article
View sourceChana Masala Recipe (Chickpea Masala)
Article
View sourceChicken Chile Verde Pressure Cooker Recipe
Article
View sourceCILANTRO LIME RICE (CHIPOTLE COPYCAT)
Article
View sourceCinnamon Star Bread
Article
View sourceFresh Apple Cinnamon Scones
Article
View sourceHealthy Banana Bread!
Article
View sourceKale and Coconut Fried Rice
Article
View sourceMexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites)
Article
View sourcePaneer Makhani
Article
View sourceQuick Chana Masala
Article
View sourceSmooth and Creamy Polenta
Article
View sourceSpaghetti Puttanesca (Spaghetti With Capers, Olives, and Anchovies)
Article
View sourceStrawberry Rhubarb Crisp
Article
View sourceThe Very Best Granola
Article
View sourceVegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Article
View source
Additional EvidenceReviewed claims not already shown in the source notes.
Authentic Chana Masala vs. This Quick & Easy Method
I’ve modified Angela’s ingredients and cooking method a bit.
Let me be the first to point out that this recipe is somewhat unconventional! Authentic chana masala is typically made with whole spices, plus some dried mango powder (amchur).
Authentic Chana Masala vs. This Quick & Easy Method · raw_snapshot.article_sections[0] · Quick Chana Masala
Canned Tomato Options
I love using crushed fire-roasted tomatoes in this recipe, which offer a shortcut to rich, long-simmered flavor.
If you don’t have them, don’t worry. You can also use canned whole tomatoes (with their juices), and crush them against the side of the pot with a sturdy spoon as they simmer.
Canned Tomato Options · raw_snapshot.article_sections[2] · Quick Chana Masala
Spice Options
Garam masala is traditionally used in chana masalas.
Garam masala roughly translates to “hot spice mix” in English. It’s made from a blend of coriander, cumin, cardamom (green and black), cinnamon, black pepper, cloves, and other spices that vary by region and preference.
Spice Options · raw_snapshot.article_sections[3] · Quick Chana Masala
Craving more Indian recipes?
I’m working on my expanding my collection of Indian recipes, but here are a few favorite recipes inspired by Indian cuisine.
Creamy Golden Milk (Hot or Iced) Quick Dal Makhani Masala Lentil Salad with Cumin Roasted Carrots Turmeric-Spiced Whole Roasted Cauliflower Roasted Cauliflower: See the Indian-inspired version. Please let me know how this recipe turns out in the comments.
Craving more Indian recipes? · raw_snapshot.article_sections[4] · Quick Chana Masala
Notes
Recipe adapted with permission from The Oh She Glows Cookbook by Angela Liddon. *TAME THE HEAT: While chana masala is inherently full of spice, the serrano (or jalapeño) and cayenne pepper are what bring the heat.
If you’re sensitive, reduce or omit them both. You can always stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper at the end of cooking if you want more. **SPICE BLEND NOTE: Garam masala is traditional.
Notes · raw_snapshot.article_sections[8] · Quick Chana Masala
About Chana Masala
Chana masala is a chickpea curry.
Its name translates literally to spiced chickpeas, “chana” meaning chickpeas and “masala” meaning spice. Variations of the dish, such as Punjabi chole masala, are popular throughout India and Pakistan.
About Chana Masala · raw_snapshot.article_sections[0] · Chana Masala
What is Chana Masala?
Chana masala is a North Indian curried dish made with white chickpeas, onions, tomatoes, spices and herbs. ‘Chana’ is a Hindi word for ‘Chickpeas’ and ‘Masala’ here refers to a ‘spiced gravy’.
So it’s nothing but chickpeas simmered in a spicy onion tomato masala. This is one of the world’s most popular vegetarian curries & is a staple in the Indian homes & restaurants.
What is Chana Masala? · raw_snapshot.article_sections[0] · Chana Masala Recipe (Chickpea Masala)
AIR FRYER CHICKEN BREAST
Article
View sourceBest Lentil Soup
Article
View sourceBroccoli Cheddar Soup
Article
View sourceCaldo Verde (Portuguese Potato and Kale Soup With Sausage) Recipe
Article
View sourceChana Masala
Article
View sourceChana Masala Recipe (Chickpea Masala)
Article
View sourceChicken Chile Verde Pressure Cooker Recipe
Article
View sourceCILANTRO LIME RICE (CHIPOTLE COPYCAT)
Article
View sourceCinnamon Star Bread
Article
View sourceFresh Apple Cinnamon Scones
Article
View sourceHealthy Banana Bread!
Article
View sourceKale and Coconut Fried Rice
Article
View sourceMexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites)
Article
View sourcePaneer Makhani
Article
View sourceQuick Chana Masala
Article
View sourceSmooth and Creamy Polenta
Article
View sourceSpaghetti Puttanesca (Spaghetti With Capers, Olives, and Anchovies)
Article
View sourceStrawberry Rhubarb Crisp
Article
View sourceThe Very Best Granola
Article
View sourceVegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Article
View source
Media GroupsReviewed media groups that support dish-level explanation or evidence.
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Primary photo from the source page.

Source: Quick Chana Masala
Dish photo
Primary photo from the source page.

Source: Chana Masala
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