20 Easy Chana Masala Recipe South Indian You Must Try Them!
Published on: Mar 29, 2024
Chana masala is a popular and flavorful Indian dish made with chickpeas, onions, tomatoes, and a delicious blend of spices. Originating from the northern region of India, this dish has gained popularity all over the country and even around the world. However, in South India, there is a slightly different version of chana masala that is just as delicious and easy to make. In this article, we will be sharing a simple and authentic recipe for easy chana masala, South Indian style. So get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this mouth-watering dish!
Main Ingredients: Oil, Onion, Ginger Garlic Paste, Green Chilies, Medium
Chana Masala is a popular dish in India, especially in the southern part of the country. It is a spicy and flavorful curry made with chickpeas, or chana, as the main ingredient. This dish is a staple in many South Indian households, and each family has their own unique way of preparing it. Here, we have compiled the top 20 recipes for chana masala, with a South Indian spin on them. So, get ready to tantalize your taste buds with these mouth-watering dishes.
2of 20
South Indian Restaurant Style Chana Masala
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, Cardamom, Cloves, Bayleaf, Star Anise
If you ever visit a South Indian restaurant, you will surely find chana masala on the menu. This version of the dish is a bit different from the traditional one, as it uses a variety of spices and a tangy tamarind sauce to give it a unique flavor. It is usually served with steamed rice or crispy dosas, and is a must-try for anyone who loves Indian food.
3of 20
Chana Masala - Chickpeas Curry, How to make Chana...
Main Ingredients: Kabuli Chana, Baking Soda, Salt, Water, Olive Oil
For those who are new to cooking Indian food, this recipe is a great place to start. It is a simple and easy-to-follow recipe for chana masala that yields delicious results. The key to making a good chana masala is to let the chickpeas cook until they are soft and tender, which allows them to absorb all the flavors of the spices and herbs used in the dish. This is a perfect dish to make on a lazy weekend afternoon.
4of 20
Chana Masala
Main Ingredients: Sunflower Oil, Onions, Cumin, Salt, Garlic, Fresh
This classic chana masala recipe is a staple in most South Indian homes. It is a simple yet flavorful dish that uses a blend of spices and herbs, such as coriander, cumin, and garam masala, to give it a rich and robust taste. The addition of tomatoes and onions adds a tangy and sweet element to the dish, making it a well-rounded and delicious meal. Serve it with some hot naan or rice for a complete meal.
5of 20
Easy Chana Masala
Main Ingredients: Grape Seed Oil, Yellow Onion, Ground Cumin, Sea Salt
If you are short on time but still crave a delicious and hearty meal, then this easy chana masala recipe is perfect for you. It uses canned chickpeas, which cuts down on the cooking time, and a few basic spices that are readily available in most kitchens. Despite its simplicity, this dish does not compromise on flavor. It is a quick and easy way to satisfy your chana masala cravings.
6of 20
Chickpea Spinach Curry (Chana Palak Masala)
Main Ingredients: Canola Oil, Onion, Garlic, Ginger, Cilantro, Turmeric
If you are looking for a healthier version of chana masala, then this recipe is for you. It combines the goodness of chickpeas with the nutrition of spinach to create a delicious and wholesome dish. The spinach adds a vibrant green color to the dish and provides important vitamins and minerals. This is a great way to sneak some greens into your diet without compromising on taste.
7of 20
Meat Masala (South Indian Garam Masala)
Main Ingredients: Green Cardamom Pods, Whole Cloves, Canela, Fennel
This is a unique twist on the traditional chana masala recipe. It uses a special blend of spices called meat masala, which is commonly used in South Indian meat dishes. This gives the dish a unique and bold flavor that sets it apart from other chana masala recipes. It is perfect for those who love spicy food and want to try something different.
8of 20
Chana Masala (Indian Chickpeas)
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, Chopped Tomatoes, Onion, Ginger Paste
This is a classic and traditional chana masala recipe that has been passed down for generations in South Indian households. It uses a blend of aromatic spices and herbs, along with coconut milk, to create a rich and creamy curry. The addition of coconut milk gives the dish a unique flavor and makes it slightly milder, perfect for those who cannot handle too much spice.
9of 20
Poori Masala | South Indian Potato Masala
Main Ingredients: Oil, Mustard Seeds, Channa Dal, Onions, Green Chilies
Poori masala is a popular breakfast dish in South India. It is made by pairing deep-fried pooris (Indian bread) with a spicy and flavorful potato masala. The combination of the crispy pooris and the soft and spicy masala is a match made in heaven. This dish is perfect for a lazy weekend breakfast or brunch, and is sure to leave you feeling satisfied and content.
10of 20
Homestyle Chana Masala | Indian Chickpeas
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, Bay Leaves, Hot Water, Chick Peas, Water
This homestyle chana masala recipe is a simple and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. It uses a few basic ingredients and spices, but the end result is a flavorful and hearty dish. The addition of yogurt adds a tangy and creamy element to the dish, making it even more delicious. Serve it with some steamed rice or naan for a complete meal.
11of 20
Instant Pot Indian Chana Masala
Main Ingredients: Cooking Oil, Onion, Cloves, Canela, Bay Leaves, Ginger
The Instant Pot has become a popular kitchen appliance, and for a good reason. It makes cooking so much easier and faster, and this chana masala recipe is no exception. Using the Instant Pot, you can have a delicious and flavorful chana masala ready in just under 30 minutes. This is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a quick and easy meal.
12of 20
Quick Chana Masala
Main Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Cumin Seeds, Yellow Onion, Minced Fresh
This recipe is for those who are always on the go and need a quick and easy meal option. It uses canned chickpeas and a pre-made chana masala spice mix, making it a no-fuss recipe that can be made in under 20 minutes. Despite its simplicity and quick cooking time, this dish does not compromise on taste. It is a great option for a weeknight dinner or for when unexpected guests drop by.
Masala dosa is a famous South Indian dish that is loved by people all over the world. It is made by stuffing a crispy crepe-like dosa with a spicy and flavorful potato masala. The combination of textures and flavors in this dish is what makes it so unique and delicious. It is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and is a must-try for anyone who loves South Indian food.
14of 20
Crispy South Indian Masala Dosa
Main Ingredients: Parboiled Rice, Seeds, Baking Soda, Salt, Oil
If you have ever been to a South Indian restaurant, you have probably seen masala dosa on the menu. This version of the dish is a bit different from the traditional one, as it uses a crispy dosa instead of a soft one. The dosa is stuffed with a spicy and flavorful potato masala, making it a perfect combination of crunch and spice. This is a great dish to make for a weekend brunch or a special occasion.
15of 20
Sep 26 North Indian Chana Masala
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, Small Yellow Onion, Carrots, Diced Tomatoes
This North Indian version of chana masala is a bit different from the South Indian one, as it uses a blend of spices and herbs that are commonly used in North Indian cuisine. This gives the dish a unique and bold flavor that is sure to impress. It is a great option for those who want to try something new and explore different regional variations of chana masala.
16of 20
Punjabi Chana Masala (Indian Chickpea Curry)
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, Salt, Bay Leaf, Green Cardamoms, Cloves
Punjabi chana masala is a popular dish in North India, and it is loved for its rich and spicy flavors. It uses a blend of aromatic spices, such as coriander, cumin, and garam masala, to give it a bold and robust taste. The addition of amchur (dried mango powder) adds a tangy and sour element to the dish, making it even more flavorful. Serve it with some naan or rice for a satisfying meal.
17of 20
Indian-Spiced Chickpea Curry (Chana Masala)
Main Ingredients: Flavored Oil, Yellow Onions, Garlic, Ginger, Serrano
This is a simple and easy-to-follow recipe for chana masala that uses a unique blend of spices and herbs to give it an Indian twist. The addition of coconut milk adds a creamy and rich element to the dish, making it even more delicious. This is a great option for vegetarians or anyone looking for a meat-free meal option.
18of 20
Chana dal | Punjabi chana dal masala | chana dal fry
Main Ingredients: Chana Dal, Water, Turmeric Powder, Salt, Oil, Ginger
Chana dal is a lentil dish that is a popular side dish in North India. It is made by cooking chana dal (split chickpeas) with a variety of spices and herbs, creating a flavorful and nutritious dish. This dish is perfect for those looking for a healthy and protein-packed meal option. It can be served with rice or roti for a complete meal.
19of 20
South Indian Style Tomato Coriander Masala
Main Ingredients: Onion, Tomato, Turmeric Powder, Chilli Powder, Salt
This unique and flavorful tomato coriander masala is a popular dish in South India. It is made by cooking tomatoes and coriander leaves with a blend of spices, creating a tangy and herbaceous sauce. This sauce can be used to make a variety of dishes, such as chana masala, chicken curry, or even as a dip for snacks. It is a versatile and delicious addition to any meal.
20of 20
South Indian Egg Masala (Muttai Thokku)
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Onion, Tomatoes, Garlic Paste, Green Chilies
If you are looking for a non-vegetarian option for chana masala, then this recipe is for you. It uses eggs as the main ingredient and a blend of spices and herbs to create a spicy and flavorful curry. This dish is perfect for those who love eggs and want to try something different. It is best served with some hot rice or roti.
Ingredients
For the masala paste:
Onion - 1 medium, roughly chopped
Tomato - 1 medium, roughly chopped
Ginger - 1-inch piece, roughly chopped
Garlic - 3 cloves, roughly chopped
Green chilies - 2, roughly chopped
Cilantro - a handful, roughly chopped
For the chana masala:
Chickpeas - 2 cups, cooked
Oil - 2 tablespoons
Cumin seeds - 1 teaspoon
Mustard seeds - 1 teaspoon
Curry leaves - a few
Red chili powder - 1 teaspoon
Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
Coriander powder - 1 teaspoon
Garam masala - 1/2 teaspoon
Salt - to taste
Water - 1/2 cup
Method
Step 1: Prepare the masala paste
1. In a blender, add all the ingredients listed for the masala paste and grind into a smooth paste. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the chickpeas
1. In a pan, heat 2 cups of cooked chickpeas along with 1 cup of water. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the chana masala
1. In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil.
2. Add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds and 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds. Let them splutter.
3. Add a few curry leaves and the prepared masala paste. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add 1 teaspoon of red chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon of coriander powder, 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala, and salt to taste. Mix well.
5. Add the cooked chickpeas and 1/2 cup of water. Mix everything together.
6. Let the chana masala simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Serve and enjoy!
1. Once the chana masala is cooked and the gravy has thickened, turn off the heat.
2. Serve hot with rice or your choice of bread and enjoy the delicious and easy chana masala, South Indian style.
This easy chana masala recipe is a great way to add some flavor and spice to your meal. The combination of the aromatic spices and the creamy texture of the masala paste makes for a mouth-watering dish that is sure to please everyone. So why not give this South Indian version of chana masala a try and add a new twist to your regular meals? We hope you enjoy this delicious and easy recipe as much as we do!