Chana Masala also known as Chickpea Curry or Chole is the quintessential Indian soul food. This simple recipe achieves an authentic Punjabi Chana Masala flavor without a store-bought spice blend, and the sauce is full bodied with bold garam masala and deep tomato flavors.
This is a sponsored post. I’m partnering with Kawan to help share recipes and meal ideas. All opinions expressed are my own.
Growing up I remember, mom serving big fluffy puris also known as Bhature served with tangy-spicy Chole. My mom grew up next door to a Punjabi family which was her second home. She grew up not only eating delicious North Indian food, but she also learned how to make authentic Punjabi dishes. Of course, she always likes to give her unique twist to recipes and for me it is a treat I look forward to when visiting her.
As much as I enjoy homemade Chole Bhature, making the fried bhatura can be time consuming.
Years ago I discovered the crispy flakey Kawan Plain Parathas sold in the frozen section of Indian grocery stores. These pre-rolled parathas cook in 3 minutes from frozen to a crispy, flakey bread and were a blessing during my busy weeknights as a working mom with 2 littles ones. The taste of these delicious buttery parathas remind me of mom’s Bhatura’s and since then I always turn to my freezer whenever I make Chole.
Ingredients for Chana Masala / Punjabi Chole / Chickpea Curry:
- Chickpeas
- Onions
- Ginger + Garlic
- Cumin Seeds
- Ground Coriander
- Red Chili Powder
- Ground Turmeric
- Tomatoes
- Garam Masala or Chana Masala Powder
What is Chana Masala Powder
Chana masala powder or chana masala spice blend is simply a spice blend or seasoning made with various spices that are used to make chickpea curry. I have an amazing chana masala spice blend recipe that makes restaurant quality chickpea curry, but I also want to give you few other options especially if you do not have time to make the homemade spice blend.
- Homemade chana masala spice blend – the key ingredient in this is aamchur, which is dried raw mango powder that adds tangy flavor to the dish. In a pinch you can skip amchur and squeeze fresh lemon in the end. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons and skip the red chili powder, turmeric, ground coriander and garam masala as called for in this recipe.
- Store bought Chole masala – I like Everest Chole Masala. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons and skip the red chili powder, turmeric, ground coriander and garam masala as called for in this recipe.
- Garam masala – This easy 5 ingredient garam masala adds the perfect flavors and kick to make quick Chana Masala. Add 1/4 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon in this recipe.
- I also love using my mom’s homemade masala. I know a lot of you have made this recipe so I want to make sure you know that it works great for chana masala too. Add 1 teaspoon in this recipe.
Stove Top Pressure Cooker Vs Instant Pot for making Chana Masala
Traditionally, soaked chickpeas are pressure cooked first and then cooked with the spices and other ingredients in a different pot. Here is my restaurant style chana masala recipe using traditional pressure cooker. This stovetop recipe uses homemade chana masala spice blend also known as chana masala powder.
Since, I started using the Instant Pot, I prefer this one pot easy chana masala recipe from The Essential Indian Instant Pot Cookbook. Not only is it hands free, but you have only one pot to clean, hurray!
Ministry of Curry’s expert tips for the best chickpea curry
- Use 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder for a milder curry, or 2 teaspoons for a spicier curry.
- Add extra garam masala for a spicier curry. I also love using my mom’s garam masala in this recipe for a more homely taste.
- A black tea bag can be optionally added during the pressure cooking cycle to get a more deep brown color to the curry. I prefer mine vibrant red/orange so I skip this step. But in traditional recipes, a tea bag is often added while pressure cooking and discarded after. Adding the tea bag does not alter the flavors of the final dish.
- While the Instant Pot can cook dried beans quickly (see FAQ below), for this recipe I find soaking the chickpeas creates a softer and more even texture.
- Organic or older beans may need an extra 5 to 10 minutes of pressure cooking time.
- If you have more questions, check out the FAQ section below.
How to make Instant Pot Chana Masala – step by step recipe:
Step 1 – In a bowl, combine the chickpeas and 2 cups of warm water and let soak for at least 4 hours or up to overnight. Drain the chickpeas and set aside.
Step 2 – Select the high saute setting on the Instant Pot and heat the ghee. Add the cumin seeds directly to the hot oil and cook until they start to sizzle, about 1 minute. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 minutes. Cover the pot with a glass lid to speed up the process. Add the ginger and garlic and saute until aromatic, about 1 minute. Add the coriander, salt, chili powder, turmeric and chickpeas; pour in the 1.5 cups water; and stir well with a wooden spoon nudging loose any browned bits from the pot bottom (photos 1 – 4).
Step 3 – Secure the lid and set the pressure release to sealing. Press the Cancel button to reset the cooking program, then select pressure cook/manual (hi) and set the cooking time to 35 minutes. Allow natural pressure release. Open the Instant Pot and stir in the tomatoes and garam masala. Select the high saute setting and cook until the tomatoes soften, about 5 minutes. Garnish with cilantro (photos 5 – 8).
Enjoy hot with homemade parathas, Kawan Parathas or brown rice!
How to cook Kawan Plain Parathas:
- Heat a non-stick griddle pan.
- Remove the paratha from the plastic wrapping and place on the griddle.
- Cook on medium high heat for about to 1 to 1-1/2 minutes on each side or until both sides are golden brown, pressing gently with a spatula. Enjoy hot!
Frequently asked Questions:
Simply substitute cooking oil for the ghee.
Canned chickpeas work well in this recipe. Add only 1/2 cup of water and reduce the pressure cook time to 5 minutes. After cooking cycle completes you can quick release or allow natural pressure release.
You have 2 options:
1. Bring 3 cups of water to a ful boil and turn the heat off. Add the dried chickpeas and allow them to soak for 30 minutes. Make sure the pot is covered. Follow the recipe.
2. Add dried chickpeas with 2.5 cups of water. Increase the pressure cooking time to 55 minutes and allow full natural pressure release.
Glad you asked! Adding tomatoes in the end adds a unique freshness to the dish and also brightens the flavors. Give it a try, I promise you will love the idea. But if you wish, feel free to add tomatoes along with the chickpeas and pressure cook them.
To double the recipe simply double all the ingredients. Pressure cook time remains the same. It will simply take longer for the Instant Pot to come to pressure.
Yes. Chana Masala freezes well. Simply allow it to cool completely and then store in freezer. To reheat, allow the chana masala to thaw in the refrigerator and then reheat in micorwave, stovetop or using Instant Pot saute function.
I love to serve chana masala with Parathas. For gluten free option serve with cumin rice or riced cauliflower.
This Chana Masala recipe is medium spicy. Chili powder and garam masala makes this dish more or less spicy. I use Kashmiri red chili powder that adds a brilliant hue to the curry without making it too hot. If you are using other chili powders add them to taste. You can always stir in more red chili powder or garam masala in the end to suit your taste.
Love versatile chickpeas? Here are some of my other favorite recipes:
- Quick and Easy Instant Pot Chana Saag
- Stove Top Creamy Spinach and Chickpeas
- Chickpeas and Rice – Instant Pot Chickpea Biryani
Fav curries that pair well with Kawan Parathas:
- Palak Paneer – Restaurant favorite Creamy Spinach with Indian Cottage Cheese
- Easy Dum Aloo – Quick and easy Instant Pot potato curry
- Batatyachi Bhaji – Maharasthtrian spicy potatoes
- Aloo Gobi Masala – 15-minute Instant Pot recipe
- Daal Makhani – Copy cat Madras Lentils recipe
- Need more ideas? Check out these 40+ delicious Indian Curries
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Instant Pot Easy Chana Masala
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried chickpeas rinsed
- 3.5 cups water
- 2 tablespoons ghee
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 yellow onion finely diced
- 1 teaspoon ginger grated
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 to 2 teaspoons kashmiri red chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 2 plum tomatoes finely diced or 1 cup canned tomatoes with juice
- 1/4 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 cup cilantro chopped
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the chickpeas and 2 cups of warm water and let soak for at least 4 hours or up to overnight. Drain the chickpeas and set aside.
- Select the high saute setting on the Instant Pot and heat the ghee. Add the cumin seeds directly to the hot oil and cook until they start to sizzle, about 1 minute. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 minutes. Cover the pot with a glass lid to speed up the process. Add the ginger and garlic and saute until aromatic, about 1 minute. Add the coriander, salt, chili powder, turmeric and chickpeas; pour in the 1.5 cups water; and stir well with a wooden spoon nudging loose any browned bits from the pot bottom.
- Secure the lid and set the pressure release to sealing. Press the Cancel button to reset the cooking program, then select pressure cook/manual(hi) and set the cooking time to 35 minutes.
- Allow natural pressure release. Open the Instant Pot and stir in the tomatoes and garam masala. Select the high saute setting and cook until the tomatoes soften, about 5 minutes. Garnish with cilantro
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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4waystoyummy says
Since I don’t have raw mango powder(though I could probably dehydrate and gind a fresh mango?) I was thinking would quince work(I have a fruit tree) or stewed apricot?
Sound delicious and this sounds like a girlfriend lunch! Thank you!
Archana says
I have not tried quince and fresh mango might not have that sour taste. How about using lemon juice instead?
4waystoyummy says
OK…I have never had mango powder and didn’t know it was so sour. Fresh lemon is easy and I always have in my house.
Archana says
Awesome Heide! I will love to know how you like the flavors
Ami says
Hi Archana,
What would you suggest if dish came out too salty?
Archana says
Hi Ami, slice a tomato in half and add to the curry and boil it. then take out the tomato while serving. You can also add 1 boiled potato
LESLIE DSOUZA says
Hi Archana…how are you ??? Could i make this chicpea recipe over the stove , I do not know how to use a pressure cooker or Instant cooker please help and how do i make Pooris step by step many Thanks to you ..Leslie D’Souza
Archana says
Hi Leslie, you can absolutely cook on stove. I would add extra 1 cup of water. Bring everything to book and the cook covered on low medium heat for 45 mins
Archana says
And Puri recipe coming soon
LeeAnn says
Do you put uncooked chickpeas or canned chickpeas?
Archana says
I have used soaked chickpeas but you can also use canned with reduced pressure cook time.
Renuka says
Hi Archana,
Thank you for this recipe. If I am using canned chickpeas for this recipe, would I still need to soak them for the 4 hours ahead of time?
Archana says
No need to soak canned chickpeas. Check out the FAQ section – “Canned chickpeas work well in this recipe. Add only 1/2 cup of water and reduce the pressure cook time to 5 minutes. After cooking cycle completes you can quick release or allow natural pressure release.”
Natarajan Iyer says
Hello Archana. Have been a great fan of your recipes.
I wanted clarification on the Chana Masala cook time – is it 35 minutes from dry or soaked chana ? I feel soaked chana might become too mushy in 35 minutes. Can you please advice ?
Archana says
35 mins for soaked chana. Its cooks nice and soft.
Corey says
Hey, If you are using dried chickpeas and you forget to soak them. Do you add an additional 2.5 cups of water and increase the pressure cooking time to 55 min? Following the rest of the recipe the same, with all the onions etc. in the pot together..? I like the idea of just throwing it all in there. Just wanted some clarification.
Archana says
yes exactly! Follow the recipe just increase the pressure cook time and additional water.
Vandana Rao says
Hi Archana. Don’t we have to cook the tomatoes?? Will it cook if we add later?
Archana says
They do cook but not overcook. It has more bright, fresh flavors.
Will says
Eating it at the moment. I’ve died and gone to heaven. Thank you so much.
CHETNA BHATTACHARYYA says
I haven’t made this recipe yet. I have aamchur but not all the ingredients to make chana masala. Should I add in a little bit of aamchur if am just using the spices listed in the recipe (garam masala, red chili, etc). If so, how much and when should I add it?
Archana says
Yes add 1 teaspoon of aamchur.
Mister Dude says
I wasn’t sure of the ratio of dried to canned chickpeas. I used two cans and followed the instructions to use 1/2 cup water and the dish was delicious.
Crystal says
Are you using fresh or ground ginger?
Karen says
Hi. I notice that the list of ingredients says 3.5 cups of water but the recipe says 1.5.
Which do you use?
Thanks!
Archana says
I use 2 cups to soak the chickpeas and 1.5 cups to pressure cook
Tanvi says
Can you mash chickpeas after cooking to make the gravy thicker?
Archana says
Yes! That is a good idea.
Jeeniya says
Hi, when would I use the tea bag if I wanted to use one? Before I start the pressure cook on instant pot?
Archana says
You would add the teabag during pressure cook cycle.
Kim says
Help! My toddler LOVES this recipe, but with not enough time to go to the grocery store I am stuck trying to improvise which is always a mistake. Can I sub dried black chickpeas or canned chickpeas? Thanks!
Archana says
Hi Kim, Yes you can use canned chickpeas, I have details in the notes. You pressure cook them for 5 minutes.
Heidi says
This has become a staple at my house!