Instant Pot Easy Chana Masala

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 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 crispy, flakey bread and were a blessing during my busy weeknights as a working mom with 2 little ones. The taste of these delicious buttery parathas reminds 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:

Here are some additional tips about the ingredients and spices I used:

• Chickpeas: Use dried chickpeas for the best flavor and nutrition. Soak them for at least 4 hours or overnight. If you want to use canned chickpeas, you'll have to adjust the cooking time in the Instant Pot. Add only ½ cup of water and reduce the pressure cook time to 5 minutes. After the cooking cycle completes you can quick release or allow natural pressure release.
• Onions: I used a yellow onion. If you want it to have a sweeter undertone, you can use red onion instead.
• Ginger + Garlic: For the best flavor, use fresh homemade ginger and garlic paste. You could substitute it with ginger and garlic powder, but it won't have as bold of a flavor.
• Cumin Seeds: Cumin has an earthy heat and a brightness that almost tastes like dried lemon peel. In a pinch, you can substitute ground cumin for whole cumin seeds.
• Ground Coriander: This has a citrusy flavor. There really isn't a good substitute for it since it adds so much to this dish.
• Kashmiri red Chili Powder: You can use any mild red chili powder or paprika. If you want it to have a lot more heat, use a spicier chili powder or cayenne pepper.
• Ground Turmeric: This spice is incredibly good for your body with anti-inflammatory properties. Keep this on hand and use it in as many recipes as you can.
• Tomatoes: I used plum tomatoes, but you can chop up grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes. You can also use one can of tomatoes with the juice.
• Garam Masala or Chana Masala Powder: Use homemade garam masala as it brings out the authentic flavors

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 amchur, 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 ¼ 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 to this recipe.

Stove Top Pressure Cooker vs Instant Pot

Traditionally, soaked chickpeas are pressure-cooked first and then cooked with spices and other ingredients in a different pot. Here is my restaurant-style chana masala recipe using a traditional pressure cooker. This stovetop recipe uses a 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!

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.

Step by step recipe

All of these steps are also in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. First, I have photos of each step in the process, along with some additional tips.

• 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 them aside.
• Select the high saute setting on the Instant Pot and heat the ghee (photo 1).
• 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 (photo 2).
• Add the ginger and garlic and saute until aromatic, about 1 minute (photo 3).
• Add the coriander, salt, chili powder, turmeric, and chickpeas; pour in the water, and stir well with a wooden spoon nudging lose any browned bits from the pot bottom (photo 4).

• 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 (photo 5).
• Open the Instant Pot and stir in the tomatoes and garam masala (photo 6).
• Select the high saute setting and cook until the tomatoes soften about 5 minutes. Garnish with cilantro (photos 7-8).

Enjoy hot with homemade parathas, Kawan Parathas or brown rice!

How to cook Kawan Plain Parathas

1. Heat a non-stick griddle pan.
2. Remove the paratha from the plastic wrapping and place it on the griddle.
3. Cook on medium-high heat for about 1 to 1-½ minutes on each side or until both sides are golden brown, pressing gently with a spatula. Enjoy hot!

Frequently asked Questions:

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 - Maharashtrian 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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Recipe

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4.82 from 37 votes

Instant Pot Easy Chana Masala

Quintessential Indian soul food, this chana masala recipe homemade garam masala for authentic punjabi flavors

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time1 hr

Soaking Time4 hrs

Total Time5 hrs 10 mins

Course: dinner, Entree, Main Course

Cuisine: Indian

Servings: 4

Calories: 277kcal

Author: Archana Mundhe

Equipment

• Instant Pot Pressure Cooker

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 cup dried chickpeas rinsed
• ▢ 3½ 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
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
• ▢ 2 plum tomatoes finely diced or 1 cup canned tomatoes with juice
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon garam masala
• ▢ ½ 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 
• Serve with hot parathas or puri. For gluten-free options serve with jeera rice or steamed rice.

Video

Notes

Vegan Variation: Substitute oil for the ghee. 

Notes:

1. Use 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder for a milder curry, or 2 teaspoons for a spicier curry.
2. Organic or older beans may need an extra 5 to 10 minutes of cooking time. 

Nutrition

Calories: 277kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Sodium: 1216mg | Potassium: 622mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 900IU | Vitamin C: 12.3mg | Calcium: 88mg | Iron: 4.1mg

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