Chana Masala

Chana Masala

Ingredients

vegetable oil
1 medium onion, minced
1 tsp garlic, minced
1 tsp ginger paste
2 tsp ground coriander
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
3 dashes cinnamon powder
1 tsp tamarind concentrate*
5 tbsp crushed tomatoes
2 cups cooked chickpeas
1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt

Optional

1/2 tsp sugar
Coriander, to garnish

Directions

1.Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the minced onion and fry, stirring frequently, until caramelized.

2. Lower the heat to medium and add the garlic and ginger. Cook for about 30 seconds.

3. Add all of the dried spices (coriander, cumin, chili, garam masala, turmeric, cayenne, cinnamon) and cook until fragrant, about 30 more seconds.

4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tamarind concentrate. Mix well, then let thicken for a couple minutes.

5. Add the water, chickpeas, and salt. Stir until the chickpeas are fully coated in sauce. If you want, you can take a potato masher and partially crush the chickpeas, mashing about half and leaving the other half intact. This makes for a thicker dish.

6. Reduce the heat to med-low and let simmer, covered, for 10 minutes. If the dish is too dry, you can add in a little more water.

7. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves if desired.