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Chana Masala (Savory Indian Chick Peas)

Chana Masala (Savory Indian Chick Peas)

Ingredients and Weight:

1 cup dried chickpeas (garbanzo beans), soaked overnight

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

1 bay leaf

1 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon chili powder or cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon salt, or as per taste

1/2 teaspoon sugar

1 tomato, chopped (optional)

1 small onion, chopped (optional)

Cilantro or mint, chopped for garnishing (optional)

Preparation Time:

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty due to soaking and cooking time required for chickpeas)

Preparation Method Steps:

  1. Soak the chickpeas in water overnight or for at least 6-8 hours.
  2. Drain the water and rinse the chickpeas.
  3. In a pressure cooker or pot, boil the chickpeas with fresh water, cummin seeds and bay leaf until cooked through. This could take about 30-45 minutes.
  4. In the meantime, heat the olive oil in a pan and add the chopped onions (if using). Sauté until translucent.
  5. Add the chopped tomato (if using) and cook until it turns into a pulp.
  6. Once the chickpeas are cooked, add them to the pan along with the cooked onion and tomato mixture. Add the turmeric powder, chili powder, salt and sugar. Mix well.
  7. Simmer for another 10-15 minutes until the flavors blend and the sauce thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
  8. Garnish with chopped cilantro or mint and serve hot with rice or naan bread.

Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 servings total) Calories: Approx. 300-400 calories per serving (depending on additional ingredients used) Protein: Approx. 20g per serving Fat: Approx. 8-12g per serving (mostly unsaturated) Carbohydrates: Approx. 40-50g per serving (including fiber) Note: Nutrition facts may vary based on specific ingredients used and quantities added.

Dish Characteristics:

User Comments:

  1. "This dish was amazing! The flavors were so rich and the chickpeas were cooked to perfection." - John Doe, New York
  2. "I love the combination of spices in this dish. It was a great introduction to Indian cuisine for me." - Jane Smith, San Francisco
  3. "The chickpeas were so creamy and the flavor was just perfect! I will definitely make this again." - Michael Johnson, Los Angeles
  4. "This dish was a hit at my dinner party! Everyone loved the flavor and the presentation was also very appealing." - Emily Davis, Chicago
  5. "I added some more chili powder to make it spicier which worked out perfectly! Great dish." - Lisa Thompson, Houston [Note: Please adjust spices according to personal preference.] ⭐Preparation Method Steps:Ⴔ Special Precautions and Tips:Make sure to soak the chickpeas overnight for best results as they need to be fully hydrated for proper cooking. Adjust the spices according to your preference for a spicier or milder dish. If you want to add more protein or vegetables, consider adding cooked chicken or bell peppers during the last step of cooking. Always check that the chickpeas are fully cooked before blending flavors to avoid any raw taste.`