Chana Masala

Garbanzo beans or chickpeas is known as Kabuli chana in Hindi. Reading about this beans from different sources on the net, i gather this is a versatile legume, full of good nutrients and a lot of health benefits. It's a good source of protein, zinc, folate, vitamin E, potassium, dietary fiber and iron. Contains soluble fiber which helps in lowering cholesterol and helps in stabilizing Blood Sugar. It's low in fat.
Chana masala or chole is popular dish among the Punjabi's in India.

Ingredients

500 gms - Kabuli Chana or 2 tins of cooked Garbanzo beans
1 - Onion chopped
3 - Tomatoes chopped
1 tsp - Garlic paste
1 tsp - Ginger paste
1/4 tsp - Turmeric
1/2 tsp - Red chili powder
1/2 tsp - Garam masala powder
2 - Bay leaves
1 tsp - Amchur powder / Mango Powder or 1 tsp - Lime juice
3 tbsp - Oil

Roast and grind to powder

2 tsp - Coriander powder
1 tsp - Jeera / Cumin
1/2 tsp - Pepper corns
1 - Cinnamon stick , 2 - Cloves

Garnish

Coriander leaves chopped

Method

1 )When using dry chana, soak chana overnight and pressure cook in 3-4 whistles . When using cooked & canned chana, drain all the water and wash well. Set aside.

2 ) Roast and grind to a powder,cinnamon,cloves, peppercorns, jeera and coriander powder.

3 )Heat a heavy bottomed pan. Pour oil, add bay leaves. Stir for a minute. Add onion and saute till golden brown in colour. Then add garlic and ginger paste and fry for 2 - 3 minutes.

4 ) Add chili powder, turmeric powder, roasted & powdered ingredients and fry for a minute. Add tomatoes and saute till oil separates.

5 ) Add the cooked chana, salt and cook covered for 5-10 min on low flame.Add water as required, if you need more gravy. Add salt to taste.

6 ) Add the amchur and garam masala powder. Stir and mix well. (if amchur is not available, add 1 tsp lime juice after taking off the stove and when still warm )

Garnish with corinader leaves. Yummy and delicious chana masala to serve with roti or batura