Chana Masala

Chickpeas are a rich source of vegetarian protein. They are excellent source of fiber, protein and iron. A very versatile crop when it comes to cooking. It is used in powder forms for making breads, fritters and desserts etc. In whole forms its is used in curries, salads, dips etc. This is a curry recipe normally served in breakfast but its a good addition to any dinner buffet as well.

Ingredients

Ingredients #1

Chickpeas boiled                            6 cups
Salt                                                1 tsp or to taste
Crushed red chilli                           1-2 tsp Adjust heat according to your taste
Kalonji/ Black seed                        1/5 tsp
Cumin seeds                                  1 tsp
Soda bi carb                                  1/4 tsp
Water                                            2 1/2 cups
Cloves                                           3
Garam masala                                1/2 tsp
Black cardamom                           1 cracked
Cinnamon stick                             2 inch piece
Dry Pomegranate seeds                1 tsp

Ingredients #2

Cumin                                         1 tsp
Coriander seeds                          1 tbsp
Black pepper seeds                     1 tsp

Ingredients #3

Onion 2 finely chopped
Green chilli whole 4-5
Oil 1/2 cup

Method

Put all the above ingredients #1 in the pot n let cook till chickpeas become very soft to touch.

If using canned chickpeas, start with less soda bi carb as they tend to have different consistencies. Let them cook on low simmer for 30-40 mins. 

Dry roast ingredients #2 spices and crush them roughly. 

Add them to chana mixture in last 10 mins of cooking. 

From ingredients #3 fry onions in oil till they start browning. 

Add green chilli just for 10 seconds at the end. Add half of the mixture to Chana n let cook for 10 mins. Take out in the serving platter and add remaining onions n oil mixture as tempering on top of the serving dish.
You can always adjust heat by decreasing the amount of chillies.