Go Back
+ servings

Vegan Chana Masala (Stove-Top Method)

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 320kcal
Author: Nisha Vora

Ingredients

  • 3 (15-ounce / 440g) cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained; or 12 ounces (1½ cups / 340g) dried chickpeas, soaked and cooked
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil, or neutral cooking oil
  • 2 teaspoons black mustard seeds*
  • teaspoons cumin seeds**
  • 2 medium yellow onions, finely diced
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • tablespoons freshly grated or minced ginger (optional)***
  • 1 serrano pepper, minced, seeds and membranes removed (optional)***
  • 3 bay leaves
  • Ground Spices
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/2 - 1 teaspoon Indian red chili powder****
  • 1 tablespoon garam masala
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (14.5-ounce / 410g) can diced tomatoes*****
  • 1 (14.5-ounce / 410g) can crushed tomatoes*****
  • teaspoons kosher salt
  • ½ cup (120 mL) water, more or less as needed
  • 2-3 teaspoons coconut sugar or cane sugar, as needed to balance the heat
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • For serving: Basmati rice and/or Indian flatbread

Instructions

  • If using dried chickpeas, see the Notes below.
  • Heat a large, deep nonstick frying pan or a Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add the black mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Stir occasionally and toss the seeds around for 1-2 minutes, or until they start to jump in the pan and smell very aromatic.
  • Add the oil, and once it’s melted, add the diced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and start to turn golden, 6-8 minutes.
  • Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until very aromatic, stirring frequently to prevent burning. If using ginger and serrano pepper, add with the garlic.
  • Add the bay leaves and Ground Spices, and stir into the onions for 30 seconds. Add the chickpeas and stir them around to coat in the spices. Cook for 5-6 minutes, turning only once after a few minutes, to allow them to get a bit browned and crispy.
  • Add the canned tomatoes, salt, and water. You’re looking for the texture of a thick stew (it should not be soupy). Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low or low to maintain a simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding water as needed if it appears too thick. The texture should get thicker and the liquid should mostly evaporate.
  • Taste for seasonings and adjust accordingly, adding more salt as needed, or a bit of coconut sugar to balance the heat. Stir in lemon juice, and serve with rice. Leftovers stay good in an airtight container for up to 5 days; freeze for longer.

Notes

* If you don’t have black mustard seeds, you can sub brown mustard seeds or omit.
** If you don’t have cumin seeds, use 1 ¼ teaspoon ground cumin along with other ground spices.
*** I usually make my chana masala with these ingredients but omit them for the “strict pantry” version of this recipe. If you have them, use them. If you don’t, don’t :)
**** If you don’t have Indian red chili pepper, substitute with ¼ - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper.
***** If using one (28-ounce / 795g ) can of diced tomatoes, you may not need to add any water, or use less. Otherwise, the texture will be too watery. If using one (28-ounce / 795g) can crushed tomatoes, you may need to add a bit more water.