Chana Masala is a classic North Indian chickpea dish simmered in a spiced tomato sauce and finished with a swirl of sour cream for richness. Serve over Scallion Rice or Basmati Coconut Rice with a side of naan bread.
Easy Chana Masala Recipe
I like this recipe because it comes together in 30 minutes with pantry staples. If you’re new to Indian-inspired cooking, this is a good place to start. The spice list is short, the method is simple, and chana masala works just as well for a casual weeknight dinner as it does for company.
Ingredients for Chana Masala
Ingredients for Chana Masala
Here’s what you’ll need. Exact amounts are in the recipe card below.
- Olive Oil – For sautéing the onion.
- Yellow Onion – Builds the savory base. Chop it small so it softens quickly and blends into the sauce.
- Chickpeas – Also known as garbanzo beans. Two cans make this a substantial main dish rather than a side.
- Crushed Tomatoes – The body of the sauce.
- Garam Masala – The traditional spice blend at the heart of chana masala, typically a fragrant mix of cinnamon, cardamom, cumin, coriander, cloves, and black pepper. Use a good-quality blend since it’s doing most of the seasoning work.
- Tomato Paste – Deepens tomato flavor and adds body to the sauce. A tube is convenient for recipes like this that don’t use a full can.
- Fresh Ginger – Adds warmth and a bright edge, balancing the richness of the tomatoes. Two-thirds of a teaspoon of dried ginger works if fresh isn’t available.
- Red Pepper Flakes – Adds mild heat. Increase the amount for more kick, or leave it out entirely.
- Sour Cream – Stirred in off the heat so it doesn’t break. I have used regular and dairy-free sour cream for this recipe; both work equally well.
- Cilantro – Added just before serving for freshness and a pop of color.
How to Make Chana Masala
STEP ONE: Sauté the Onion – Set a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the onion and cook for 3 minutes, until softened.
STEP TWO: Build the Curry – Stir in the drained chickpeas, crushed tomatoes, garam masala, tomato paste, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Bring just to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, until heated through.
STEP THREE: Finish and Serve – Remove from heat. Stir in the sour cream and adjust seasoning to taste. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve hot.
Make it Vegan
Use dairy-free sour cream. Everything else in the recipe is naturally plant-based.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chana is the Hindi word for chickpeas, and masala refers to a spiced sauce or spice blend. The dish is a classic of North Indian cuisine, typically made with chickpeas simmered in a spiced tomato-based sauce.
Yes. Cook them fully before adding to the recipe. Two 15-ounce cans of chickpeas equal about 3 cups of cooked chickpeas from dried.
With the amount of red pepper flakes in the recipe card, it has a mild heat. Increase the amount for more kick, or leave it out entirely for a milder version.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave.
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Chana Masala Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup yellow onion diced
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 15-ounce cans chickpeas rinsed and drained
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Set a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the onion and cook for 3 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in the drained chickpeas, crushed tomatoes, garam masala, tomato paste, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Bring just to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, until heated through.
- Remove from heat. Stir in the sour cream and adjust seasoning to taste. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve hot.
Nutrition
Post was updated April 10, 2026.
Kat Dinges (@KatStaysPolishd)
This looks amazing! I sent it to my friend who loves Indian food!
thiswifecooks
Thanks!