Chickpea Masala

This chickpea masala recipe is a hearty and flavourful vegan dish inspired by traditional Indian cuisine. Packed with protein-rich chickpeas, aromatic spices, and a rich tomato-based sauce, it is both nutritious and satisfying. This one-pot meal is easy to prepare, making it perfect for a quick midweek dinner. Serve it with rice or flatbread for a delicious and wholesome plant-based meal.

Chickpea Masala Recipe: Hearty & Delicious

Cooked in a rich, flavoursome tomato-based sauce, this chickpea masala is a wonderfully comforting plant-based meal. Quick and easy, this hearty one-pot curry can be ready in under 30 minutes, much like my Easy Chickpea Curry.

You can enjoy super tasty leftovers the next day as the flavours become richer and more complex.

I created this recipe to celebrate Organic September, using Biona’s Black Chickpeas, although you can easily swap them for regular chickpeas if preferred.

Since embracing the flexitarian diet, Since adopting the flexitarian diet, I’ve significantly increased my intake of pulses, beans, and chickpeas, and I’m genuinely noticing the positive impact it’s had on my health.

One of my favourite ingredients to incorporate is black chickpeas, also known as Kala Chana in Hindi. These chickpeas are smaller and darker than the more familiar beige or light brown variety, with a distinctive, nutty, and earthy flavour that sets them apart. A staple in both Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines, black chickpeas offer a rich, hearty texture that adds depth to dishes, making them a perfect addition to a variety of meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and aromatic tomato-based sauce with perfectly balanced spices.
• Quick and easy to prepare, ideal for busy weeknights.
• Packed with protein-rich chickpeas, making it both nourishing and satisfying. Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavours develop.
• Versatile, enjoy with rice, flatbread, or any accompaniment of your choice.
• Vegan and plant-based, making it a wholesome and healthy meal option.

Watch How To Make This Chickpea Masala Recipe

3 Must-Try Chickpea Recipes

More About Biona

Biona is a family-owned British company who have been pioneering organic goodness for over 30 years.

With a current range of over 400 organic products, Biona’s vision is to create a more sustainable future through food. Their products are naturally grown on organic farms without the use of harmful chemicals and pesticides.

To minimise their impact, Biona is also committed to:
– Reducing single-use plastic with their plastic-free products
– Never using air miles
– Helping those in need, with 25,000 boxes of food donated to charity in 2021
– Engaging in ethical & sustainable supply chains

I am a big fan of Biona. All their products are of the utmost quality. Some of my favourites include their Wild Rice Mix, Rye Bread, Granolas, and Pulse range. I like the fact that their products are plastic-free and that their cans are not lined with BPAs.

Biona very kindly sent me a bundle of their products to celebrate Organic September including their Black Chickpeas which I used to make this recipe. Filled with nutritional goodness, they can be eaten straight from the can and are a great source of plant-based protein that can be added to curries, soups, stews, or salads.

You can find them at Morrisons, Ocado, Planet Organic as well as other health stores and online.

How To Make This Chickpea Masala

Ingredients

To make this chickpea masala recipe you will need:

• canned chickpeas (I used Biona’s Black Chickpeas)
• canned chopped tomatoes
• onion
• ginger
• garlic
• green chilli
• ground cumin
• ground coriander
• garam masala
• smoked paprika
• turmeric
• cayenne pepper
• vegetable oil
•  water

SEASON TO TASTE WITH:

• garam masala
• lemon juice
• salt
• sugar

GARNISH & SERVE WITH:

• fresh coriander
• rice
• naan
• yoghurt

Step 1: Fry The Onion, Garlic And Spices

The first step is to prepare the aromatic base for this dish. Gently fry the onion in vegetable oil, then add the ginger, chilli, and garlic. The spiciness level of this chickpea masala is medium-hot (see note 1 in the recipe card below to adjust the spiciness).

Sauté for a minute, then stir in the rest of the spices: ground cumin, coriander, garam masala, smoked paprika, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Sauté for a further minute.

Step 2: Stir In The Tomatoes & Chickpeas 

Stir in the tomatoes, drained chickpeas and water. Raise the temperature to medium-high and simmer the mixture for 10 to 15 minutes until the liquid has thickened.

Step 3: Season And Serve

Season with 1/2 teaspoon garam masala, lemon juice, and salt. If necessary add a little bit of sugar to adjust the acidity of the tomatoes.

Garnish with fresh coriander and serve with rice, naan, and/or yoghurt if desired.

Additional Serving Suggestions

I like to serve this chickpea masala recipe with basmati rice, naan, yoghurt, and fresh coriander, but it can also be enjoyed with:

• Quinoa: For a protein-packed, gluten-free option.
• Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative that soaks up the delicious sauce.
• A Side of Vegetables: Serve with a side of sautéed greens, such as spinach or kale, or roasted sweet potatoes.
• As a Baked Potato Topping
• A Side of Crunchy Salad: Such as a mix of chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions.

I hope you enjoy this chickpea masala recipe as much as we do. If you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram!

Frequently Asked Questions About This Chickpea Masala

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