A hearty favorite in all south Asian households is the garbanzo bean or Channa. Traditional recipes can take time and rely on using the garbanzos in their raw form. However, when in Manassas we happily modify the Madras recipe and whip up a spicy, tangy version of channa masala ready to go in just 30 minutes. Can be savored plain or with toast/tortilla/chips.

 

Ingredients (Channa Masala)

  • 2 16oz cans of Chickpeas/garbanzo beans
  • 1 16 oz can of diced tomatoes
  • 1 onion
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 6-7 cloves of garlic (finely minced)
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • Chili powder to taste (1/4 teaspoon for mild spicy)
  • Cilantro for garnish

Method

Prep Time: 15 min

Cook Time: 30 min

(Serves 5)

  1. Sauté the onions until they are golden brown.
  2. Add garlic cloves and cumin seeds and sauté until the onions are fully brown.
  3. Add turmeric and chili powder along with diced tomatoes. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the tomatoes have throughly softened. Add salt to taste.
  4. Now add 2 cans of drained, washed garbanzos. Cook on high heat for 2-3 minutes, then simmer on low heat for 20 minutes.
  5. Garnish with cilantro and enjoy!