Chana Masala Skillet with Basmati Rice

A flavorful and robust vegan chickpea curry cooked with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and aromatic Indian spices, served alongside fragrant basmati rice.
- Prep: 10 min
- Cook: 15 min
- Total: 25 min
- Servings: 4
- Cuisine: Indian
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: $1.48/serving
Dietary
- Dairy-Free
- Egg-Free
- Gluten-Free
- High-Fiber
- Low-Sugar
- Nut-Free
- Pescatarian
- Vegan
- Vegetarian
Tags
- quick
- stir-fry
- budget-friendly
- spicy
- savory
- healthy
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 yellow onion (small, chopped)
- 2 clove garlic (minced)
- 0.5 ounce ginger (grated)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 0.5 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 0.5 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 can diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 can chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
- 2.5 cup water (for rice)
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup basmati rice (uncooked)
- 2 tablespoon fresh cilantro (chopped)
Instructions
- Cook 1 cup uncooked basmati rice with 2 cups water according to package directions or in a rice cooker while preparing the chana masala.
- Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 chopped small yellow onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and 0.5 inch grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder, and 1/2 teaspoon garam masala to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly until the spices are aromatic.
- Pour in 1 can undrained diced tomatoes, 1 can rinsed chickpeas, and 1/2 cup water. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Season the Chana Masala with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Serve hot over the prepared basmati rice, garnished with optional 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro.
Notes
Chana Masala flavors deepen over time, making it excellent for meal prep. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 14.8 g
- Carbohydrates: 76.5 g
- Fat: 6.8 g
- Fiber: 10.5 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Saturated Fat: 0.8 g
- Sugar: 5 g