Chickpeas Curry | Chana Masala | Kabuli Senagala Kura

Welcome to our delightful recipe for Chickpeas Curry, also known as Chana Masala or Kabuli Senagala Kura. This flavorful and hearty dish is a staple in North Indian cuisine, beloved for its rich combination of spices and tender chickpeas. Whether you're a seasoned cook or trying your hand at Indian recipes for the first time, this curry is sure to impress with its balanced flavors and comforting texture.

Soaking time: 6-8 hours
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
1 bowl measurement: 250 ml
Main ingredient: Chickpeas

Senagala Kura, also known as Chana Masala, is a delicious dish made primarily with chickpeas and tomatoes. This curry is renowned for its robust flavors and is a favorite in North India. In this recipe, we've prepared the curry in a milder style, making it perfect for those who prefer less spice. This versatile curry pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments such as poori, jeera poori, chapathi, pulka, naan, steamed rice, or coconut rice.

 

Quick Navigation:

• Ingredients
• Procedure
• Soaking the Chickpeas
• Cooking the Chickpeas
• Straining the Chickpeas
• Preparing the Tomato Puree
• Tempering the Spices
• Sautéing the Onions
• Adding Turmeric Powder
• Incorporating Mint and Green Chillies
• Adding Ginger Garlic Paste
• Incorporating Tomato Puree
• Adding Boiled Chickpeas
• Adding Garam Masala
• Adding Red Chilli Powder
• Adjusting Consistency
• Finishing Touches
• Final Steps

 

Ingredients

Chickpeas (Kabuli Senagalu, Chana): 1 bowl

Ripened Tomatoes: 3

Onion (Ullipaya): 2 medium, chopped

Green Chillies (Pachimirapa): 3 or 4

Whole Spices: 4-5 cloves (Lavangam), 2-3 cardamoms (Yelukalu), 1 bay leaf (Biryani Aaku), 1-inch cinnamon stick (Dalchina Chakka)

Mint Leaves (Pudina): A handful

Coriander Leaves (Kothimeera): A handful

Garam Masala: 1 tbsp

Dry Red Chilli Powder: 1 tbsp

Turmeric Powder (Pasupu): 1/2 tbsp

Ginger & Garlic Paste (Allam, Velulli): 1 tbsp

Salt (Uppu): As per taste

Procedure

Soaking the Chickpeas

Start by soaking 1 bowl of chickpeas in plain water for 6 to 8 hours or overnight. This helps in softening the chickpeas, making them easier to cook and enhancing their texture in the curry.

Cooking the Chickpeas

Add the soaked chickpeas along with 2 and 1/2 bowls of water to a pressure cooker. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and cook the chickpeas on high flame until you hear 3 whistles. This ensures the chickpeas are perfectly tender.

Straining the Chickpeas

Once the pressure cooker cools down, strain the water from the cooked chickpeas. It's important to reserve this water as it will be used later in the cooking process to enhance the flavor and consistency of the curry.

Preparing the Tomato Puree

Blend 3 medium-sized ripened tomatoes in a blender until smooth. For a thicker gravy, also blend 4 tablespoons of cooked chickpeas separately and set both purees aside.

Tempering the Spices

Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a pan. Add cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, and bay leaf, and sauté them for about a minute on medium flame until they release their aromatic flavors.

Sautéing the Onions

Add the chopped onions to the tempered spices and sauté them for a minute, stirring occasionally to ensure they cook evenly without burning.

Adding Turmeric Powder

Incorporate 1/2 tablespoon of turmeric powder into the onions and sauté for another minute. This adds a vibrant color and earthy flavor to the base of the curry.

Incorporating Mint and Green Chillies

Add a handful of mint leaves followed by the green chillies to the onion mixture. Sauté for a minute on medium flame, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors well.

Adding Ginger Garlic Paste

Mix in 1 tablespoon of ginger and garlic paste into the mixture and sauté for another minute. This adds depth and richness to the curry's flavor profile.

Incorporating Tomato Puree

Add the prepared tomato puree to the mixture, stir well, and cook for 2-3 minutes on medium flame. Cook until you notice a layer of oil forming on the top, indicating that the tomatoes have been well cooked.

Now, add the blended chickpeas paste to the tomato mixture and sprinkle in some fresh coriander leaves. Cook for an additional 30 seconds to allow the flavors to meld together.

Adding Boiled Chickpeas

Incorporate the boiled chickpeas into the curry and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes on medium flame. This allows the chickpeas to absorb the flavors of the spices and tomato base.

Adding Garam Masala

Mix in 1 or 2 tablespoons of garam masala into the curry and cook for another minute. This enhances the aromatic spices and adds a final layer of flavor.

Adding Red Chilli Powder

Stir in 1 tablespoon of dry red chilli powder (Kaaram) to the curry. This step intensifies the heat and depth of the dish, making it flavorful and aromatic.

Adjusting Consistency

Pour in 1 and 1/2 bowls of water, preferably the reserved strained water, to adjust the consistency of the curry. Let it cook for another 5 minutes on medium flame, allowing the flavors to blend seamlessly.

Finishing Touches

Once the curry has reached the desired thickness, you can optionally add 2 tablespoons of curd or whipping cream for a richer flavor and creamier texture. Let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes before turning off the flame.

Final Steps

Allow the curry to cook for another 1-2 minutes, ensuring all ingredients are well combined and heated through. Once done, turn off the flame.

Hot and tasty Chickpeas Curry is now ready to be served. Garnish with fresh coriander or mint leaves to add a burst of color and freshness. Enjoy this delicious curry with your favorite side dishes like poori, jeera poori, chapathi, pulka, naan, steamed rice, or coconut rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

This versatile and flavorful curry pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments such as poori, jeera poori, chapathi, pulka, naan, steamed rice, or coconut rice.

We hope you enjoy preparing and savoring this delicious Chickpeas Curry as much as we do. It's a perfect addition to your culinary repertoire, offering both nutrition and rich flavors that are sure to delight your taste buds.

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