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    Home » Curry

    Chana Masala with Coconut Milk

    Posted: Mar 26, 2020 · Updated: Apr 6, 2020 by Tonje

    666 shares
    Jump to Recipe

    Chana masala is a creamy Indian style chickpea curry. This version with coconut milk is mild, flavorful and oh so delicious.

    Chana masala, rice and naan bread in a bowl.

    Jump to:
    • 🥘 Ingredients
    • 🔪 Instructions
    • 💭 Top tips
    • 🥗 Serving suggestions
    • 🍲 Leftovers
    • 📋 Frequently asked questions
    • More curry recipes
    • Recipe

    This post may contain affiliate links. Read more about it in the privacy policy.

    Curry is practically the national dish of the UK, and many families enjoy them on a weekly basis. Chana masala is a cheap vegetarian curry made out of pantry essentials and spices, and one of my personal favorites. This recipe adds coconut milk, which gives the dish a lovely creamy consistency.

    🥘 Ingredients

    For this recipe you will need canned or boiled chickpeas, coconut milk, onion, garlic and ginger.

    Additionally we use tomato paste, cumin, coriander, paprika and garam masala as the main spice blend. You can substitute these with a curry paste if you prefer.

    This chana masala is very mild and totally kid approved. Add some cayenne pepper or chili powder if you prefer a spicy chickpea curry!

    🔪 Instructions

    Finely dice the onion, garlic and ginger. Heat the oil in a pot on medium heat, then sautee the diced vegetables for a few minutes until the onions turn translucent.

    Add the spices and tomato paste to the onions. Stir to combine, and sautee for 2 minutes. This allows the flavors to really develop. Add the chickpeas, and allow them to cook with the seasoning for another minute.

    Chickpeas in a pot with tomato paste and spices.

    Then, add the coconut milk. Leave the curry to simmer for about 5 minutes. Serve it immediately while it's hot.

    💭 Top tips

    Here are some of my best tips to get this recipe perfect:

    • Don't rush through the process of sauteeing the tomato paste and spices. This is what really brings out the flavor!
    • I highly recommend using full fat coconut milk. The reduced fat version is not as creamy.
    • Don't have all the spices listed? You can substitute curry paste for the tomato paste and spices!

    🥗 Serving suggestions

    Curries are full of flavor, and are often served with a range of mild side dishes. Serve it with rice, naan bread, pappadoms and chutneys for the perfect curry meal.

    Chana masala in a wooden bowl with rice in the background.

    🍲 Leftovers

    Leftover chana masala can be stored in the fridge for 5 days, or frozen for 3 months. Reheat the leftovers and serve them warm.

    📋 Frequently asked questions

    Is this recipe allergy friendly? - Yes! This recipe is free from all common allergens. It is gluten free, dairy free, egg free, soy free and nut free.

    Is this vegan? - Absolutely. Chana masala is a completely vegan recipe.

    Can I replace the chickpeas in this dish? - Curries are easy to adapt to suit your preferences. You can replace the chickpeas with anything you'd like. Try using tofu, paneer, vegetables or lentils instead.

    More curry recipes

    • Chickpea and halloumi curry
    • Chicken and eggplant curry
    • Thai chicken noodle soup
    • Thai yellow chicken curry
    • Vegan Thai green curry

    Recipe

    Chana Masala with Coconut Milk

    Chana masala is a creamy Indian style chickpea curry. This version with coconut milk is mild, flavorful and oh so delicious.
    No ratings yet
    Created by: Tonje
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    Prep Time 2 mins
    Cook Time 10 mins
    Course Dinner, Main Course
    Cuisine Indian
    Servings 4
    Calories 463 kcal
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    Ingredients
      

    • 2 cans chickpeas (2 x 400 g)
    • 400 ml coconut milk
    • 2 small onions
    • 3 garlic cloves
    • 1 cm ginger
    • 4 tablespoon tomato paste
    • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
    • 1 teaspoon paprika
    • 1 teaspoon coriander
    • 1 teaspoon cumin
    • 2 teaspoon garam masala
    • ¼ teaspoon salt

    Instructions
     

    • Finely dice the onion, garlic and ginger.
    • Heat the oil in a pot on medium heat, then sautee the diced vegetables for a few minutes until the onions turn translucent.
    • Add the spices and tomato paste to the onions. Stir to combine, and sautee for 2 minutes. This allows the flavors to really develop.
    • Add the chickpeas, and allow them to cook with the seasoning for another minute.
    • Then, add the coconut milk. Leave the curry to simmer for about 5 minutes. Serve it immediately while it's hot.

    Notes

    Is this recipe allergy friendly? – Yes! This recipe is free from all common allergens. It is gluten free, dairy free, egg free, soy free and nut free.
    Is this vegan? – Absolutely. Chana masala is a completely vegan recipe.
    Can I replace the chickpeas in this dish? – Curries are easy to adapt to suit your preferences. You can replace the chickpeas with anything you’d like. Try using tofu, paneer, vegetables or lentils instead.

    Leftovers

    Leftover chana masala can be stored in the fridge for 5 days, or frozen for 3 months. Reheat the leftovers and serve them warm.

    Top tips

    Here are some of my best tips to get this recipe perfect:
    • Don’t rush through the process of sauteeing the tomato paste and spices. This is what really brings out the flavor!
    • I highly recommend using full fat coconut milk. The reduced fat version is not as creamy.
    • Don’t have all the spices listed? You can substitute curry paste for the tomato paste and spices!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 463kcalCarbohydrates: 41gProtein: 15gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 22gSodium: 917mgPotassium: 777mgFiber: 12gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 317IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 7mg
    Keyword chickpeas, dairy free, egg free, gluten free, nut free, vegan
    Tried this recipe?Mention @hintofhealthyfood or tag #hintofhealthy!

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    Hi, I'm Tonje! I make easy and healthy everyday recipes that your family will love. Browse my recipe collection to discover new favorites, and make sure to let me know what you think!

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