Indulge in the rich and aromatic flavors of Chana Masala, a classic Indian dish featuring tender chickpeas in a fragrant tomato-based sauce. This recipe takes full advantage of the convenience and speed of a pressure cooker to deliver a hearty and satisfying meal. Whether you’re a fan of Indian cuisine or simply seeking a delicious and nutritious meal, this Chana Masala is sure to please your taste buds.
SERVES 4-6
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 cup dried chickpeas
- 8 cups water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon butter or vegan margarine, such as Earth Balance
- ½ onion, diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ½ cup tomatoes, diced
- ½ cup water
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Prepare Chickpeas: In your pressure cooker, combine the dried chickpeas and 4 cups of water. Lock the lid securely in place and bring the pressure cooker to high pressure for 1 minute. After the minute is up, remove the pressure cooker from the heat source and perform a quick release of pressure. Drain the water, rinse the chickpeas, and set them aside.
- Second Round of Cooking: Return the rinsed chickpeas to the pressure cooker, this time with the remaining 4 cups of water. Allow the chickpeas to soak for 1 hour, absorbing moisture for a tender result.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in the pressure cooker over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until they become fragrant and translucent.
- Add Spices: Stir in the ground cumin, ground cayenne pepper, and ground turmeric. Sauté these spices for an additional minute to awaken their flavors.
- Create Tomato Base: Incorporate the diced tomatoes and ½ cup of water into the pressure cooker. Stir in the paprika, garam masala, salt, and fresh ginger. Allow the mixture to come to a simmer.
- Combine with Chickpeas: Add the cooked chickpeas back into the pressure cooker. Ensure that all components are thoroughly mixed, allowing the chickpeas to absorb the flavorful tomato sauce.
- Simmer and Season: Let the Chana Masala simmer until the sauce has reduced and thickened, which should take approximately 15–20 minutes. During this time, the chickpeas will soak up the delicious flavors of the sauce. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Finish with a splash of lemon juice for a delightful zing.
This Pressure Cooker Chana Masala recipe offers a swift and delightful way to enjoy the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine. The combination of tender chickpeas and a robust tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices creates a dish that is both comforting and satisfying. Serve your Chana Masala alongside rice or with warm naan bread to complete your Indian dining experience. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is certain to become a beloved addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the bold and authentic flavors of Chana Masala, brought to life through the convenience of your pressure cooker.
