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    Home » Recipes » Chili | Soup | Stew

    Spicy Chana Masala (vegan + gf)

    Oct 16, 2021 · Modified: Nov 1, 2022 by Tracy Halasz · 4 Comments · THIS WEBSITE EARNS INCOME FROM ADS, AFFILIATES, AND SPONSORSHIPS.

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    This spicy chana masala recipe is incredibly rich and decadent with bold flavors from Indian spices. Tender cauliflower florets and plump chickpeas simmered in the creamy tomato-onion masala gravy make a perfect, cozy vegan meal served on a bed of fluffy rice with a swirl of vegan heavy cream. It's some seriously drool-worthy vegan comfort food!

    Chana Masala

    I love Indian food, it's indulgent, sticks to your ribs, and the house smells amazing. This thick and rich, Indian masala curry stew is made with chickpeas and lots of spices giving it an incredible depth of flavor. When the family is craving Indian food, we usually make this dairy-free chana masala or a luscious tender tofu masala. Tied for first!

    Ingredients

    For my version of vegan chana masala, I added cauliflower because my family loves cauliflower with curry. I also added a swirl of vegan heavy cream for extra decadence. Here's what you'll need . . .

    The Spices - the spice list is long and varied - even from family to family the spice mixtures are nuanced. When my daughter was at school in India, she sent stunning pictures of the incredible vibrant spice markets - I can't wait to visit them for myself! Roasting spices brings out the flavors and makes the whole house smell amazing.

    The Gravy - I'm a sucker for onions, fresh garlic, and ginger sautéing on the stove. That aroma is food for the soul. The plethora of Indian spices in this recipe adds layers upon layers of flavor. If available I use 6N1 ground tomatoes or crushed tomatoes.

    The Cream - for me vegan heavy cream is the cherry on top. It balances out the spices, softens the acid from the tomatoes, and magically transforms this luscious vegan dish. Big Yum!

    How to Make Chana Masala

    1. Warm the oil/butter in a large sauté pan or Dutch oven.
    2. Cook the onions, cauliflower, and salt until they take on some color.
    3. Sauté the garlic, ginger, and spices to warm through until fragrant.
    4. Add in the tomatoes, chickpeas, and veggie broth.
    5. Let the sauce simmer with the lid half on while the sauce thickens up.
      Pro tip: remove the lid and the stew will reduce faster as the liquid cooks off. Keep the lid on tight and the heat and steam stays in the pot. Adjust as necessary to achieve thick, rich sauce.
    6. Stir in the vegan cream, hot pepper flakes, and kasoori methi. Taste and adjust seasoning.

    Tips for Building an Affordable Spice Collection

    A spice collection naturally grows over the years; but when you're first starting out, buying whole jars of 10-15 spices is expensive! An affordable way to build up your spice cupboard without breaking the bank is to go to the bulk store when making a new recipe. Buy just a few tablespoons of the spices. Buy bigger jars of the basics like garlic, paprika, cumin, chili powder, cinnamon, oregano, ginger, red pepper flakes that will get used up more quickly. Store the bulk spices in small baby food or recycled jars.

    chana masala gravy with a cashew cream swirl served on rice with chickpeas
    Is chana masala vegan?

    Yes, chana (chickpea) masala (spice) is traditionally a vegetarian dish. Choose a vegan 'butter' or coconut oil for sautéing and the remaining ingredients are naturally vegan and gluten-free!

    What is chana masala made of?

    Indian spices! As with most cultures, each family has their traditional mix of spices and family secret that makes their masala the best! Some of those traditional spices may include cumin seeds, fennel seeds, cardamom pods, bay leaf, black pepper corn, crushed chilies, cinnamon bark, whole cloves, coriander seeds, ground turmeric, and amchur powder.

    Can I freeze the chana masala?

    Yes! Freeze in individual portion sizes for quick thawing and easy weekday lunches. Bring to room temperature and then warm over medium-low heat on the stove or place in the microwave until warm. If freezing rice as well - freeze the rice and stew in separate containers for best results.

    More Spicy Vegan Recipes to Try

    • Best Vegan Chili
    • Tender Tofu Masala
    • Nuts for Dan Dan Noodles
    • Succulent Harissa Cauliflower Tenders

    Did you make this recipe? If so, I'd love to see it!
    Please leave a comment and rating below. THANK YOU! 
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    chana masala sauce with chickpeas on rice

    Chana Masala Recipe with Cashew Cream

    Rich, spicy, and ultra flavorful, this creamy tomato Chana Masala is incredibly delicious. Easy to make, gluten free and dairy free, this vegan dinner is my favorite Indian dish!
    Author : Tracy Halasz
    Servings:6 people

    Rate this recipe!

    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 30 mins

    Equipment

    • vitamix or high speed blender
    • large saute pan or Dutch oven

    INGREDIENTS

    • 3 cups basmati rice, cooked

    Tomato Gravy

    • 2 tbsp coconut oil
    • 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
    • 2-3 cups cauliflower, chopped (optional)
    • 4 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 tsp minced ginger
    • 1 whole bay leaf
    • 1 tsp ground coriander
    • ½ tsp ground cayenne
    • 2 tsp garam masala
    • ¼ tsp turmeric
    • freshly ground black pepper
    • 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
    • 1-2 tsp hot pepper flakes (to taste)
    • 28 oz crushed or ground tomatoes*
    • ½ cup veggie broth or water
    • 3 cups canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
    • 1 ½ tsp kasoori methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
    • fresh cilantro, chopped

    Vegan Heavy Cream

    • ½ cup vegan cream

    INSTRUCTIONS
     

    Rice

    • Cook 1 ½ - 2 cups basmati rice as per package instructions and set aside. Use the Instant Pot or a rice cooker to make fuss free rice.
      *serving size about ½ cup cooked rice per serving. Make more if needed - rice is great leftover and freezes well.

    Tomato Curry Gravy

    • Heat the coconut oil in a large, heavy bottomed pan or Dutch oven over medium heat.   
    • Once the oil is simmering, add the onion, cauliflower, and salt and cook until fragrant and translucent.
    • Stir in the garlic and ginger until fragrant and soft. Watch carefully that the garlic does not burn and become bitter.
    • Add spices - bay leaf to hot pepper flakes. Stir to incorporate and heat the spices till fragrant.
    • Stir in tomatoes. Partially cover, and let simmer for 20-30 minutes.
    • Adjust the consistency as necessary (for looser consistency, add a splash of water or broth as necessary).
    • Stir in the heavy cream, chickpeas and kasoori methi (crumble the leaves or use ground if that's what you have on hand).
    • Remove the whole bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

    Vegan Heavy Cream

    • Make the heavy cream (if using) and swirl into the curry sauce right before serving.

    To Serve

    • Serve over rice with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and a wedge of lime.
    • Optional Serving Suggestions: serve over garlic mashed potatoes, a baked potato or a baked sweet potato. Add some naan or flatbread.

    NOTES

    Spices - Heating the spices in the oil opens up the flavours and increases potency.
    Tomatoes - I use ground tomatoes (6 and 1) which are rich, sweet, and super flavourful but use Pomi strained tomatoes or crushed tomatoes. Add a splash of broth (or water) to achieve the desired consistency. 
    Cashew Heavy Cream - optional, but adds extra creaminess. 
    Storage - This chana masala stores well in the fridge for 4 or 5 days so it's perfect for meal prepping. As well, pop it in the freezer in individual containers and enjoy it later in the month.

    This recipe is from simplyceecee.co food blog. All images and content are copyright protected. Please do not use my images or republish this recipe without prior permission. Thank you.

    Tried this recipe? Tag me!Mention @ceeceecooks or tag #ceeceecooks

    Original post November 2018.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Darren

      October 29, 2020 at 9:00 pm

      5 stars
      This is so delicious. I love the cashew cream and it is so easy to make.

      Reply
      • Tracy Halasz

        October 29, 2020 at 10:24 pm

        Thank you. It's so easy and delicious on everything!

        Reply
    2. Karoline Beninger

      October 30, 2020 at 8:34 pm

      5 stars
      Very flavourful and delicious! I love Indian spices and dishes. This one really checks all the boxes and is bursting with flavours. Topping it off with the cashew cream is just perfect. Very gourmet, yet easy to follow on recipe and make.

      Reply
      • Tracy Halasz

        October 31, 2020 at 1:01 pm

        Thank you so much, Karoline!

        Reply

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