Craving a rich, flavorful, and satisfying vegetarian meal? Look no further than this restaurant-style Chickpea Butter Masala recipe, also known as Chole Masala. This incredibly easy-to-follow recipe delivers the authentic taste of Indian cuisine, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a vibrant weekend feast. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy prep times; this version simplifies the process while maintaining the depth of flavor you expect from a classic dish. The creamy, buttery texture of the chickpeas, combined with aromatic spices and a hint of tang, creates a truly unforgettable experience.
This recipe achieves restaurant-quality results without the restaurant-quality effort. You'll be amazed at how simple it is to create this flavorful masterpiece from the comfort of your own kitchen. Ready to transform ordinary chickpeas into an extraordinary culinary adventure? Let's dive into the step-by-step guide below and get cooking!
Tools Needed
- Blender
- Pot
- Small pan
Ingredients
- Tomatoes
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Oil: 1 tbsp
- Butter: 2 tbsp
- Cumin seeds (Jira): 1 tsp
- Onions
- Salt: 1/4 tsp
- Thick tomato paste: 1/2 tbsp
- Turmeric powder: 1/2 tsp
- Kashmiri red chili powder: 1 heaped tsp
- Ground coriander powder: 2 tsp
- Ground cumin powder (Jira powder): 1 tsp
- Canned chickpeas
- Sugar: 1 tsp
- Garam masala powder: 1 tsp
- Dried fenugreek leaves (Kasuri Methi): 1 tsp
- Water: 1 cup + 1/2 cup
- Black pepper powder: 1/4 tsp
- Heavy cream: 1/3 cup
- Chopped coriander leaves
- Sweet paprika: 1 tsp
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Preparing the Base and Spices
- In a blender jar, blend tomatoes, garlic, and ginger into a smooth puree.
- In a pot, heat oil and butter. Add cumin seeds once butter melts.
- Add finely chopped onions and 1/4 tsp salt. Cook until lightly browned.
- Add tomato paste and fry for a minute on medium-low heat.
- Add turmeric powder, Kashmiri chili powder, ground coriander, and cumin powder. Fry for a few seconds on low heat.
- Add the blended tomato-ginger-garlic puree. Stir and cover, cook on medium heat for 5 minutes.
Step 2. Adding Chickpeas and Simmering
- Drain and rinse canned chickpeas. Save 1/3 cup for later. Add the rest to the pot and stir well.
- Add salt, sugar, garam masala powder, and dried fenugreek leaves. Stir well.
- Add 1 cup of hot water. Blend the saved chickpeas with 1/2 cup of water into a smooth paste.
- Add the chickpea paste and black pepper powder to the gravy. Cover and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3. Finishing Touches and Serving
- Taste and adjust seasonings. Add chopped coriander leaves and heavy cream (or coconut cream/milk). Simmer for 5 more minutes.
- In a small pan, melt butter with a drop of oil. Add paprika (or Kashmiri chili powder) after removing from heat. Drizzle over the chickpea masala.
- Serve hot with naan or your favorite flatbread.
Read more: Creamy Cashew Chicken Curry: A Simple Yet Sumptuous Recipe
Tips
- Chop onions very finely for faster browning and better blending into the gravy.
- Don't let onions turn too dark brown; aim for a light brown color.
- Tomato paste is optional but adds color and flavor.
- If using dry chickpeas, soak overnight and cook until tender.
- The chickpea paste thickens the gravy.
- Turn off the heat before adding paprika to the melted butter to prevent burning.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! Sauté the onions, ginger, and garlic as directed, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir occasionally.
2. What can I serve with Chickpea Butter Masala?
This dish pairs perfectly with naan bread, roti, rice, or even some simple cumin-spiced potatoes. It's also delicious served with a dollop of plain yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
3. Can I use canned chickpeas instead of dried?
Absolutely! Using canned chickpeas will significantly reduce the cooking time. Just be sure to rinse and drain them well before adding them to the recipe.
This easy Chickpea Butter Masala recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor without the fuss, making it a perfect addition to your weekly meal rotation. Enjoy the rich, creamy texture and aromatic spices that will leave you wanting more. So gather your ingredients and get cooking – your taste buds will thank you!