At Saagar, we believe that great food comes from simple ingredients cooked with love and tradition. One of the most cherished Indian comfort dishes we proudly serve is chana masala. It’s hearty, delicious, and rich in bold spices that awaken your taste buds with every bite. Whether you enjoy it with rice, naan, or hot chapati, this dish always feels like home.
If you’ve ever visited Saagar for a wholesome vegetarian meal, you already know how popular this dish is among locals and tourists alike. Today, we’re sharing an easy way to create the same restaurant-style chana masala recipe at home.
What Makes Chana Masala So Popular?
Chickpeas—also known as chana—are nutritious, filling, and full of plant-based protein. When cooked with a blend of aromatic spices, tomatoes, and onions, they transform into a rich curry that is both comforting and energizing.
Here’s why diners love it:
- It is high in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients
- It tastes great with a variety of Indian breads and rice
- The spices energize the body and improve digestion
- It’s a perfect everyday dish or special weekend treat
Whether you are a vegetarian or simply love flavorful Indian cuisine, this dish will always satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients for Restaurant-Style Chana Masala
You’ll need the following fresh ingredients to prepare Saagar-style curry:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups boiled chickpeas (soaked overnight)
- 2 medium onions (finely chopped)
- 2 tomatoes (pureed)
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 2–3 tablespoons oil
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Spices & Flavor:
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- ½ teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon chana masala powder
- ½ teaspoon garam masala
- 1–2 green chilies (optional)
You can use store-bought chana masala powder or create your own spice mix at home.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chana Masala
Follow these simple cooking steps to enjoy the legendary Saagar flavor:
Step 1: Boil the Chickpeas
Soak chickpeas overnight. Boil them until soft but not mushy. Save a portion of the boiled water for later use in the curry—it adds richness and flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Masala Base
Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and allow them to crackle. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. Mix in ginger-garlic paste and cook until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Flavor
Add tomato puree and cook until the oil begins to separate. Then stir in turmeric, coriander powder, red chili powder, and chana masala powder.
Step 4: Add the Chickpeas
Add boiled chana along with a little water from the boil. Stir well and simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes. This lets the chickpeas absorb all the rich spices.
Step 5: Final Touch
Sprinkle garam masala and add green chilies if you like spicy flavors. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.
Your delicious chana masala is ready!
The Nutritional Advantage
Many guests ask: How much protein in chana masala?
Chickpeas are a powerhouse of nutrition. Each serving typically contains:
- Protein: 10–15g (varies by portion size)
- Fiber: Excellent for digestive health
- Natural minerals: Iron, magnesium, and potassium
Because of its nutritional value, this dish keeps you full for longer and supports healthy eating goals.
Saagar’s Signature Cooking Tips
To match our restaurant taste at home, keep these tips in mind:
✔ Use freshly soaked chickpeas instead of canned—better flavor and texture
✔ Let the curry simmer longer for deeper spice absorption
✔ Mash a few chickpeas inside the gravy to thicken it naturally
✔ Add kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) for enhanced aroma
✔ Adjust spice levels based on your preference
These small steps can make a big difference in taste.
Perfect Serving Ideas
Chana Masala pairs wonderfully with:
- Steamed basmati rice
- Jeera rice
- Garlic naan
- Roti or chapati
- Paratha
Want a complete Shaan-e-Saagar meal? Serve it with raita, salad, and lime pickle on the side!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How to make chana masala easily at home?
Boil chana, prepare onion-tomato gravy with spices, add chickpeas, and simmer until flavors come together.
Q2: How to make chana masala in Tamil?
The process remains the same—simply follow the instructions while naming ingredients in Tamil for local style cooking.
Q3: How to prepare chana masala like a restaurant?
Use freshly ground spices, simmer the masala properly, and mash some chickpeas for thicker texture.
Q4: How much protein in chana masala?
A typical portion offers approximately 10–15g of plant-based protein, making it a great healthy choice.
Q5: How to cook chana masala without onion or garlic?
Replace onions with tomato and yogurt for a smooth gravy. Use whole spices for enhancing flavor naturally.