Instant Pot Chana Masala | Vegan

Chana Masala also known as Chole or Chole Masala is a popular Indian dish which is made of chickpeas, onions and tomatoes and cooked along with spices. It is usually served with Pooris, Naan, Kulcha, rotis or with plain rice. This is a delicious dish and very easy to make. 

             

I have used dry chickpeas in this recipe which I have soaked in water overnight. But this dish can also be made using canned chickpeas and be prepared in just under 30 mins.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups dry Chickpeas
• 1  medium white onion, finely diced
• 2 finely diced tomatoes
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 Tbsp fresh ginger, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tsp Salt for cooking chick peas + additional salt for gravy
• 2-3 fresh green chilies, sliced with seeds (optional)
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice or Amchur powder
• 2 tsp Sugar

             

  Spices

• 1 tbsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp garam masala (see notes to make your own)
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 inch cinnamon stick

Method:

• Wash and Soak chickpeas in water overnight or at least for 5-6 hours.If you are using canned chickpeas, you skip this step.

 

• After 6 hours of soaking, turn on the instant pot on sauté mode, add bay leaves, cinnamon stick and Cumin seeds and fry them for few seconds.
• Add onions and sauté till they are cooked. Add ginger garlic, green chilies and sauté until they begin to brown.

 

• Add tomatoes, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, salt, sugar, red chili powder and amchur powder. Add the soaked chickpeas along with the water. Level of water should be enough to cover the chickpeas.

  

• Turn off sauté mode and cover the lid. Seal the vent and put it on high pressure mode for 35 minutes.
• Allow the pressure to release naturally. Once the pressure is released, mash half of chickpeas using the masher. This will thicken the gravy. 

   

• Garnish the Chana Masala with Lemon juice and cilantro. Serve Chana masala with Naan bread or Kulcha or Rotis with the side of sliced onions and lemon wedges.

Notes:

1. You can use canned chickpeas if you are in a hurry or forget to soak them overnight.

2. Amchur powder can be substituted with lime juice.

3. If you do not have Garam Masala, you can make your own: 2 small dried red chilies, 1 tsp black peppercorns, 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 tsp cardamom pods, 1/2 tsp cloves and 1/8 tsp nutmeg. Use mortar and pestle or spice grinder and grind them into powder. 

Kulcha and Chana Masala is my personal favorite combination.