Creamy Chana Masala with Coconut Milk

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This simple chana masala with coconut milk is flavorful with warm spices of cumin, garlic, ginger and a creamy coconut tomato sauce with green chiles. Serve with basmati rice or buttered naan for an easy dinner you can make in just 30 minutes.

This has been my go-to dinner for years. I think I’ve made this recipe over 100 times and I’m so happy to finally share it with you here and my secrets to the best chana masala. This dish is hearty and filling and tastes even better for leftovers as the spices melt into the dish. My husband and I always pair this dish with a piece of buttered garlic naan (who doesn’t love naan!?) and the best spiced basmati rice (see below how to make the most delicious basmati rice!) I hope you enjoy this dish as much as I have over the years.

▶︎If you like this you will definitely love my Red Lentil Sweet Potato Curry dish, Vegan Chickpea Tikka Masala or Sesame Ginger Chickpeas!

If you like quick and simple recipes, try out my other 30 minute recipes!

What is chana masala?

Chana masala, also known as channay, chole masala, chhole masala, or chole, is a dish that originated in North India and is made from chickpeas, tomatoes, onions, and spices. The most common spices used in chana masala includes garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and more.

Chana masala doesn’t usually have coconut milk but this is a variation with coconut milk that adds a delicious creamy texture.

▶︎For another delicious chickpea “chana” recipe, try out this chana chaat, a flavorful chickpea salad!

Ingredients

• Coconut oil: Used to improve the depth of flavor and toast the cumin seeds
• Cumin seeds: This elevates the flavors of the dish and is highly recommended. Find cumin seeds at your local grocery, Indian store, or Amazon.
• Diced tomatoes with green chiles: You can find this in a 15 oz can like this. The green chiles give the dish a little spice and extra flavor. If you don’t like spicy, omit the green chiles.
• Chickpeas: Canned or can make from dry ahead of time (see below how to make dried chickpeas)
• Baking powder: This softens the chickpeas.
• Spices: Salt, Cardamom, Coriander, Turmeric, Pepper, Garam Masala, Black Pepper
• Coconut milk: I recommend full fat coconut milk for the richest flavor. If you want to reduce the fat and calorie count use a lite version.
• Toppings: Cilantro, more coconut milk, fresh lemon juice

▶︎Do you have some extra coconut milk? Try out this fun Indonesian dessert drink called cendol!

Substitutions and Variations

• Cumin seeds: You can use cumin powder in place of cumin seeds. Since the powder is more concentrated in flavor, use 2 tsp cumin powder for 1 tbsp cumin seeds.
• Diced tomatoes with green chiles: If you don’t like it spicy use regular diced tomatoes.

▶︎Looking for another delicious Indian recipe? Try out these flavorful and crispy samosas!

How to Make Chana Masala with Coconut Milk

1. In a large pot or dutch oven, begin heating oil over medium heat. 
2. Once oil is hot add in cumin seeds.
3. Toast cumin seeds for about 3 minutes until roasted and fragrant. Watch closely so they don’t burn!

4. Add in minced ginger, minced garlic, and diced onion. Sauce for 3 minutes until onion is starting to turn translucent. 

5.Add all of your spices (except garam masala). Mix with onions until completely coated. Cook for another minute.

6. Add in diced tomatoes, chickpeas, baking powder, and water. Mix well.

7. Bring mixture to boil. Turn down heat to medium and cover for 15 minutes.

8. Remove cover and with the back of the wooden spoon crush some of the chickpeas.

9. Pour in coconut milk and sprinkle in garam masala. Mix well.

10. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes over medium heat.

11. Serve with fresh lemon juice or cilantro on top and basmati rice, garlic naan, or air fryer papad (a crunchy Indian side!). See below for tips how to make the best basmati rice.

What are the best sides with chana masala?

I love buttered garlic naan and basmati rice, but you could also try these:

• Roti:a traditional Indian flatbread.
• Sourdough bread: toasted with butter is delicious with this recipe
• Brown Rice: For a healthier alternative to basmati try brown rice
• Veggies: I have had broccoli or broccolini on the side that pairs well with this recipe. You can also try it was these Easy Vegetarian Samosas!

▶︎For another cozy meal, try out this Vegan White Bean Chili that is a great weeknight meal made in one pot (just like this Chana Masala!)

How to Make the Delicious Indian Basmati Rice:

For 3 cups cooked basmati rice use 1 cup of uncooked rice.

1. In a medium size pot, heat over medium heat with some olive oil.
2. Add in 2 tsp cumin seeds and toast in olive oil for 2 minutes.
3. Add in rice and cook for 2 more minutes, stirring occasionally to toast the rice.
4. Add 1 tsp whole cloves, 1 cinnamon stick, and 1 1/2 cups water.
5. Bring to a boil and then simmer, covered for 15 minutes.
6. Remove from heat, fluff, and keep covered until ready to eat (will fluff up more with cover on).