Samah Dada
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Chana Masala Bowl with Lemon Rice & Pickled Onion Cucumber Kachumber
Chana Masala Bowl with Lemon Rice & Cucumber Salad (Kachumber)! Ugh I am SO obsesssed with this recipe - it’s the perfect healthy weeknight vegan dinner that takes no time to make, and is packed with plant-based protein. Chana masala is a tomato-based chickpea curry that was on my table every week growing up (thanks mom). I decided to pair it with a traditional South Indian style lemon rice because I love how the tanginess of the rice balances out the depth of the chana masala. You’re going to love it. Perfect to pack for a work lunch, too! Enjoy :)
Chana Masala
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
1 (1-inch) knob fresh ginger, grated
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon dry mango powder (optional)
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon garam masala
Kosher salt to taste
3 tomatoes, on-the-vine
1 (15.5 ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
Fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped, for garnish
Squeeze of lemon to finish
Cucumber Kachumber (eyeballed to taste)
Persian cucumbers, diced
Cherry tomatoes, sliced
Pickled onions
Chopped cilantro
Lemon juice
Extra-virgin olive oil
Chaat masala
Kosher salt
1. Complete your mise en place & purée the tomatoes.
2. Heat the olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. When it shimmers, add the onions, and sauté until tender and translucent. Add the garlic and ginger, sauté for a couple of minutes, then add the turmeric, cumin, dry mango powder (if using), coriander, cayenne, and garam masala. Sauté until the masala has roasted and the “raw” masala smell disappears, 2 - 3 minutes.
3. Add the fresh tomato purée and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until it reduces slightly and darkens in color.
4. Add the chickpeas. Cover the pot and simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring frequently. Taste and adjust with salt if necessary.
5. Finish the chana masala with a squeeze of fresh lemon, and garnish with chopped cilantro.
6. Prep the lemon rice + cucumber salad. Assemble, garnish with cilantro, and enjoy!
