Pakistani Chana Masala

Method

1. 1

   Brown the onion

   Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat, then cook the onion for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring often, until soft and deep golden; lower the heat if it catches.

2. 2

   Cook the aromatics

   Add the garlic and ginger and cook over medium-low heat for 1 minute, stirring, until fragrant and no longer raw-smelling.

3. 3

   Bloom the spices

   Stir in the cumin, coriander, turmeric, chilli powder, garam masala and green chilli, then cook over low heat for 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. 4

   Reduce the tomato sauce

   Add the tomatoes and cook uncovered over medium heat for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and the raw tomato smell has gone.

5. 5

   Simmer the chickpeas

   Add the chickpeas, water and 0.5 teaspoon fine salt, bring to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat, then simmer uncovered over low heat for 15 minutes until hot and tender.

6. 6

   Thicken and season

   Mash about a quarter of the chickpeas into the sauce and simmer over low heat for 2 minutes until glossy and thick. Stir in the lemon juice, taste, and add fine salt gradually, up to 1 teaspoon total.

7. 7

   Rest and serve

   Remove the pan from the heat and rest for 5 minutes before serving, with rice or flatbread.

Tips

• The chickpea quantity is drained weight, usually about two to three standard tins; drain and rinse before measuring.
• Cook the onion until properly deep golden for a fuller, homely flavour.
• Start with 0.5 teaspoon fine salt and taste before adding more in small increments, up to 1 teaspoon total; chickpea and tomato saltiness varies.
• Taste the lemon finish and adjust to preference.

Swaps

• Use rapeseed oil instead of sunflower oil.
• For less heat, omit the green chilli, remove its seeds if using it, and reduce the Kashmiri chilli powder to 0.25 teaspoon. For more heat, use a hot green chilli instead of a mild one.

Storing

Cool promptly and refrigerate in a covered container for up to 3 days. Reheat until steaming hot throughout, adding a splash of water if needed.