Instant Pot Chana Masala!

This authentic Chana Masala Recipe can be made in an Instant pot or on the stovetop. Either way, this quick and easy vegetarian dinner recipe is full of delicious Indian flavors! Serve it over basmati rice with naan bread, or over baked sweet potatoes or like a Sloppy Jo (Masala Jo!).  Scroll down to see what you can do with this! 

Last week I made a big batch of Instant Pot Chana Masala and served it up three different ways during the busy week.  First we had it over fluffy basmati rice with naan bread, next we served it over roasted sweet potatoes and then lastly piled it in a brioche bun with avocado, and served it like a “Sloppy Jo”.  Super Tasty!

If wanting to use dry chickpeas, the easiest way to make this is to use an instant pot!  It turns out great and is fast and easy.

If you rather use canned beans, I much prefer the stove-top method, but take your pick! Either way you will love the flavor here.

What is Chana Masala? 

• Chana Masala is an Indian-Style Chickpea dish often served with basmati rice, or naan.
• Chana Masala is Hindi for “Spiced Chickpeas”.(Chana translates to chickpeas and masala translates to spice.)
• If you are wondering what the difference is between Chana Masala and Tikka Masala, Tikka usually refers to “meat”- so spiced meat dish. Get it? 😉

Can you make Chana Masala Vegan? 

• Of course!  BUT I really hesitate because it is the use of ghee that gives this Chana Masala its amazing flavor!  That being said, do as you please. Sub coconut oil, or olive oil. 🙂

Can you make Chana Masala in an Instant Pot?

• YES absolutely- especially if using dry chickpeas. Dry chickpeas will either need to be soaked or pre-cooked in the instant pot for a few minutes. It’s easy!

Chana Masala starts with a fragrant mix of spices. Remember, masala means “spice”.

What are Chana Masala Spices?

Chana Masala actually varies greatly in India depending on the area, and even down to the specific household. Each blend is unique. And that is what makes this fun! Here is my favorite blend, but please adapt it to your own tastes!

• cumin seeds ( whole)
• fennel seeds ( whole)
•  garam masala
•  ground cumin
•  ground coriander
•  chili powder
•  dried fenugreek leaves
•  ground turmeric

Saute the whole spices in ghee, then add the shallot, garlic and chili.

TIP: Ghee brings this to another level. 

Then add the ground spices… and saute, which will give the final dish delicious depth!

Then add the fresh tomatoes, water, soaked chickpeas and bay leaves, and season with salt. Let this pressure cook for 40 minutes.

TIP: For some reason, using fresh tomatoes tastes way better than canned.

Serve this with pickled onions and cilantro, with basmati rice and/ or naan bread.

Or for something different, serve it atop a baked sweet potato! So yummy!

We also had it this way, served as a “Sloppy Jo” with Avocado inside a soft Brioche bun. Delish!

So play around with this, and see how you like it best!

The leftovers can also be frozen!

Hope you enjoy. and let me know how you like it in the comments below!

Also, share how you serve it!

xoxo

Instant Pot Chana Masala

★★★★★

5 from 2 reviews

This authentic Chana Masala Recipe can be made in an Instant pot or on the stovetop. A quick and easy Vegetarian dinner recipe that is full of amazing Indian flavor!

• Author: Sylvia Fountaine
• Prep Time: 30
• Cook Time: 60 mins
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 6-8 1x
• Category: Vegan, Main
• Method: Instant pot, stove top
• Cuisine: Indian

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 2 cups dry chickpeas, (soaked 12-24 hours or see notes)  or sub 2-3 cans, drained
• 2 tablespoons ghee or oil. ( GHEE elevates this to the next level of goodness!!!)
• 2 teaspoons  cumin seeds ( whole)
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds ( whole)
• 2 large shallots, diced ( or one onion diced)
• 2 fat garlic cloves, rough chopped
• 1/2 –1 jalapeno or 1 serrano chili, finely diced
• 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon dried fenugreek leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 medium or roma tomatoes, diced (and their juices)
• 1– 1 1/2 teaspoon salt ( use more if dry chickpeas, less if canned)
• 2 cups water ( if using dry chickpeas) or 1/2 cup if canned

Serve over Basmati Rice or with naan Bread! Or over roasted sweet potatoes, or in a bun like a sloppy Jo!

Instructions

1. If using dry beans, soak chickpeas 12 hours or up to 24 hours (see notes for quick instant pot “soak”)
2. Set Instant pot to Saute function. Heat ghee and add whole cumin seeds , and fennel seeds, stirring 2-3 minutes until fragrant and golden.
3. Add shallots. Saute 4 minutes until golden. Add garlic ginger and diced chili, saute 2-3 minutes.
4. Add all the spices- garam masala, ground cumin, coriander, chili powder, fenugreek, turmeric and bay leaves.
5. Give a stir then add the tomatoes and their juices, stirring constantly, for about 3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits.
6. Once the tomatoes start to break down add the water( if using dry chickpeas),  salt and drained chickpeas. Give a good stir.
7. Set Instant to High Pressure for 25 minutes. (SEE NOTES!!!) Naturally, release for 15 minutes then manually release.
8. Taste and adjust salt.

Notes

Instant Pot Cooking Times:

1. If using pre-soaked chickpeas (12-hour soaking method), pressure cook Chana Masala for 25 minutes.
2. If using “pre-soaked”chickpeas ( quick “pre-soak” 7 mins in the instant pot), pressure cook Chana Masala for 40 minutes.
3. If using unsoaked chickpeas, pressure cook Chana Masala 50 minutes.

How to pre-soak chickpeas in the Instant pot: place 2 cups dry chickpeas, 2 cups water, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Set to High pressure for 7 minutes. Manual or natural release. Drain, set chickpeas aside and wipe out the Instant Pot.

If using canned chickpeas, set instant pot to 6 minutes, add only 1/2 cup water,  manually release.

*Or, preferably, make this on the stovetop with canned chickpeas, following the same directions, only adding  1/4- 1/2 cup water, simmering on low, for 10-15 minutes.

I really prefer the taste of fresh tomatoes in the recipe, versus canned.

Remember dry chickpeas will need more salt, canned chickpeas perhaps less salt.

Keywords: Instant Pot Chana Masala, Chana Masala recipe in an instant pot, authentic Chana Masala recipe, Chana Masala recipe