If you’ve ever strolled through bustling Indian streets, you’ve likely encountered the irresistible aroma of spicy chana masala being cooked at roadside stalls. This dish, packed with bold flavors, is a staple of Indian street food and is often served with bhature, kulcha, or even steamed rice. Today, let’s recreate that authentic street-style chana masala at home.

Why Street-Style Chana Masala?

Unlike the regular version, street-style chana masala has a thicker, spicier, and more tangy texture, often enriched with a secret blend of roasted spices. The trick lies in slow-cooking and layering the flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For Cooking Chickpeas:

• 1 cup chickpeas (chana) – soaked overnight
• 4 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tea bag (for color, optional)
• 1 black cardamom
• 2 bay leaves

For the Masala:

• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 2 tomatoes, pureed
• 2 green chilies, chopped
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• ½ teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon amchur (dry mango powder)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander for garnish

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chickpeas

1. Soak the chickpeas overnight or for at least 8 hours.
2. Drain and add them to a pressure cooker with water, salt, a tea bag (for dark color), black cardamom, and bay leaves.
3. Cook for 4-5 whistles until soft. If using canned chickpeas, rinse and skip this step.

Step 2: Prepare the Masala

1. Heat oil or ghee in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
2. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
3. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute.
4. Add pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil separates.
5. Mix in all the powdered spices and stir well.

Step 3: Combine and Simmer

1. Add the boiled chickpeas along with some of their cooking water.
2. Mash a few chickpeas to make the gravy thicker.
3. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until everything blends well.
4. Add garam masala and amchur powder for the final touch.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
2. Serve hot with bhature, kulcha, puri, or steamed rice.

Tips for the Perfect Street-Style Taste

• Use a tea bag while boiling chickpeas for that dark street-style color.
• Mash some chickpeas in the gravy for a thicker texture.
• Roast spices before adding them to bring out their flavors.
• Slow cook the masala for at least 10 minutes to enhance taste.

Final Thoughts

Street-style chana masala is all about bold flavors and perfect spice balance. Follow this recipe, and you’ll have a dish that tastes just like your favorite roadside stall.

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