Chana Masala Thali

Chana Masala Thali is a vibrant and flavorful Indian dinner featuring spiced chickpeas served alongside fragrant basmati rice and a refreshing cucumber salad. This dairy-free dish is both hearty and satisfying, perfect for a wholesome meal.

Ingredients

• Chickpeas (cooked) - 400 grams
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Tomato - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Ginger - 1 inch piece, grated
• Green chili - 1, slit
• Cumin seeds - 1 teaspoon
• Coriander powder - 1 teaspoon
• Cumin powder - 1 teaspoon
• Garam masala - 1 teaspoon
• Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - to taste
• Oil (coconut or vegetable) - 2 tablespoons
• Basmati rice - 1 cup
• Water - 2 cups for rice
• Cucumber - 1 small, diced
• Lemon - 1, juiced
• Fresh cilantro - a handful, chopped

Steps

1. Rinse and soak the basmati rice in water for 15 minutes, then drain.
2. In a pot, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
3. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
4. Stir in minced garlic, grated ginger, and green chili. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
5. Add chopped tomatoes, turmeric, coriander powder, cumin powder, and salt. Cook until tomatoes soften and oil separates.
6. Add the cooked chickpeas and garam masala. Mix well and simmer for 5-7 minutes, adding a splash of water if needed.
7. In a separate pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add drained basmati rice and cook covered on low heat for about 15 minutes or until rice is fluffy and water is absorbed.
8. While the rice is cooking, prepare the cucumber salad by mixing diced cucumber with lemon juice and chopped cilantro.
9. Serve the chana masala hot with basmati rice and cucumber salad on the side.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbs: 75 g
• Fiber: 15 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• High in plant-based protein and fiber from chickpeas.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables.

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