Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 13, 2026

Chana masala

Chana masala is a chickpea curry cooked in a tomato-based sauce, originating from the Indian subcontinent. It is a staple dish in Indian and Pakistani cuisine. It is often eaten with bread, including deep-fried bhatura, puri, or flatbreads such as kulcha.

Last revised
Jul 13, 2026
Read time
≈ 1 min
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315 w
Citations
14
Source
Wikipedia ↗
Chana masala
Place of originIndian subcontinent
Region or stateNorth India1
Main ingredientsChickpeas, onion, tomatoes, coriander, garlic, chiles, ginger, oil, spices

Chana masala (also chole masala or chholay) is a chickpea curry cooked in a tomato-based sauce, originating from the Indian subcontinent.123 It is a staple dish in Indian (particularly North Indian) and Pakistani cuisine.13 It is often eaten with bread, including deep-fried bhatura (where the combination is called chole bhature),4 puri, or flatbreads such as kulcha.356

Ingredients and preparation

Along with chickpeas, the ingredients of chana masala typically include a base of onions, garlic, ginger, and chili peppers; chopped tomatoes to form the tomato sauce; and herbs and spices, such as amchoor, coriander, cumin, garam masala, and turmeric.37

To prepare chana masala, raw chickpeas are soaked overnight in water. They are then drained, rinsed, and cooked with onions, tomatoes, and spices.2

It is sometimes garnished with cilantro and lemon or lime wedges.5

  • Raw ingredients of chana masala
    Raw ingredients of chana masala
  • Chole kulcha (chana masala with flatbread)
    Chole kulcha (chana masala with flatbread)
References

References

  1. Singla, Anupy (2010). The Indian Slow Cooker: 50 Healthy, Easy, Authentic Recipes. Agate Publishing. p. 77. ISBN 978-1-57284-670-8. Archived from the original on 2023-03-14. Retrieved 2023-04-19.
  2. Singh, Manali (2018). Vegetarian Indian Cooking with Your Instant Pot: 75 Traditional Recipes That Are Easier, Quicker and Healthier. Page Street Publishing. pp. 13–14. ISBN 978-1-62414-645-9. Archived from the original on 2023-03-14. Retrieved 2023-03-14.
  3. López-Alt, J. Kenji. "Channa Masala Recipe". Serious Eats. Retrieved 2025-03-29.
  4. Honawar, Vaishali (2025-11-02). "Cholé Bhaturé (Chana Bhatura) Recipe". Holy Cow Vegan. Retrieved 2025-11-03.
  5. Shah, Khushbu (January 28, 2021). "The Caregiver Who Makes Chana Masala for Everyone". Food & Wine. Retrieved 2025-03-29.
  6. Kitchen, Hebbars (2020-12-23). "chole bhature recipe | chhole bhature | chana bhatura | chola batura". Hebbar's Kitchen. Archived from the original on 2024-09-04. Retrieved 2024-06-04.
  7. Pitre, Urvashi (September 19, 2017). Indian Instant Pot® Cookbook: Traditional Indian Dishes Made Easy and Fast. Rockridge Press. p. 54. ISBN 978-1939754547.