Chana Masala

Prep time:    20 minutes

Cook time:  40 minutes

Cost:            ~$5

Makes:        4 servings

Chana Masala is an Indian chickpea dish. It doesn’t need a lot of ingredients and can be served over rice or couscous. I served it with a side of sliced cucumbers and naan bread.

I based the prices on Thrifty Foods’ sales, which had most of the ingredients on for great prices. The jalapeno peppers add a nice spicy taste to the meal, but don’t include it if you don’t like spice.

Ingredients:                                               Cost:                                    

-          1 can of chickpeas                          $1       

-          Oil

-          Vegetables (optional)

o   1 medium onion                                    $0.50

o   ½ can of diced tomatoes                    $1

o   3 cloves of garlic                                   $0.50

o   Ginger                                                    $0.50

o   Jalapeno pepper                                 $0.15

-          Cilantro                                             $1

-          Cucumber (optional)                      $1

-          Spices (optional)

o   Cumin

o   Paprika

o   Turmeric

o   Garam masala

o   Coriander 

What to do:

1.      Cut up vegetables and cilantro

2.      In pan on medium heat cook onion, garlic and ginger until browned

3.      Add chickpeas, tomatoes, jalapeno pepper, cilantro and spices

4.      Make sure there is enough water in pan, turn heat down, and cover

5.      Cook for about 30 minutes with lid on

6.      Take lid off and cook for another 5 minutes until liquid is gone