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Cheap & Cheerful Chana Masala

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Need a quick, budget-friendly dinner that’s packed with flavor? Look no further! This Chana Masala is a simple, satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Pair it with plain rice, or mix and match with other curries to feed the whole family. It’s easy to double the recipe, and it freezes beautifully for those nights when you just don’t feel like cooking!

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 2–3 tsp curry powder (to taste)
  • Generous pinch of dried chili flakes
  • 400g tin chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 400g tin chopped tomatoes
  • 100g/3½oz plain yogurt
  • Salt and black pepper

Method:

  1. Sauté the Onions:
    • Heat 1 tbsp of the oil in a frying pan or wide-based saucepan. Fry the sliced onion over medium heat for about 5 minutes until softened, stirring regularly.
  2. Add the Spices:
    • Add the remaining oil, garlic, curry powder, and chili flakes. Fry for another 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly to release the spices’ full flavor.
  3. Mix in the Chickpeas & Tomatoes:
    • Stir in the chickpeas and chopped tomatoes. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  4. Simmer:
    • Let the mixture simmer over medium heat for about 12 minutes, stirring regularly. Add a splash of water towards the end if needed to keep it saucy.
  5. Serve:
    • Serve hot, topped with a dollop of plain yogurt. Pair with rice, naan, or enjoy on its own!

Why You’ll Love It:

  • Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes with ingredients you probably already have!
  • Versatile: Great as a main dish or as part of a larger meal.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prep, it keeps well in the fridge or freezer.

This hearty and flavorful dish will have you coming back for seconds!

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