Chana masala facts for kids
Made with the larger chickpeas
|
|
| Alternative names | Chole masala |
|---|---|
| Course | Main or Snack |
| Place of origin | Indian subcontinent |
| Region or state | Northern region of the Indian subcontinent |
| Associated national cuisine | India, Bangladesh, Pakistan |
| Serving temperature | Hot |
| Main ingredients | Chickpeas, onion, tomatoes, coriander, garlic, chiles, ginger, oil, spices |
| Variations | Aloo chole, murgh cholay, chole bhature |
Chana masala (which means 'mix-spiced small-chickpeas') is a yummy dish from the Indian subcontinent. You might also hear it called chole masala or chholay.
The main ingredient in chana masala is a special kind of chickpea called chana. These chickpeas are smaller and have a stronger taste than the ones you might usually see. They also stay a bit firmer even after they are cooked.
Sometimes, bigger, lighter-colored chickpeas are used instead. These are called chole or kabuli chana. Chana masala is usually a bit dry and spicy, with a sour, tangy flavor from things like coriander and onion. Both versions are popular snacks and street food in countries like India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.
Contents
What is Chana Masala Made Of?
Besides chickpeas, chana masala usually includes:
- Onion
- Chopped tomatoes
- Ghee (a type of clarified butter)
- Cumin
- Turmeric
- Coriander powder
- Garlic
- Chillies
- Ginger
- Amchoor (dried mango powder) or lemon juice for that sour taste
- Garam masala (a mix of ground spices)
Where is Chana Masala Popular?
This tasty chickpea dish is enjoyed in many places, especially across the Indian subcontinent.
Chana Masala in India
In India, you can find chana masala sold by street vendors and in restaurants. People often eat it with a type of fried bread called puri.
Chana Masala in Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, this dish is known as choctpoti. It's often eaten as a snack or a starter before a meal. A version called boot (kala chana masala) is also eaten with puffed rice, known as muri.
Chana Masala in Pakistan
Pakistan has its own versions of chana masala. Aloo chole is a popular dish that mixes potatoes with chickpeas. In the city of Lahore, you might find murgh cholay, which adds chicken to the chickpea dish.
See also
In Spanish: Chana masala para niños
