Chana Masala (Coconut Based Gravy)

Another yummy post as promised...Chana Masala  with a twist or Garbanzo Beans coconut based gravy !!

I had tried the Chole  previously which is without coconut gravy..check that recipe too. This time I made a version a bit different and turned out good.

I prepare very less vegetarian dishes and beans are very few in my diet. Recently I was so focused to introduce all kind of beans in my family's diet that I have prepared many many dishes out of different beans :)
Well, they all turned out so good ... and most important heavenly smell and taste made them vanish in no time.

This gravy I made was with Neer Dosa  and this combination I tried for the first time but tasted so great that I would try it over and over :)

Do try!!

• 1 Cup Garbanzo beans / Chickpeas
• 1 Small Onion, sliced
• 1 Small Tomato, sliced
• 1 - 2 Red Chillies
• 1/4 Cup Grated Coconut
• 1/2 Tsp Turmeric Powder
• 1 Medium Onion , Chopped
• 2 Bay Leaves
• 1 Black Cardamom
• 4 Cloves
• 6 Black Peppercorns
• 1 inch Cinnamon stick
• 1 Tsp Garam Masala Powder
• 1 Tsp Cumin Powder
• 1 Tsp Coriander Powder
• 1 Tbsp Chole Masala Powder
• Salt
• 1/2 Tsp Sugar
• A handful Cilantro,chopped
• 4 Tbsp Butter

Method:

• Soak the beans overnight. Next morning, pressure cook them for 15 mins. Reserve the water.
• In the mixer grinder, grind sliced onion, sliced tomato,red chillies,turmeric powder and grated coconut, with less water. Make a fine paste.
• In a pan, add 2 Tbsp butter. Add all dry whole garam masala, i.e. bay leaves, peppercorns, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves.
• Fry for  a minute. Then add chopped onion. Fry this till onion is pink in color.
• Add the ground masala to it and cook it till the raw smell of masala goes away.
• Add all dry powder masala to this mixture.
• After a while, add cooked beans.
• Add salt and sugar. Check for the desired level.
• Add the reserved water of beans, if you want more gravy.
• Finally add chopped cilantro and 2 tbsp butter.
• Serve hot with pav,roti,rice or dosa.

• When grinding masala, you can also add whole garam masala for grinding, instead of frying them.
• If you want very spicy version then add some red chilli powder too.
• You can skip adding sugar to this preparation, I add a bit of sugar as for me it enhances the taste of gravy.

Enjoy Eating!! :)