Place a pan over medium heat and add the spices – coriander seeds, cumin, fennel seeds, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. Roast them with oil for a minute or until they start to release their aroma.
3 cloves, ½ inch cinnamon, 1 teaspoon coriander seeds, ½ teaspoon cumin seeds, ½ teaspoon fennel seeds, 3 teaspoon coconut oil, 2 cardamoms
Add chopped onions, ginger and garlic and cook until they turn translucent.
1 cup onion, 1 teaspoon ginger, 3 garlic
Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft or when the raw smell fades.
1 ½ cup tomato
Switch off the heat and add grated coconuts and cashews; mix well.
½ cup coconut, 10 cashews
Once the mixture has cooled down, Blend it with ¼ cup of chickpeas and 1 cup water. Make a smooth sauce.
Place the same pan over medium flame.
Add two teaspoons of oil and all the spices and bay leaf. Cook for 20 seconds. Add cooked drained chickpeas and mix well.
1 teaspoon red chili powder, ½ teaspoon garam masala powder, ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 bay leaf, 3 cups chickpeas
Pour the coconut mixture and mix well. Add 1- 2 cups of water if it is very thick.
salt to taste
Close the pan with a lid and cook for 10 minutes on low heat.
Stir in between to avoid burning at the bottom of the pan. Open the lid after ten minutes, add chopped cilantro. Mix well.
The South Indian chana masala is ready to be served with your choice of bread or rice.
Garnish with some more chopped coriander leaves on top for added freshness and flavor.
2 teaspoon coriander leaves