Indian Spiced Chickpeas Spinach Paneer Recipes

CHANA MASALA (SAVORY INDIAN CHICK PEAS)

Steps:

• Grind onion, tomato, ginger, garlic, and chile pepper together in a food processor into a paste.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry bay leaves in hot oil until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour the paste into the skillet and cook until the oil begins to separate from the mixture and is golden brown in color, 2 to 3 minutes. Season the mixture with chili powder, coriander, powder, gram masala, turmeric, and salt; cook and stir until very hot, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Stir enough water into the mixture to get a thick gravy; bring to a boil and stir chickpeas into the gravy. Reduce heat to medium and cook until the chickpeas are heated through, 5 to 7 minutes. Garnish with cilantro.

CHICKPEA AND PANEER CURRY

Steps:

• Drain chickpeas of liquid.
• Cube paneer (or Halloumi) in about half inch cubes.
• Chop onion and garlic.
• Heat one TB oil in a non stick skillet and fry paneer (or Halloumi) until browned and crispy.
• Transfer cheese to a plate.
• Mix all dry spices in a bowl.
• Heat the other TB oil in a skillet and add mustard seeds and let fry until they crack.
• Add onion and garlic and let fry until translucent.
• Add spices and let roast until fragrant (not too long, or they will burn).
• Add chickppeas and stir until they are covered with spices.
• Add cream of coconut milk.
• Add one or two TB of Brinjal Aubergine pickle (adds a special flavour). Dissolve.
• Let curry simmer until it's of creamy consistency.
• Add cheese cubes and let heat through again.
• Salt and pepper to taste (if you want to, you can add some vegetable broth as well).
• Enjoy with your favourite Indian condiments.