Jun 09 2026

Aloo Channa Recipe

Time45m
Serves4

Chick peas with potatoes. Served with rice.

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Ingredients

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Aloo Channa Curry

Steamed Basmati Rice (side)

Method

Aloo Channa Curry

  1. 1

    Prep potatoes and chickpeas

    Place the cubed potatoes in lightly salted boiling water and simmer for 8–10 minutes until just tender but not falling apart. Drain and set aside. If using canned chickpeas, rinse and drain; if using home-cooked chickpeas, measure approximately 3 cups cooked.

  2. 2

    Start the tempering

    Heat a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add 3 tbs vegetable oil. When hot, add 1 tsp cumin seeds and 1 pinch asafoetida. Let the cumin sputter for 10–15 seconds, taking care not to burn it.

  3. 3

    Sauté aromatics

    Add the finely chopped onion and sauté over medium heat for 6–8 minutes until soft and beginning to turn golden. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and slit green chili and cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

  4. 4

    Cook tomatoes and spices

    Add the 2 chopped tomatoes and cook until they break down and the oil begins to separate from the masala (about 6–8 minutes). Stir in 1 tbs ground coriander, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp turmeric, and 1 tsp red chili powder; cook 1–2 minutes to roast the spices lightly.

  5. 5

    Combine potatoes and chickpeas

    Add the par-cooked potatoes and 3 cups chickpeas to the pan. Stir to coat with the spice-tomato mixture. Pour in 1 cup water or vegetable stock, bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook 10–12 minutes so the potatoes finish cooking and the flavors meld.

  6. 6

    Adjust texture and seasoning

    If you prefer a thicker sauce, use the back of a spoon to lightly mash about 1 cup of the chickpeas against the side of the pan; this will naturally thicken the curry. Taste and add salt to taste. Simmer uncovered 2–3 minutes to reach desired consistency.

  7. 7

    Finish the curry

    Stir in 1 tsp garam masala, 2 tbs chopped cilantro, and 1 tbs lemon juice. Cook for 30 seconds to release the aromas, then remove from heat. Adjust seasoning and lemon if needed.

  8. 8

    Serve

    Transfer the aloo channa to a serving bowl and garnish with additional chopped cilantro if desired. Serve hot with the steamed basmati rice.

Steamed Basmati Rice (side)

  1. 9

    Rinse and soak (optional)

    Rinse 1.5 cups basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak in cold water 15–20 minutes if time allows, then drain thoroughly (optional but yields fluffier rice).

  2. 10

    Cook the rice

    In a medium saucepan bring 2.5 cups water to a boil. Add 0.5 tsp salt and the drained rice. Stir once, reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid and simmer undisturbed for 12–15 minutes, until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.

  3. 11

    Rest and fluff

    Remove the pan from heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Then gently fluff with a fork and serve alongside the aloo channa.

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