A Really Good Chana Masala

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
• 2 cups cooked chickpeas
• 3 tomatoes, diced
• Salt to taste
• Freshly chopped cilantro for garnish

Directions

1. Warm the oil in a wide skillet set over medium heat.
2. Scatter in the cumin seeds, then stir them around the pan for 1 minute so they toast without scorching.
3. Tip in the onion and sauté until it has relaxed and turned tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Mix in the garlic and ginger, keeping everything moving for another minute.
5. Add the tomatoes along with the turmeric powder, garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, and cayenne pepper, if you are using it. Fold everything together, then simmer for 5 minutes, until the tomatoes have softened.
6. Stir in the cooked chickpeas so they are well coated in the spiced tomato mixture. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, just until everything is hot.
7. Taste the chana masala, then season with salt as needed.
8. Finish with freshly chopped cilantro, and serve with rice or naan bread if desired.