Instant Pot Chana Masala (Chickpea Curry/Punjabi Chole Masala)

Chana Masala / Chickpea Curry/ Punjabi Chole Masala is one-pot healthy ,protein-rich ,vegan and gluten free recipe where chickpeas are cooked in a spicy, flavorful onion-tomato gravy along with few spices in instant pot pressure cooker or stove top.

It is also one of the most widely eaten dishes in India and is one of the most popular street foods.Serve this restaurant style chana masala with hot with Bathura ,pooris, jeera rice ,chapatis, roti & parathas.

How to cook Chickpeas in Instant Pot without soaking? What if i forget?

Ideally you want to soak chickpeas for 4+ hours or overnight, which makes them absorb water and will cook faster.If you forget, cook them in the instant pot for longer, about 40 minutes at High pressure.Other trick is to soak the chickpeas in hot water for atleast an hour. Then use them in the recipe.Depending on how old the chickpeas are cooking time may vary. 

The amount of water listed in my recipe is what’s needed for soaked chickpeas. Dried chickpeas absorb a lot of water so if you don’t soak them in advance, the proportion of chickpeas to water will not be correct.

Also, legumes contain indigestible complex sugars that cause gas and hard on tummies and can cause digestive issues like bloating .Therefore, soaking and sprouting the dried beans is an excellent way to reduce the uneasiness produced by them.

LOOKING FOR MORE CHICKPEA RECIPES? Chole/Chickpeas Biyani , Beetroot Chickpea Stir Fry ,Chole Paratha, Kadala Curry(Brown Chickpeas in Cococnut curry)

How to Make Chana Masala Recipe in Instant Pot

Soak chole(Chickpeas) for at least 4+ hours or overnight.Drain water and keep aside.

Press SAUTE on Instant Pot. Add oil in to the POT.Once oil is hot add cumin seeds ,bay leaf and let cumins splutter.

Then add onions ,green chillies ,ginger garlic paste and saute until onions turn light brown for 3-4 minutes.

Next add tomato puree and the spices like red chilli powder, turmeric powder, chole masala powder ,coriander powder and cook for 2 minutes.

Lastly add soaked chickpeas ,salt and water.Stir well.

Close the lid on the pot, and turn pressure valve to SEALING position.

Set the pot to MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK (High Pressure) and set timer to 30 minutes.

Once the pot beeps ,do a NATURAL PRESSURE RELEASE(NPR).

Remove lid away from you, add amchur powder(dry mango powder), kasuri methi(dried fenugreek leaves) and garnish with cilantro.Mix well.

Dont worry if the curry is too liquid consistency.Just turn on SAUTE mode again and boil the curry for 5 minutes or until you get desired consistency.

Instant pot pressure cooker Chickpea curry or Chana Masala or chole masala recipe is ready, serve with hot with Bathura ,pooris, chapatis, roti & parathas.

Tips & Variations

• If you want thicker gravy you can mash chickpeas a bit.
• If you do not have amchur (dry mango powder) then replace with 1 tablespoon of lime juice.
• You can use any Chole masala brand available in Indian grocery store or amazon.I always use Everest Chole Masala.

Recipe FAQs

CAN I USE CANNED CHICKPEAS?
Absolutely! Canned chickpeas work really well in the recipe and there is no difference in flavor as well. However using dry chickpeas are healthier, contains less sodium, no preservatives and they are cheaper.Drain the canned chickpeas and rinse them before using.

For canned chickpeas curry PRESSURE COOK/MANUAL for 10 minutes (HIGH PRESSURE) in the Instant pot and for 2 whistles if using Indian stovetop pressure cooker.Reduce amount of water while cooking accordingly.

CAN I USE CANNED TOMATOES?
Canned tomatoes can be used to replace fresh tomatoes. Use 1 cup canned tomatoes to replace fresh tomatoes.

WILL THE COOKING TIME CHANGE IF I HALF OR DOUBLE THE QUANTITY IN INSTANT POT?
No, cooking time will remain same if you half or double the quantity.

CAN I FREEZE CHICKPEA CURRY?
You sure can! Separate it in to freezer containers with some rice and pop them in your freezer for a quick and easy meal. Just add some fresh cilantro/coriander leaves before serving.

More Instant Pot Curry Recipes

• Lauki(Bottle gourd) Sabji
• Black Eye Pea Curry(Lobia curry)
• Zucchini Stir Fry
• Lauki Chana Dal
• Instant Pot Rajma Masala
• Instant Pot Mushroom Masala

If you love Lentils & Beans and looking for more Instant Pot Indian Recipes ? Here are my 22+ Instant Pot lentils & Beans Recipes you must try.

Also check my Kids Lunch Box Series Posts

Chole & Jeera Rice + Cucumber-Carrot Salad + Kale Chips

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