published Jul 30, 2020, updated Oct 16, 2022 Sometimes known as chole masala powder, chana masala literally translates to “chickpea spice.” Indian cuisine relies heavily upon a wide variety of spices, and it’s very common for there to be different spice blends based on the main ingredient used. The combination of sweet, spicy, sour, and savory notes blend well with the earthy flavor of chickpeas. Plus, this chana masala spice recipe tastes better than store bought and is made in small batches to stay fresh. Difference between chana masala and garam masala These spice blends are very similar and make great substitutes for one another when necessary. In fact, many chana masala recipes use garam masala instead of a separate chana masala spice mix. First, this blend contains dried chilis, making it a bit spicier than garam masala. It also has a hint of sour, fruity flavor from the dry mango powder. Also, garam masala is made with star anise, which adds notes of licorice that this blend doesn’t have. INGREDIENT NOTES AND SUBSTITUTIONSNote: This is just a partial list of ingredients. For the full ingredient list, see the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Kashmari chiles – Substitute with a blend of cayenne and paprika, or use another dried red pepper like Guajillo chiles.Asafoetida – This is a staple spice used in Indian cooking. It can sometimes be hard to find, so replace with equal parts onion powder and garlic powder if needed.Fenugreek leaves – Can be replaced with fenugreek seeds instead.Green cardamom – This is different from ground cardamom, which is made from black cardamom, because it includes both the pods and the seeds. The flavor is more intense but doesn’t have the hot, smoky flavor that black cardamom does.Dry mango powder – While completely optional, this adds a sour and fruity flavor to the spice blend.
How to make chana masala powder
Simply combine all of the different spices together for a delicious homemade blend. It comes together in under 10 minutes!Use this chana masala spice mix in my Vegan Chickpea Curry recipe or another other chickpea-based dishes. INSTRUCTIONS
Recipe notes
Storage – Keep this chana masala spice mix in an airtight container in a cool pantry. Use within 2 months, or the flavor and quality will start to diminish. Storing in the refrigerator may prolong the life of the spices as well.More uses – This blend can easily be used on vegetables, potatoes, and bread as well as in other stews.Health benefits – Not only is this spice mix delicious, but it also contains a variety of vitamins and minerals. It can aid in digestion, contains antioxidants, and many of the spices included have anti-inflammatory properties.
OTHER SPICE BLEND RECIPESIt’s easy to make homemade versions of many popular spice blends, and the flavors are often bolder and more intense.
Chinese Five SpiceEgyptian DukkahGaram Masala
