Site Overlay

BUTTER CHICKPEA CURRY (CHANA MASALA) – RECIPE BY CHEF PAUL HARRIS

By Posted on
BUTTER CHICKPEA CURRY (CHANA MASALA) – RECIPE BY CHEF PAUL HARRIS

BUTTER CHICKPEA CURRY (CHANA MASALA) – RECIPE BY CHEF PAUL HARRIS

This butter chickpea curry is incredibly aromatic, creamy, and flavorful—an absolute delight you won’t believe until you try it!

🕒 Prep & Cook Time: 30 min

🍽️ Servings: 3

🥄 Ingredients

  • 2 cans chickpeas (400 g each) or 500 g cooked chickpeas
  • 50 g butter
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 20 g fresh ginger, finely grated
  • 4 large garlic cloves, crushed
  • 50 g tomato paste
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp Garam Masala (I used Fuchs brand)
  • 1 tsp Kashmiri chili powder (or 3/4 tsp sweet paprika + 1/4 tsp chili powder)
  • 100 ml sweet cream (15% fat)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Melt butter gently over low heat in a covered pot.
  2. Add diced onion and sauté gently for about 5 minutes until very soft but not browned or burnt.
  3. Stir in grated ginger and crushed garlic; cook for 2 more minutes on low heat.
  4. Add tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes.
  5. Mix in cumin, Garam Masala, and chili powder until evenly combined.
  6. Drain and rinse chickpeas with cold water, then add to the pot. Stir well to coat with spices. Season with salt and black pepper.
  7. Pour in the cream and simmer gently with the lid on for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  9. Serve hot with Indian bread (naan, roti, or chapati).

💡 Tips

  • Use low heat throughout to preserve butter flavor and prevent burning spices.
  • Kashmiri chili powder gives a vibrant color with mild heat—adjust spice levels to taste.
  • Freshly grated ginger adds essential warmth and fragrance.
  • Serve with warm, soft Indian breads to soak up the creamy sauce.

🎉 Perfect For

  • Cozy dinners with rich, comforting flavors
  • Vegetarian and vegan-friendly meals (use vegan butter and cream alternatives)
  • Introducing authentic Indian flavors at home

📝 Final Thoughts

Chef Paul Harris’s butter chickpea curry is a simple yet deeply flavorful dish that brings creamy, spiced goodness to your table. Its balance of spices and smooth texture makes it a go-to recipe for any curry lover.