Chana Masala

:: Ingrediants::

1. 2 cups of chana masala
2. 2 tea bags
3. 1 large tomato
4. 2 Tbspn of extra virgin olive oil
5. 2 tspn cumin seed
6. 5-6 bay leaves
7. 1/4 tspn asafetida
8. 1/2 tspn mined ginger
9. 1/2 tspn minced garlic
10. 1/2 large onion
11. 1/2 cup coriander
12. 2 green chili
13. 1 tspn tumeric
14. 1 tspn chili powder

:: Preparing Puree::

1. cut tomato into an X shape just on the outer skin layer. Cut the stem off.
2. Heat water in a small pot.
3. Once water boils, put tomato in for about 2 minutes.
4. Take it out and rinse in cold water.
5. Peel off the outer skin.
6. Put the peeled tomato in a blender. Close the top and press the puree button for about 30 seconds. Tomato puree should be all ready.


::Preparing Chickpeas::

1. Put about 5 cups of water and boil in a medium pot.
2. Place 2 teabags in the water. Leave it until the teabag releases its color. This will give color to the chickpeas.
2. Once water boils, put in the chickpeas.
3. Cook for about 30 minutes until the chickpeas are tender. Most of the water should be absorbed by now.


::Cooking::

1. In a medium pan, put extra vigin olive oil.
2. Once oil is heated, place the cumin seeds.
3. Once the cumin seeds begin to cracckle, put in the garlic and giner.
4. The garlic and ginger should be slightly brown. Then add in the onions.
5. While onion cooks, put in the cloves, bay leaves, asafetida, chili, turmeric, and chili powder.
6. Add in the tomato puree.
7. Add about 1/2 cup of water. Cook for about 5 mintues.
8. Optional: For those who love tomatos, add half of a diced tomato. This will provide more tomato flavor the tomato with the chickpeas.
9. Add salt and garam masala. Add another 1/2 cup of water. Add chickpeas. Cook for about 10 minutes.
10. Enjoy you dish. It tastes delicious with paratha and salad.

:: Nutrition Information ::

Chickpeas: Chickpeas provide an excellent source of protein, folate, fiber, calcuim, and other minerals. Half a cup of chicpeas contain 140 calories. Chickpeas are a great choice for vegetarians and people with insulin sensitvity or diabletes.