A comforting and delicious dish of chickpeas cooked in a rich, creamy, spiced tomato sauce, garnished with fresh cilantro.
1. Heat Butter and Cook Onions
Begin by heating a generous amount of butter in a large pan over medium heat. As the butter melts and starts to bubble, add finely chopped onions. Stir them frequently and let them cook until they turn golden brown, about 10 minutes.
2. Add Garlic and Ginger
Once the onions are beautifully caramelized, add minced garlic and ginger. Let them cook for a minute until their aromas fill your kitchen.
3. Add Tomatoes and Spices
Add diced tomatoes, garam masala, cumin, coriander, and a pinch of turmeric. Stir to coat the onions, garlic, and ginger evenly. Allow the tomatoes to break down and meld with the spices, which should take about 5 minutes.
4. Add Chickpeas
Stir in the chickpeas, ensuring they are well-coated with the spiced tomato sauce. Pour in a bit of water or vegetable broth to help the chickpeas absorb the flavors and keep them from sticking to the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook gently for 15-20 minutes.
5. Add Cream
Slowly stir in the cream while stirring continuously. Let the mixture simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
6. Garnish and Serve
Once your Indian Butter Chickpeas are ready, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve hot with your choice of rice, naan, or a simple salad on the side.
Start by toasting your spices in the pan before adding any liquids to unlock their flavors and make your dish more aromatic. Use whole spices if possible, and grind them yourself for the freshest taste.
Finish the dish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley and a squeeze of lime to balance the richness of the coconut milk.
Use full-fat coconut milk and shake the can well before opening, or stir well if using from a larger container for the best creaminess and flavor.
Allow the dish to simmer gently after adding all ingredients to help the flavors meld together and achieve the right sauce consistency.
Look for San Marzano or other high-quality canned tomatoes, or use ripe and flavorful fresh tomatoes for the best balance of sweetness and acidity.
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