My husband's Chana Masala, and 2 giveaway WINNERS!

I have a story similar to Molly of Orangette.  I have the luck of living with a man who, almost every Saturday (or any week day when I don't feel up for cooking) will tell me to sit down, and relax while he cooks me my favorite dinner:  Chana Masala.

I don't quite remember why this tradition began, but I think it started one day when Andrew wanted to make me something special.  Being one for surprises, he wouldn't give me any clues as to what he was making. He went to the market, leaving me at home guessing.  As he reviewed different recipes online, combining them to his liking, he kept the browser windows hidden from me, and made sure I didn't peak at them.

I'm terrible with surprises.  They make me a little twitchy.  I can't help but guess, ponder, and maybe obsess a little, in anticipation and excitement.  But Andrew deals with this well.  Also, he learned that I was a good guesser. Once, when taking me to the Peabody-Essex Museum in Salam, MA as a surprise, he gave me a hint that where we were going -- the town had trees in it.  I instantly (and randomly) guessed that we were going to Salem.  Now he does all that he can not to give me hints.

Needless to say, the anticiption of waiting, pondering, and guessing was worth it when he brought out his chana masala to the table.  As a lover of spices and most Indian food, this dish is something I ordered at a local Indian restaurant in town, and savored every bite.  I did the same with my husband's version of it -- the silkiness of the onions that have absorbed all the flavors, the nuttiness of the chickpeas, and the bite of tomatoes combined with other vegetables - I'm getting hungry just thinking about it.

Yesterday was the first official day of my new job.  After coming home from teaching, Andrew and I ran a few errands (this time he let me come to the market with him!), and I had a little bit of time to relax before heading into work at 7pm.  Since I was scheduled to get out at midnight and since Andrew and I both had to wake up early today, he decided that I should relax while I could while he made me dinner.  Now he doesn't need the Internet for the recipe -- he makes it his own, using the vegetables we have on hand and his tongue for adjusting the spices.

Last night, to pack an extra protein punch, Andrew added in peas along with the chickpeas.  Also, check out that lovely spring vidala onion working and sweating in the pan! Although I am a huge fan of chickpeas, I think the onions are my favorite part of the dish.  They're like spice sponges, and taste so amazing.  I often sneak a few before the meal is completely finished.

Chana masala is full of spices.  We use seven (well, more if you include the spices that are in chana masala).  Don't be intimidated.  Go over to the bulk section and buy a few tablespoons of each if you don't have them on hand.  It will be worth it.

Andrew's Chana Masala

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large vidalia onion, sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (we had to work our way up to this point -- start with a pinch)
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 large tomato, sliced
• 1 and 1/4 cup water, split
• 5 cups cooked chickpeas or 2 drained cans of chickpeas
• 1 teaspoon salt
•  Vegetables of your choice.  We used spinach, peas, zucchini, carrots, green beans and red bell pepper.

Heat oil in a large skillet or saucier pan. Add onion, garlic, and ginger and saute over medium heat with about 1/4 cup of water until browned, stirring occasionally for about about 15 minutes. Turn the heat down to medium-low and add the coriander, cumin, cayenne, turmeric, paprika and garam masala. Let this cook for a couple of minutes.  Next, add the tomato and stir well, letting the spices coat the onions and tomato. Add the water and chickpeas. Let cook for 20 minutes.  Add the vegetables, and cook until most of the water is evaporated.  Taste for spice level.  If you want more heat, add more garam masala or paprika.  If you're feeling bold, add more cayenne.  Serve with some poori, flat bread, or as is.  With this dish, I always come back for seconds.  Serves 2 hungry people in need of some comfort, chickpeas, and spice.

Today I also have the pleasure of announcing the winners of my giveaway of Amy Green's Simply Sugar and Gluten Free cookbook!  According to random.org, the winners are commenters # 1 and #25 -- Andrea B of Vegvacious and Ana of Kitchen Space!  I'll be contacting you to get your mailing addresses so you can enjoy Amy's awesome cookbook!

Be well -- enjoy your Friday!