In a pan, heat oil or butter. Add bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom, and saute for 30 seconds.
1 ½ tablespoon Oil, 1 Bay leaf, 1 inch Cinnamon, 2 Cloves, 2 to 3 Cardamom seeds
Add garlic and ginger and saute for 2 to 3 minutes. Next, add the onions and saute till the onion becomes translucent.
5 cloves Garlic, 1 tablespoon Ginger, 1 large Onion
Add tomato puree or sauce and cook on medium-low flame for about 8 minutes. Cover the pan with the lid.
2 to 3 Tomatoes, pureed
Add garam masla powder, red chile powder, salt to taste and cook for 2 minutes
2 teaspoon Garam masala powder, ½ teaspoon Red chile powder, Salt
Now add the cooked chickpeas, about 1 cup of water (use the water in which you cooked chickpeas for the best flavor), cover it, and let it simmer on medium-low flame for 18 to 20 minutes. This gravy thickens as it cooks. Adjust water for desired consistency. The more you simmer on low heat, the better flavor. You can also mash some of the chickpeas with the back of the spoon if needed.
Add cilantro, lime juice (or chat masala or dry mango powder) and mix. Switch off the flame. Serve hot and enjoy.
3 tablespoon Cilantro, ½ to 1 teaspoon Lime juice
Chana Masala is ready. Garnish it with ginger julienne, cilantro. Serve with lemon wedges and enjoy.