Indian Chick Peas
Indian Chick Peas
A warm spiced chick pea spread: pureed chick peas simmered in a cumin, coriander and garam masala tomato base with lime and cilantro.
Prep: 10 minutes · Cook: 20 minutes
What Is Indian Chick Peas?
A warmly spiced Indian-style chick pea spread: the peas pureed smooth, then simmered into a tomato base bloomed with coriander, cumin, garam masala and cayenne, finished with lime and cilantro.
Why Make Indian Chick Peas?
- Hummus's warm, spiced cousin
- Blooming the spices is the flavour secret
- Serve hot as a side or cold as a dip
- One skillet plus a food processor
- Naturally vegan
Unico Products Used in This Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup onions (minced)
- 1 tsp canola oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced or pressed)
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- 1/4 tsp cayenne
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chick peas (canned, liquid reserved)
- 2 tsp lime juice (fresh)
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro (chopped)
- salt (to taste)
Instructions
- In a heavy or nonstick skillet, sauté the onions in the oil over low heat about 5 minutes, until softened.
- Add the garlic, coriander, cumin, garam masala and cayenne and sauté 1 minute more, stirring constantly.
- Stir in the tomatoes, cover and gently simmer about 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, drain the chick peas, reserving the liquid; puree them in a food processor with just enough reserved liquid (or water) to make a smooth paste.
- Stir the puree into the simmering tomato mixture; add the lime juice and cilantro and cook on low about 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and serve hot or cold.
Cooking Tips
- Sauté the spices a full minute — raw spice tastes dusty
- Save the chick pea liquid for the puree
- Adjust cayenne to your crowd
- Lime at the end keeps it bright
- Serve with naan, pita or as a side to grilled meats
Frequently Asked Questions About Indian Chick Peas
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1. Is this a dip or a side dish?
Both — serve it hot beside rice or cold with flatbread.
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2. What is garam masala?
A warm northern-Indian spice blend — cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, cumin; find it in any grocery spice aisle.
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3. How spicy is it?
Gently warm at 1/4 tsp cayenne; scale to taste.
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4. Can I leave the chick peas whole?
Half-pureeing gives a chunkier texture; puree them smooth for a dip.
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5. How do I store it?
Refrigerate up to 4 days — flavours improve overnight.
Cooking Guides & Tips
Indian Chick Peas Made Simple
Indian Chick Peas take the pantry's most reliable can somewhere deliciously different. Unico chick peas and diced tomatoes meet the spice rack halfway.