Shrimp Chana Masala Skillet
Craving bold Indian flavors but too tired to cook a complex curry? This one-pan wonder is your fix.
When you're exhausted after a long day, the last thing you want is a multi-step curry process involving dozens of spices. This Shrimp Chana Masala skips the fuss by using a concentrated spice base and quick-cooking shrimp to get those deep, earthy flavors onto your plate in under 30 minutes. The chickpeas provide a satisfying heartiness while the shrimp soak up the aromatic cumin and turmeric beautifully. It’s a warm hug of a meal that feels like it took hours to simmer, but honestly, it's mostly just one pan and a head of garlic doing the heavy lifting. Serve it with a dollop of yogurt or some crusty bread for the ultimate low-effort comfort dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp
- 2 cup canned chickpeas — drained and rinsed
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 unit onion — finely diced
- 4 unit garlic cloves — minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger — grated
- 2 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 0.5 cup vegetable broth
- 1 pinch salt
Method
- 1 Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until softened and slightly translucent (about 5 minutes).
- 2 Stir in the garlic, ginger, cumin, turmeric, and garam masala. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- 3 Add the chickpeas and crushed tomatoes. Stir well to combine all spices with the base.
- 4 Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 8-10 minutes.
- 5 Stir in the shrimp and salt. Cook for another 4-6 minutes until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
- 6 Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Variations
- Vegetarian Swap — Replace the shrimp with 1 block of cubed firm tofu or an extra cup of chickpeas.
- Extra Spicy — Add a diced serrano pepper along with the garlic for a heat boost.
Notes
If you want extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the other dry spices. The chickpeas should stay slightly firm but tender.
Equipment that helps
- Large Skillet — Allows you to sear, simmer, and serve in one vessel to minimize cleanup.
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