Masala-Spiced Chickpeas

Masala-Spiced Chickpeas
Colin Cowie

Serves 6

Garam masala:
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground red (cayenne) pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric

Chickpeas:
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 cups finely chopped onion
2 (15 ounce) cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

To make masala: Mix spices in a small cup until blended. Set aside.

To make chickpeas: Heat oil in a nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add onions and sauté until light brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Add masala; stir 1 minute, or until spices become fragrant.

Stir in chickpeas, pepper, salt, and 1 tablespoon water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, 7 minutes, or until the first few chickpeas begin to split. If mixture becomes dry, add additional water, 1 tablespoon at a time; curry should be moist but not saucy.

Remove from heat, and stir in lemon juice. Garnish with chopped cilantro.

Note: If you have store-bought masala, you can use it in place of step one.