ALDI’S Comforting Chana Masala Is Giving Back To School Vibes
ALDI’S Comforting Chana Masala Is Giving Back To School Vibes
Words: Maggie Fagan
I’m not sure how we, as a nation, are emotionally meant to recover from that summer. In heatwave upon heatwave, we got actual tans, the sea hit actual bathwater temperature, and for once, there was literally no reason to leave the country. We had it all.
And to everyone’s horror, the rain returned. Almost overnight the season changed.
So before the full on SADs kick in, it’s time to prepare ourselves for the darker evenings like a true autumnal girly who’s about to live their best Gilmore Girls life. That’s right, it’s time to start lighting every candle in the house and start romanticising pumpkin as a concept. Whatever your demeanour, one thing is certain: mammy salads are OUT, and comfort food is IN.
With this in mind, ALDI’s latest Organic Chickpea Curry recipe is particularly well-timed. This healthy, veggie laden dish is the sort of warming, comforting bowl we need in our lives as soon as the weather turns. It’s spicy, full of flavour and packed with enough veggies to counterbalance all the inevitable over-indulgence of summer. Double the recipe and batch cook – it’s finally time to get back to some sort of routine after all that sun.
What You’ll Need*
*all ingredients available from your local ALDI
2 Red Onions, finely chopped
Chopped Garlic
Specially Selected Olive Oil
Ginger Paste
1 can of Chopped Tomatoes
1 can of Organic Chickpeas in Water
Fresh Coriander
1 Fresh Lime
Natural Organic Yogurt (optional)
(Specially Selected Free Range Chicken can be subbed in for a non veggie option)
Spices:
Turmeric, red chilli, cumin, garam masala
Step One: Fry Off the Onions
Heat two to three tablespoons of oil in a nonstick pan. Once oil has heated up to a good temperature, add the finely chopped red onions and fry until golden brown.
Easy peasy. This is not rocket science folks.
Step Two: Add Your Aromatics
Add one teaspoon each of minced garlic and grated ginger. Keep an eye on the heat. No one likes burnt garlic.
Next it’s time for the dried spices which ALDI have no shortage of. Add a teaspoon each of turmeric, red chilli, cumin and garam masala.
Once the oil starts to seperate slightly, this is your sign that the spices have released their magic. Your kitchen should start to smell pretty good right around here.
Step Three: Add the Veg
Add one can of chopped tomatoes and salt everything to taste. They should do a good job of deaglazing the pan if it was needed. Give it a good stir and let cook for about five to ten minutes.
Once the tomatoes have started to break down, add a can of Organic Chickpeas along with their water.
Stir and let simmer for another ten minutes until everything comes together.
Step Four: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with a little bit of roughly chopped coriander, sliced red onion, and a wedge of lime. And a dollop of yogurt if you’re feling fancy.
Eat immedietly as a snack with samosa, or serve this with ALDI’s naan, or basmati rice.
Store the leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days, and boom, just like that you’re routine is back on track.
Schtick the Gilmore Girls on and enjoy. x
Check out more recipes like on the ALDI website here. It’s not complicated.
