Chana Masala with Green Chile Rice

One of my favorite meals to eat is a tasty curry with a side of rice! This chana masala recipe is rich in flavor with a savory tomato-based sauce. The green chile rice is the perfect compliment to the curry. Enjoy!

For the Green Chile Rice

Ingredients:

• 1/2 C Yellow Onion
• 1 C Packed Spinach
• 1 C Packed Cilantro
• 2 T Olive Oil
• 1/2 t Minced Garlic
• 1/2 t Salt
• 1/2 t Black Pepper
• 1/2 C Mild Green Chile (I used mine out of a can from the brand Ortega)
• 1 C Long Grain White Basmati Rice
• 2 C Water

Instructions:

1. Combine all of the ingredients in a blender or food processor except for the rice and water. Blend until liquified. Set aside.
2. Combine the rice and water in a medium sized pot. Pour in the mixture from the blender. Bring to a boil. Simmer for 15 minutes until cooked. Set aside. 

For the Chana Masala

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 C Yellow Onion
• 1/2 t Minced Garlic
• 1 T Olive Oil
• 1/4 C Mild Green Chiles
• 1 T Garam Masala
• 1 t Grated Ginger
• 1/4 t Salt
• 2 Cans of Diced Tomatoes and their juices (this equals 30 oz.)
• 2 Cans of Chickpeas, drained (this equals 30 oz.)
• 1 Can of Coconut Milk
• 1/2 C Fresh Cilantro, chopped

Instructions:

1. Heat 1 T of Olive Oil in a wok. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until cooked.
2. Add the green chiles and ginger and cook for 3-4 minutes.
3. Add in the garam masala and salt. Stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant.
4. Add in the diced tomatoes and chickpeas. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the can of coconut milk. Stir. Turn the wok to low, put the lid on, and simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Stir in the fresh cilantro.
7. Serve in bowls with a scoop of Green Chile Rice and a scoop of Garam Masala. 

A few of the many benefits of this recipe:

-Chickpeas help control blood sugar levels, improves digestion because of high fiber content, helps protect against heart disease, is a good source of protein, and contains many beneficial vitamins and minerals such as zinc, folate, phosphorus, and B vitamins.

-Tomatoes contain cancer-fighting antioxidants, they improve heart health, helps improve vision and eye health, benefits skin health, and protects bone health.

-Spinach aids in detoxifying the body and supporting liver function. It is a great source of fiber, boosts immunity, preserves skin health, and defends against heart disease.

The information on the benefits of the ingredients was researched from http://www.draxe.com