Chickpea Chana Masala - Vegan and Gluten Free

There is something wonderfully indescribable about the aroma of garam masala, cumin and coriander toasting on the stove ... making my entire kitchen smell like a fragrant exotic flower.  My version of Channa Masala may not be authentic but it is incredibly healthy and tasty.

 

Chana Masala

1/2 chopped onion
3 cloves minced garlic
1/2 chopped yellow or red bell pepper
1 cup cooked chickpeas
1 cup diced tomatoes with liquid
1/2 cup water
1/2 tsp garam masala
1/4 tsp turmeric
1/4 tsp ground cumni
1/4 tsp ground coriander
2 cups prepared brown rice
cilantro leaves for garnish

Saute onion in small amount of olive oil until it starts to soften. Add garlic and chopped pepper. Saute until garlic begins to brown. Push vegetables to side of pan and sprinkle herbs into bottom of skillet. Toast until lightly brown and fragrant. Stir into vegetables. Add chickpeas, tomato, juice and water. Cover and simmer about fifteen minutes, allowing flavors to blend. Serve over rice with cilantro garnish.