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Free Bottle of Wine & Chana Masala

Free Bottle of Wine & Chana Masala

Weekly newsletter from Mauka Indian Cuisine with exclusive promotions, event information, and more.

Riaz Gillani
June 03, 2024

Monday, June 3rd, 2024 | Digest #5

Good Morning! Disclaimer: Mauka Indian Cuisine is BYO. But this Wednesday only, we’re ‘giving’ you a free bottle of wine! Dine with us, bring a bottle up to $20, and we’ll reimburse the bottle on orders over $80.

Pro Tip: Keep Scrolling for the Details & an additional discount code!

Upcoming Events & Promotions

A free bottle! B/c Wine Not? 😃

🤗

We’re keeping up the Date-Night fun this week with a ‘Free’ bottle of wine!

Here’s the plan:
1. Buy a Bottle of Wine (up to $20),
2. Bring the receipt to your dinner @ Mauka,
3. Enjoy our Date Night for two (or 4),
4. And we’ll apply the credit to your bill!

P.S. - A rich, full-of-flavor white wine like Chardonnay goes swimmingly with Butter Chicken 😜

_{Offer cannot be combined with any additional coupons or discounts. Dine-In Only.}

Discount Code Inbound 👩‍✈️

Every meal deserves a Samosa.

Use Code ‘MD10’ for a free Vegetable Samosa!

_{Valid for 1 use per recipient for Dine-In or takeout. Min Order of $20. Order must be called in to use discount.}

_{Offer cannot be combined with any additional promos and is valid through Thursday 06/06/24.}

Chana Masala ^_(Vegan)🥰

Recipe Background 😮‍💨

Chana Masala, a cherished North Indian dish, is a staple in Indian households and restaurants worldwide. With its roots in the Punjab region, Chana Masala has been a beloved part of Indian cuisine for centuries. Its popularity stems from its rich, tangy flavor and the hearty, comforting nature of the dish.

Chana Masala embodies the essence of Indian culinary tradition, symbolizing warmth and togetherness. From family dinners to festive gatherings, this dish brings joy and satisfaction to all who savor it. Its universal appeal lies in its complex yet balanced flavors, making it a favorite among vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.

Recipe Breakdown 🧑‍🍳

Ingredients

The Base (Chickpeas):
The star of Chana Masala is chickpeas (chana), known for their nutty flavor and firm texture. These are typically soaked overnight and then cooked until tender, forming the heart of the dish.
The Masala (Spice Mix):
The masala includes a blend of aromatic spices such as cumin seeds, coriander powder, turmeric, garam masala, and amchur (dried mango powder). These spices are the soul of Chana Masala, giving it its distinct and irresistible taste.
The Sauce (Tomato and Onion Gravy):
The gravy is made from a sautéed mixture of onions, tomatoes, garlic, and ginger. This mixture is cooked down to a thick, flavorful base, absorbing the rich spices and infusing the chickpeas with a deep, savory flavor.

Understanding the Process

Preparing the Chickpeas:

Start by soaking the chickpeas overnight in a large bowl of water. This helps to soften them and reduce cooking time. Drain and rinse the chickpeas the next day, then cook them in fresh water until tender. You can use a pressure cooker or an instant pot to speed up this process. Once cooked, drain the chickpeas and set them aside.

Making the Masala Base:

Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle until they become aromatic. This step releases the essential oils and flavors of the cumin seeds. Then, add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown. This caramelization of onions adds a deep, sweet flavor to the dish.

Incorporate minced garlic and ginger into the pan, cooking until they release their fragrant aroma. This combination forms the base of many Indian dishes, providing a rich and aromatic foundation.

Creating the Tomato and Onion Gravy:

Add chopped tomatoes to the pan, stirring well. Cook the mixture until the tomatoes break down and integrate with the onions, forming a thick, cohesive sauce. This process may take 10-15 minutes. The tomatoes should lose their raw smell and develop a deeper, sweeter flavor.

Spicing It Up:

Mix in the spices: coriander powder, turmeric, garam masala, and amchur (dried mango powder). Cook the spices with the tomato-onion mixture for a few minutes, allowing them to toast slightly and release their flavor. This step is crucial for developing the complex, layered flavors characteristic of Chana Masala.

Combining the Chickpeas:

Add the cooked chickpeas to the pan, stirring well to coat them in the spiced tomato-onion gravy. Let the mixture simmer for at least 15-20 minutes, allowing the chickpeas to absorb the masala's flavors. If the mixture seems too thick, add a bit of water or chickpea cooking liquid to achieve the desired consistency.

Final Adjustments:

Taste the Chana Masala and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Just before serving, add a handful of chopped fresh coriander and a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra burst of freshness.

🤤

Endless Variations

Aside from these core elements, you’ll find that everyone has their own preferences when it comes to Chana Masala. Here are some ways you can customize this beloved dish to make it uniquely your own:

To Dip or Not to Dip: Serve Chana Masala with various accompaniments to suit different preferences. Pair it with steamed basmati rice, jeera rice (cumin rice), or fluffy naan. For a healthier alternative, serve it over a bed of quinoa or couscous.
Pro Tip: For a traditional touch, enjoy it with bhature—deep-fried bread that pairs perfectly with the rich, spicy chickpeas.

Flavorful Additions: To enhance your Chana Masala, add cubed potatoes, spinach, bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini. This will introduce more vegetables and a variety of flavors. Mix in coconut milk or cashew cream towards the end of cooking for a creamy twist.

Protein Boost: For an additional protein boost, add paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cubes, tofu, or cooked chicken pieces. These ingredients absorb the spices well, complementing the chickpeas and adding a rich texture.

Heat Levels: Adjust the spice level to suit your palate. Add more green chilies, red chili powder, or a dash of hot paprika for extra heat. For a milder version, reduce the number of chilies and use mild spices like Kashmiri chili powder, which adds color without too much heat.

International Twists: Incorporating global ingredients gives Chana Masala an international flair. Add a splash of soy sauce and sesame oil for an Asian-inspired twist, or mix in some harissa paste and preserved lemon for a North African variation.

Flavor Infusions: Experiment with different spice blends to create unique flavors. Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky depth, or add fresh herbs like mint or basil for a refreshing touch.

Chana Masala is a versatile dish that can be tailored to fit various tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or explore new variations, the joy of this iconic Indian dish lies in its adaptability and the burst of flavors it brings to your table.