Chana Masala Fusion Tacos for Two
Brace yourself for a wild fusion of Indian and Mexican cuisines with this Chana Masala Fusion Tacos! These delectable treats are meant for two, and you'll love the twist they bring to your usual taco night.
Here's what you'll need:
Chana Masala Ingredients:
- 4 cups (800g) of cooked chickpeas (from a can or freshly cooked)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
- 2 tablespoons grated ginger
- 6 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 1/2 cups (240ml) of water (adjust according to your preference)
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 dried chili peppers
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons garam masala (add more if you like it spicier)
- 2 teaspoons chana masala powder
Taco Seasoning:
- 2 teaspoons taco seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) of water
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 589
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 97g
- Protein: 21g
- Fiber: 33g
- Sugar: 13g
Preparation
- Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet or pot. Throw in the bay leaves, chili peppers, and cinnamon stick.
- Once the aroma of the spices fills the air, add the cumin seeds and sauté until they pop.
- Go ahead and add the chopped onions and stir-fry until they soften (about 5 minutes).
- Throw in the minced garlic and ginger, and let them cook for another minute, making sure they don't burn.
- Add the diced tomatoes and give them a good stir.
- Put in the cooked chickpeas, turmeric, salt, chili powder, garam masala, and chana masala powder. Mix them all together properly.
- Add water and let it simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes. Don't forget to stir occasionally so the mixture doesn't stick to the bottom of the skillet.
- In a small bowl, mix 2 teaspoons of taco seasoning with 1/2 cup of water. Pour this mixture into the pot and mix it in. Don't add liquid until you've achieved your desired consistency, which should be like a thick paste. Add more water if needed.
- Simmer the chana masala for another 5 minutes or until it reaches the desired consistency. Remove the bay leaves, chili peppers, and cinnamon stick before serving.
- Heat up your taco shells and fill them with the chickpea mixture. Top them with some fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, and your favorite taco toppings!
Fancy Tipping Points:
While cooking, you might notice that it takes some time to thicken the sauce, especially when using cooked chickpeas from a can. To achieve the semi-solid consistency you're after, consider using these tips:
- Use the right beans: The perfect chickpeas for chana masala are tender enough to hold their shape but still have a little give. Cook them until they're tender but not mushy.
- Adjust the sauce thickness: To make the sauce thick and creamy, use tomato puree or reduce the amount of liquid. This will ensure the sauce stays together nicely in the tacos.
- Try using thickeners: If the sauce is too thin, add thickeners like cornstarch, flour, or yogurt. Mix these with a little water before adding them to the sauce. Be careful to avoid lumps.
- Simmer and reduce: Let the chana masala simmer for a longer period, which will help the liquid naturally thicken. This can also help the filling hold its shape in the tacos.
- Allow it to cool: Sometimes, letting the filling cool down can help it set and gain a more semi-solid consistency, especially if you've used a mixture of beans and sauce.
- Balance the flavors: To get the desired consistency, make sure the flavors are well-balanced. If the filling is too acidic or sweet, it could affect the texture.
There you have it – your new go-to taco recipe that you'll love! Enjoy your Chana Masala Fusion Tacos with some family and friends! Stick around for more tasty treats in the future!