Super Easy Channa Masala

If your kids are like mine then they have developed an irrational hatred of certain foods served certain ways. Take tomatoes, for instance. Son #1 loves ketchup, tomato soup, and spaghetti sauce, but place diced or sliced tomatoes in front of him and the whining begins. You may try to rationalize with him about how tomatoes are in many of his favourite foods, but you will always end up exasperated and about ready to throw all of the tomatoes right out the window. I have found that the best thing to do with kids is to get rid of all suspicious chunks and lumps in sauces. Whenever they look at a chunky sauce they say, "I hate this dish! (pause) Ummm . . . what is it?" So to save yourself much grief and blend everything up like I have done here.

INGREDIENTS

I have kept the spicing mild for the wee ones. Feel free to adjust.

- 3 tomatoes, diced

- 1 small onion, diced

- 1 clove garlic, chopped

- 1 tsp salt

- 1/2 tsp chili powder

- 1/4 tsp cumin

- 1/2 tsp garam masala

- 1/2 tsp coriander

- 1 2/3 cup cooked chickpeas (i.e. the rest of the can if you are making the naan triangles as well)

- 1-2 tbsp tomato paste

METHOD

1. Place tomatoes, onion, garlic, and spices in a food processor and blend until smooth. Transfer to a saucepan and bring to bubbling over medium heat, stirring frequently. Simmer for 5 mins to allow the onion to cook and mellow a bit.

2. Add chickpeas and cook for 10 mins, uncovered, stirring frequently. Add in tomato paste until desired consistency is reached. Serve over rice.

I pressed the rice into a metal ring with the back of a spoon to make the presentation more interesting for the kiddies. Works every time.