Source: https://verify-veg.com/blog/is-chana-masala-vegan/
Language: en

# Is Chana Masala Vegan? (Chickpea Curry, Explained)

Chana masala is chickpeas in a spiced tomato gravy, and it is one of the most reliably vegan dishes
in Indian food. The only question is how the spices were tempered. Here is how to be sure.

> **Key Takeaways**
> - Chana masala is usually vegan: chickpeas in a tomato, onion and spice gravy.
> - The only question is whether the spices were tempered in ghee or oil.
> - A few restaurant versions add cream or yogurt for richness.
> - Ask "no ghee, no cream" and it is vegan.

**TL;DR: Chana masala is usually vegan**: chickpeas simmered in a tomato, onion and spice gravy.
Some recipes finish it with ghee (clarified butter) or cream, so it's worth a quick check.

## What's in chana masala

- **Chickpeas**: the base (vegan).
- **Tomato, onion, garlic, ginger, chili**: the gravy (vegan).
- **Spices**: cumin, coriander, garam masala, amchur (dried mango) (vegan).

That's it: a plant-based dish by default.

## The two things to check for vegans

1. **Ghee**: some cooks temper (tadka) the spices in ghee instead of oil.
2. **Cream or yogurt**: a few restaurant versions add a splash for richness.

## The bottom line

- **Vegetarian?** Yes.
- **Vegan?** Usually: confirm it's cooked in oil (not ghee) and has no cream/yogurt.

See our [Chana Masala dish guide](/food/india/chana-masala/) for the full breakdown.

**Check before you eat.** The Verify Veg app scans a barcode or reads an ingredient list from a
photo and flags ingredients against your diet (vegan, vegetarian, halal, kosher, Jain and more).
[Download on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/verifyveg-vegan-scanner/id6758276834) - 
Android is coming soon.

*Written by Samir Narain, founder of Verify Veg. Verify Veg helps people check packaged food
against their diet by scanning barcodes and reading ingredient lists from photos.*

*Note: Verify Veg provides ingredient-based compatibility checks, not certification. Recipes and
preparations vary by restaurant, region and cook, so always confirm with the restaurant, brand or vendor.*