11 Restaurant-Style Curries With Just 5 Ingredients

8. Spiced Chickpea Curry (Chana Masala-ish): Hearty and Fast

Ingredients (counted): canned chickpeas, onion-tomato base (onions + tomato puree counted as one combined aromatic in the five), chana masala powder (or garam masala), ginger-garlic paste, fresh cilantro. Start by frying the onion-tomato base until the oil separates—this shortcut gives a takeout-level depth without a long spice list. Add drained chickpeas and a hearty spoon of chana masala powder, then simmer so the sauce reduces and the chickpeas absorb flavor. Cook time is around 20 minutes. Finish with a squeeze of lemon and chopped cilantro; the acid lifts the dish and mimics the bright finishing touches you often taste in restaurants. Serve with flaky bhature or steamed rice for a satisfying plate.