When Chana Met Taco: A Fusion Love Story

This dish got some surprise love from my husband—aka the man who treats vegetarian food like it personally offended him. I love whipping this up for a quick weeknight dinner or even a lazy Saturday when I don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen but still want something delish. Bonus: the leftovers double up beautifully in salads for weekday lunches. We love a multitasking meal.

Adding Indian Spices Without Going Full Curry Mode

I used to think that if I wanted the health benefits of Indian spices, I had to commit to full-on Indian meals 24/7. Don’t get me wrong—I’m a fan of a creamy Butter Chicken or a comforting Paneer Saag any day, but if I’m being honest… my love language is cheese. And let’s face it, Indian cuisine doesn’t really bring the cheddar.

So when taco night rolled around and my vegetarian mom was coming over, I got the idea to create an Indian-Mexican fusion dish. One bite and I knew I had struck spicy gold. Now I’m hooked on experimenting with more Indian fusion recipes that don’t make you choose between cumin and queso.

My favorite thing about this Dish

Let’s get into this dish—aka one of my forever go-to meals. Not just because it’s ridiculously easy to make and bursting with flavor, but because I’m completely obsessed with the avocado sauce I pair it with. I like to call it my Dreamy Creamy Magic Sauce—and trust me, it lives up to the name. It’s smooth, has just the right amount of kick, and the cilantro gives it that fresh, cooling vibe. I’m not exaggerating when I say I put it on everything. Omelets? Check. Salads? Always. Sandwiches? Of course. As a dip for my chicken? Say less. It’s that versatile, and yes, it is a little life-changing.

🌶️ Spice Spotlight: Garam Masala

This recipe stars garam masala—a spice blend that’s basically the Avengers of Indian flavors. It typically includes: coriander seeds, cumin seeds, cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon sticks, black peppercorns, bay leaves, nutmeg, mace, fennel seeds, and star anise. With that many spices in one mix, you’re basically sprinkling health benefits left and right.

Here’s why it’s not just tasty—it’s powerful:

Warming Effect: The word “garam” literally means hot—perfect for chilly nights or when you want to feel extra cozy.

Boosts Digestion: Cumin, coriander, and black pepper help stimulate digestive enzymes and reduce bloating.

Anti-Inflammatory: Cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom are like a spa day for your insides.

Metabolism Booster: Black pepper and cinnamon might just help your metabolism keep up with your snack schedule.

Looking to Try?

Let me know in the comments if you make this! Because when a guy who thinks salad is just garnish asks for this dish again? That’s a certified weeknight winner.