Sweet & Sour Chickpeas

Chana masala is a popular street food all over India. This fragrant vegetarian curry is perfect when you want a meat-free dinner. If you forget to soak the chickpeas overnight then simply cover with water and bring them to the boil with 3 teaspoons of bicarbonate of soda (baking soda), then turn off the heat, cover with a lid and stand for 1 hour. Drain, then boil as per the recipe. Tinned chickpeas are fine for a quick dinner, but chickpeas become more special if cooked from dried.