Recipe: Instant Pot Venison Chana Masala

by
posted on September 11, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
recipe-instant-pot-venison-chana-masala_lead.jpg

Meals at hunting camp are typically high in protein to ward off hunger and carbohydrates for energy to provide strength and endurance. Stew or baked beans are good examples.

Consider a dish with chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, instead of navy beans. Add some tender venison stewing meat. Chana is chickpea in India and is one of the oldest legumes known to humankind. Chickpeas offer many health benefits, but the main reason to consider them is that they taste great with a blend of spices known as masala. Typically, masala is made of whole spices including cinnamon, mace, peppercorns, coriander seeds, cumin seeds and cardamom pods toasted in a pan to release their aromatic flavors, then ground to a powder.

A couple of things to remember are to soak the dried chickpeas before using them and simmer the dish for a long time to ensure a rich flavor and tender legumes and meat. An Instant Pot significantly reduces time, but this recipe can be made in a large pot or crockpot. This recipe works well with any venison or wild hog.

Ingredients
Aromatics
• 1 Tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 Thai red chilis
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 black cardamom pods
• 6 green cardamom pods
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 tsp cumin seeds

Onion Paste
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2-inch piece fresh ginger root, chopped

Complete the Dish
• 2 lbs. venison roast, cubed into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tsp turmeric, ground
• 1½ Tbsp coriander, ground
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 Tbsp salt
14 oz. can tomato puree or chopped tomatoes
• 2 cups dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)
• reserved water from soaking the chickpeas
• 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 Tbsp cilantro, finely chopped
• 1 can coconut cream

Directions
1. Rinse the chickpeas under cold water and soak with 4 cups of water in a bowl overnight. Drain the water and reserve.

2. Make the onion paste by pureeing the onion and ginger root in a food processor.

3. Turn the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Once preheated, add 1 tablespoon of oil to the pot, then add the red chilis, bay leaves, cardamom, cinnamon and cumin. Sauté for 30 seconds. Stir in the onion paste and continue sautéing for 5-7 minutes, occasionally stirring until the onions become tender and brown slightly.

4. Push the onions to the side, add the meat, and brown on all sides for 4-5 minutes.

5. Stir in turmeric, coriander, chili powder, garam masala, salt and tomatoes. Cook for another 5 minutes with the lid on the pot to prevent splattering.

6. Add the chickpeas and reserved water and stir well to combine. Turn the “Sauté” function off and secure the Instant Pot lid with the sealing valve set to “Seal.” Cook on High Pressure for 45 minutes. Once the cooking time has elapsed, follow the “Natural Pressure Release” method, and allow the unit to depressurize. After the float valve has dropped and the lid unlocks, stir in the lemon juice, cilantro and coconut cream. Allow to sit for another 10 minutes before serving with rice or naan.

For more delicious wild-game recipes, click here. 

Latest

44 Mag HST LEDE
44 Mag HST LEDE

New for 2025: Federal’s Personal Defense HST .44 Rem. Mag.

Federal Ammunition has recently added a new HST .44 Remington Magnum “Light Magnum” load featuring a specially designed hollow-point bullet, ideal for those seeking HST performance for self-defense with magnum revolvers.

Utah Wildlife Board Updates

The Utah Wildlife Board approved a few new and updated rules, some of which are necessary after recent legislative changes—including the wildlife management area license requirement for certain counties and the new process for regulating hunting guides and outfitters—along with a few other proposals during a public meeting Thursday.

Member's Hunt: A Tale of Two Moose

This month's Member's Hunt comes from John R. Bean of Tucson, Ariz.

Breeding Duck Numbers Decline Again in ND

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s 78th-annual spring breeding duck survey conducted in May showed an index of about 2.66-million birds, down from 2.9 million in 2024 and 3.4 million in 2023.

2025-26 Pennsylvania Migratory Game Bird Seasons Set

Pennsylvania’s 2025-26 migratory game bird seasons have been set. There are two significant changes to waterfowl seasons. The regular season daily bag limit for Canada geese in the Atlantic Population Zone has decreased from three to one, and for northern pintail, there will be a flat daily bag limit of three.

New for 2025: Christensen Arms Evoke in 450 Bushmaster

Christensen Arms has announced the release of the Evoke rifle chambered in powerful 450 Bushmaster.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.