Cook the chickpeas with salt till done. Drain and set aside.
Heat oil in a saucepan, splutter mustard seeds. Fry the cumin seeds briefly.
Saute the onions and chillies till soft. Add the ginger and garlic paste and cook till raw smell is gone.
Add the tomato and cook for a couple of minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook on low flame till the tomatoes get fully mashed. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking to the pan.
Add in the powders from turmeric to fennel and fry till the masalas turn a nice red color. Adjust the salt.
Add in the drained chickpeas, mix well. Cook on closed lid for 5 minutes for the flavors to incorporate. Sprinkle in the garam masala and switch off the flame. Serve warm garnished with curry leaves!
Awesome to have as it is, or with some rotis!