🍛 Chole (Chickpea) Curry Recipe | Authentic Punjabi-Style
Bold, Spiced, and Packed with Protein — A Comforting Indian Classic
Chole, also known as Chana Masala, is a hearty North Indian chickpea curry made with boiled chickpeas simmered in an aromatic onion-tomato gravy infused with warming spices. It's naturally vegetarian, gluten-free, high in plant-based protein, and ideal for both weekday meals and festive thalis. Serve it with bhature, rice, or roti for the ultimate Indian comfort food experience.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Chole Curry Recipe
- 🥣 Bold, rich gravy with deep flavor
- 🌱 High-protein, vegan & gluten-free
- 🧄 Spiced to perfection with pantry staples
- 🍚 Pairs beautifully with rice, naan, or puri
- 🧑🍳 Meal-prep friendly and freezer-safe
📝 Ingredients (Serves 4)
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups dried chickpeas (or 2 cans, drained & rinsed)
- 2 tbsp oil or ghee
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 large tomatoes, pureed or chopped
- 1 tsp ginger garlic paste
- 2 green chilies, slit (optional)
Ground Spices:
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 ½ tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp amchur (dry mango powder) or 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- Salt to taste
Optional Additions:
- 1–2 black tea bags (for boiling chickpeas – for dark color)
- 1 tbsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves), crushed
- Fresh coriander for garnish
- 1 tsp chole masala (optional, for extra flavor)
🍽️ Instructions
Step 1: Soak & Cook Chickpeas
- Rinse and soak dried chickpeas overnight (6–8 hours).
- Pressure cook with water, salt, and a tea bag until soft (or cook in a pot for ~1 hour).
- Drain and set aside, reserving some water for the gravy.
Shortcut: Use canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed.
Step 2: Make the Masala Gravy
- Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and bay leaf.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Stir in ginger garlic paste and cook until the raw smell disappears.
- Add pureed tomatoes, turmeric, coriander, and red chili powder. Cook until oil separates.
Step 3: Simmer the Chole
- Add cooked chickpeas and about 1 cup of reserved water.
- Mix well and let simmer for 15–20 minutes on low heat.
- Add garam masala, amchur, kasuri methi, and salt to taste.
- Simmer 5 more minutes until gravy thickens and flavors develop.
Step 4: Serve & Garnish
Garnish with chopped coriander and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve hot with bhature, jeera rice, paratha, or naan.
👩🍳 Tips & Variations
- Add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) for extra aroma
- To thicken gravy, mash a few chickpeas while simmering
- Use ghee for a richer, traditional Punjabi flavor
- Double the batch and freeze leftovers for busy weeknights
- For extra tang, stir in anardana powder or lemon juice at the end
🍽️ What to Serve with Chole
- Bhature or puri (classic pairing)
- Jeera rice or plain basmati rice
- Side of onion salad, pickle, and mint raita
- Finish with gulab jamun or kheer for a full Indian thali experience
📦 Storage & Meal Prep Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days
- Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months
- Reheat on stovetop or microwave with a splash of water
- Great for lunchboxes, meal prep bowls, or freezing in portions
📌 Pin It for Later!
Comforting. Wholesome. Spiced to Perfection.
Save this Chole (Chickpea) Curry Recipe and enjoy the best of Indian home cooking!
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