Chole stands for a spiced tangy chickpea curry. Chole masala or chana masala is one of the most popular curry dishes from India.
In this recipe, chickpeas are cooked with onions, tomatoes, and lots of spices. A special blend of spices called “chole masala” is easily available at every Indian store. One can make chole masala powder at home too by dry roasting ingredients like cumin, cloves, coriander, peppercorn, cardamom, etc. But I usually get the masala from the store, which saves me time and also tastes good.
In my college life, we used to choose Chole Bhuture or Chole Naan menu in Indian Dhawa or restaurant in Biratnagar, Nepal. My husband also loves chole alongside Bhuture or Naan Roti, well that’s given since he is also from Biratnagar, Nepal. So after I got married I really tried to make chole and after lots of trials and errors, I think I have now found the perfect Chole recipe. Hubby feels that I make the best chole, maybe he’s just biased but at least that makes me pretty confident about this recipe.
Preparation:
First, rinse 1 cup white chickpeas a couple of times in water. Then soak them in enough water overnight or for 7 to 8 hours.
The next day they will double in size. Then drain the water.
In a 3-liter pressure cooker add the chickpeas. Also, add 3 cups of water and ¼ teaspoon salt. You can also use a pot or pan. The chickpeas will take a lesser time to cook in the pressure cooker than cooking them in a pot. You can also add a pinch or two of baking soda while cooking them. Addition of baking soda is optional.
Cook chickpeas in a Pressure cooker for 10 to 12 whistles or for about 15 to 20 minutes or till they are tender and cooked well. Then check if the chickpeas are cooked well or not. It is important to cook them till they are soft and have a melt in the mouth texture. If cooking them in a pan then it can take about an hour or more. Just ensure they are well cooked. Timing to cook chickpeas will depend upon their quality and age.
Once done then drain all the water and keep the cooked chickpeas aside.
Making the masala paste
chop 1 medium-sized onion, 2 medium-sized tomatoes, 1 green chili, 4 to 5 medium-sized garlic cloves and 1 inch ginger.
Add them to a blender jar and make a fine paste in a grinder or blender. No need to add water while making the paste as the juice of the tomatoes will help in making the paste.
Making the chickpea gravy
Measure and keep all the ingredients ready for making the gravy.
Heat 2 to 3 tablespoons oil in a pan.
Add the following whole garam masala (spices) – 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, 1 large tej patta (bay leaf), 2 inch cinnamon, 2 to 3 cloves, 2 green cardamoms and 2 to 3 black peppercorns.
Fry the whole spices till they are fragrant but don’t burn them.
Next add the ground masala paste. Mix well.
Keep stirring often. Sauté for 8 to 10 minutes or more till the oil starts to leave the sides of the masala paste. The paste will also thicken and become glossy.
Stir while sautéing so that the paste does not stick to the pan.
Then add all the dry spice powders – ½ teaspoon turmeric powder, ¼ teaspoon red chili powder, 1 teaspoon coriander powder, 1 pinch asafoetida (hing) and ½ or 1 teaspoon dry mango powder (amchur powder).
Mix the spice powders very well and sauté for a minute or two. Then add the cooked chickpeas, Mix well.
Pour 1 to 1.5 cups water or add as required. Addition of water depends upon the consistency you want. But don’t add too much water as then the flavors will get diluted.
Add salt as required and stir again.
Simmer the gravy on a low to medium flame for 12 to 15 minutes or till the gravy thickens. Don’t cover the pan. Stir occasionally. Mash some chickpeas with the back of a spoon. This helps in thickening the gravy.
Add 1 slit green chili and 1 teaspoon garam masala powder or chole masala powder.
Stir and simmer the gravy for a minute or two. You can keep the consistency from medium to slightly thick to semi-dry or dry. If you want a dry consistency, then simmer for some more time.
Check the seasoning and add more salt or spice powders if required. Garnish with coriander leaves. You can also garnish with some slit green chilies and ginger julienne.
Serve chickpea curry with onion slices, lemon wedges along with Naan Roti. You can also serve this delicious curry with Bhature or aloo paratha or plain paratha or tandoori roti.
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