Authentic Punjabi Chole: A Flavorful Chickpea Curry Recipe
50 minutes
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About Authentic Punjabi Chole: A Flavorful Chickpea Curry Recipe
Craving an authentic taste of Punjab? This Chole recipe delivers a rich, flavorful chickpea curry bursting with aromatic spices, perfect for any meal.Tender chickpeas simmer in a luscious onion-tomato gravy, creating a deeply satisfying and unforgettable dish. The secret? A homemade spice blend that elevates the flavors to a new level.Serve this incredible Chole with fluffy bhatura, soft kulcha, or fragrant rice for a truly delicious Indian feast.
Recipe Time & More
Prep15 minutes
Cook35 minutes
Total50 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chole Masala Spice Blend
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 2 Cardamom Pods black
- 4 Cardamom Pods green
- 4 Cloves
- 2 tsp Cumin Seeds
- 2 tbsp Coriander Seeds
- 12 Peppercorns black
- 1 tsp Pomegranate Seeds dried, optional
- 1/2 tsp Carom Seeds ajwain
- 2 Chillies dried, red
- 1 tsp Couscous
For Boiling the Chickpeas
- 2.5 cup Water for boiling
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 1 Cinnamon Stick
- 1 Cardamom Pod black
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Baking Soda optional
For the Chole Gravy
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 1/2 cup Onion Paste
- 1 tbsp Garlic Paste
- 1 tbsp Ginger Paste
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
For Garnishing
- Coriander Leaves chopped, fresh
- 2 Chillies green, slit
- 2 tbsp Ghee
Instructions
- Soak the chickpeas in 3 cups of water overnight. This allows them to hydrate and expand, resulting in a softer texture after cooking.
- In a dry skillet, roast the bay leaves, black cardamom, green cardamom, cloves, coriander seeds, black peppercorns, couscous, dried pomegranate seeds (if using), carom seeds, and dried red chilies. Roast over medium heat until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Once the spices have cooled, coarsely grind them in a food processor or spice grinder. This homemade spice blend is key to the authentic flavor of Punjabi Chole.
- Drain the soaked chickpeas. In a pressure cooker, combine the chickpeas with 2.5 cups of fresh water, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, black cardamom pod, salt, and baking soda (if using).
- Pressure cook for 3-5 whistles, or about 10 minutes, until the chickpeas are tender but not mushy.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the onion paste and sauté over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it turns golden brown and releases its oil. This process, called bhunao, deepens the flavor of the onion and is crucial for a rich gravy.
- Add the ginger and garlic pastes. Sauté for a minute or two until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add the turmeric powder and stir. Immediately add the boiled chickpeas to prevent the turmeric from burning.
- Add 1 tablespoon of the freshly ground chana masala powder. Reserve the remaining spice blend for future use, storing it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
- Pour in the water used for boiling the chickpeas. Add more water if desired for a thinner gravy. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Just before serving, stir in the ghee for added richness and aroma. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and slit green chilies.
- Serve hot with Bhatura, Kulcha, Puri, or steamed Basmati rice.
Recipe Notes
Good To Know
- Canned chickpeas can be used, but soaking dried chickpeas overnight is a more economical and healthier option.
- You can use the soaking water for boiling, but discarding it can prevent potential gastric issues.
- If dried pomegranate seeds aren't available, substitute with dried mango powder (Amchur Powder) or lemon juice.
- Pre-made chana masala powder (like MDH brand) can be used as a convenient alternative to making your own.
Expert Tips
- For a richer flavor, fry the spices in ghee or oil before adding the chickpeas and other ingredients.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer chili peppers according to your preference.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for added brightness.
Storage Instructions
- Store leftover chole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Also See
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 519kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 12gFat: 33gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 10gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 38mgSodium: 425mgPotassium: 693mgFiber: 16gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 499IUVitamin C: 80mgCalcium: 187mgIron: 7mg
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Absolutely scrumptious! Thanks for the recipe.
This looks fantastic! Appreciate the share.
This looks so appetizing! Thank you.