Authentic Spicy Cholye Recipe (Indian Chickpea Curry)
3 hours
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About Authentic Spicy Cholye Recipe (Indian Chickpea Curry)
Discover the vibrant flavors of Cholye, a traditional Indian chickpea curry brimming with aromatic spices and a unique depth from simmering tea. This hearty and satisfying dish is perfect for a comforting lunch or dinner.Tender chickpeas are slow-cooked in a rich, savory sauce, infused with warming spices like red chili powder and coriander. The addition of tamarind paste lends a delightful tang, perfectly balanced by the subtle sweetness of onions and peanuts.Serve this flavorful Cholye with warm naan or roti for a truly authentic Indian culinary experience. Its bold taste and satisfying texture are sure to become a family favorite!
Recipe Time & More
Prep2 hours
Cook1 hour
Total3 hours
Ingredients
- 1 cup Chickpeas kabuli chana, soaked
- 1 packet Tea Bags teabag
- 1 tsp Salt or as per taste
- 1 spoon Masala cholye
- 1 tbsp Chili Powder deggi, red
- 1 tbsp Coriander dhania
- 1 spoon Tamarind pulp
- 1 Onion chopped
- 1 spoon Peanuts or paste
- Ginger Garlic Paste crushed
- 1 cup Tomato Puree
- 2.5 Chilli green
- 1 tsp Cumin Seed jeera
- Cumin Seeds jeera, or hing n hing
Instructions
Preparing the Chickpeas
- Soak 1 cup of dried chickpeas (Kabuli Chana) in water for at least 2 hours. Add the soaked chickpeas and 1 tea bag of black tea to a pressure cooker. Cook for approximately 30 minutes or until the chickpeas are tender.
Sautéing Aromatics
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds and 1/2 teaspoon of asafoetida (hing, if using) and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Building the Curry
- Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Then, add the ginger-garlic paste, cholye masala (or substitute), red chili powder, and coriander powder. Sauté for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Simmering the Cholye
- Add the tomato puree, tamarind pulp, and green chilies. Stir well and cover the pan, letting it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Then, add the cooked chickpeas, peanut butter (or ground peanuts), and salt. Stir everything together and simmer for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Serving
- Serve hot with naan bread or roti. Garnish with fresh cilantro (optional).
Recipe Notes
Expert Tips for the Best Cholye
- For a smoother curry, you can blend a portion of the cooked chickpeas before adding them to the sauce.
- Adjust the amount of red chili powder to control the spiciness to your liking.
- If you don’t have cholye masala, a blend of garam masala, turmeric, and cumin works well as a substitute.
- For a richer flavor, you can sauté the onions until they are deeply caramelized.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 80kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 4gFat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.6gSodium: 570mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4g
4 Comments
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This is a fantastic recipe! Thanks for sharing.
This is so tempting! Thank you.
Absolutely delicious! Can’t wait to try it.
This looks so inviting! Thank you.