Indian Chole Recipe (Spiced Chickpea Curry)

A classic North Indian dish, best paired with bhatura, naan, or rice!

Ingredients :

(Serves 4-6)

• 1 cup (200g) dried chickpeas (kabuli chana), soaked overnight
• 1 black tea bag or 1 tsp tea leaves (for color, optional)
• 3 tbsp oil or ghee
• 1 bay leaf
• 2-3 cloves
• 1-inch cinnamon stick
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 2 large tomatoes, puréed
• 1 green chili, slit (optional)
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tbsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp amchur (dry mango powder)
• 1 tsp chole masala (optional, but recommended)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges and sliced onions (to serve)

Instructions:

Cook the Chickpeas:

• Drain soaked chickpeas. Add to a pressure cooker with 3 cups water, tea bag/tea leaves (tied in muslin cloth), and ½ tsp salt. Cook for 4-5 whistles (or simmer in a pot for 1.5–2 hours) until tender. Discard the tea bag. Reserve the cooking liquid.

Prepare the Masala Base:

• Heat oil/ghee in a pan. Add bay leaf, cloves, cinnamon, and cumin seeds. Sauté for 30 seconds.
• Add onions and sauté until golden brown (~6-8 minutes).
• Stir in ginger-garlic paste and green chili. Cook for 2 minutes.
• Add tomato purée and cook until the mixture thickens and oil separates (~8-10 minutes).

Add Spices:

• Mix in turmeric, coriander, cumin, red chili powder, and chole masala (if using). Cook for 2 minutes.

Combine Chickpeas & Simmer:

• Add cooked chickpeas, 1 cup reserved liquid, and salt. Simmer for 10–15 minutes. Mash a few chickpeas to thicken the gravy.
• Stir in garam masala and amchur. Adjust salt and tanginess.

Serve:

• Garnish with cilantro. Serve hot with lemon wedges, sliced onions, and bhatura/naan.

Notes:

Canned Chickpeas: Use 2 cans (15oz each), drained. Skip the cooking step; simmer in spices for 10 minutes.

Tangier Flavor: Add ½ tsp chaat masala or a squeeze of lemon.

Extra Richness: Stir in 2 tbsp cream or butter before serving.

Enjoy your hearty Chole! 🍋🌶️