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Chole Recipe

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If you’re a fan of Indian cuisine, chances are you’ve tried Chole – a spicy, flavorful dish made with chickpeas. But have you ever wondered how to make it yourself at home? It is very easy! I’ll give you all the tips and tricks you need to create the perfect chole recipe every time.

A casserole with Punjabi chole recipe.
Punjabi Chole Masala Recipe.

Looking for the ultimate comfort food combination? Look no further than chole recipe. Learn the tips and tricks the experts use to make the perfect chole every time. From which spices to use to how long to cook it, this guide has everything you need to know to create a delicious and authentic chole dish.

To truly appreciate the indulgent flavors of chole, making it yourself is a must. Not only will you have complete control over the ingredients and spices, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of creating something delicious and authentic from scratch. Plus, with this recipe, you’ll impress your friends and family with your culinary skills.

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a quick look at the key ingredients and potential substitutes. This will ensure that you have everything you need to make a perfect bowl of chole

Ingredients and substitutes

Before we delve into making the perfect chole, let’s take a moment to understand the essential ingredients and their substitutes. This will help you to ensure that you have everything you need to make a perfect bowl of chole. Here are some of the key ingredients:

  • Chickpeas: The star ingredient of chole, chickpeas are also known as garbanzo beans. If you can’t find chickpeas, you can use any other type of beans that you like.
  • Tomatoes: Tomatoes give chole a rich, tangy flavor. If you don’t like tomatoes or don’t have any on hand, you can use tomato paste or canned tomatoes instead.
  • Onions: Sautéed onion puree make a great base for chole. Chop them finely and cook until soft and translucent.
  • Ginger and Garlic: These two ingredients add a depth of flavor to the dish. Mince them finely and cook with onion.
  • Green Chilies: To add a bit of heat, add green chilies to the dish. Make sure to slice them finely to evenly distribute the heat
  • Spices: The combination of spices used in Chole gives it its signature taste. These include cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, and bay leaves. If you don’t have all of these at hand, you can use 2 tbsp of store-bought Punjabi chole spice mix.
  • Fat – You need oil to sauté the veggies before adding the rest of the ingredients. Any neutral oil such as canola oil or vegetable oil works fine. A little ghee adds an authentic flavor. I have used only 1 tbsp but you can add up to 3 tbsp as well.
  • Salt and Sugar: These two ingredients help balance the flavors and enhance the taste of the dish.
A pot with chole masala.
Punjabi Chole Masala Recipe.

Tips for making chole

To make a truly exceptional chole recipe, it’s important to pay attention to the little details. Here are some tips to elevate your dish:

  • Use high-quality spices: Invest in fresh, high-quality spices for the best flavor. Toasting them before adding them to the dish will enhance their aroma and deepen their flavor.
  • Cook the chickpeas properly: It’s important to cook the chickpeas until they are tender but not mushy. Undercooked chickpeas will be hard and unpleasant to eat, while overcooked ones will fall apart.
  • Adjust the seasoning: Taste the chole as it cooks and adjust the seasoning accordingly. Add more salt or sugar if needed, and consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the flavors.
  • Simmer for longer: While the recipe calls for simmering the chole for at least 10 minutes, you can let it simmer for longer to develop a richer flavor. Just be sure to keep an eye on it and add more liquid if needed.

How to customize your chole

Now that you have mastered the basic recipe for chole, it’s time to get creative and customize it to your liking. Here are some ideas to get you started:

  1. Add veggies: While traditional chole is made with just chickpeas and spices, you can add some vegetables to make it even more nutritious and flavorful. Try adding some diced onions, tomatoes, or bell peppers.
  2. Experiment with spices: If you like your chole spicy, you can add more chili powder or cayenne pepper. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of spices or add some garam masala for a more subtle taste.
  3. Play with the texture: Some people like their chole thick and chunky, while others prefer it smooth and creamy. You can achieve the desired texture by adjusting the cooking time, mashing the chickpeas, or adding some cream or yogurt.
  4. Try different toppings: Chole is traditionally served with rice or naan bread, but you can try serving it with other accompaniments like quinoa, couscous, or pita bread. You can also add some fresh herbs, like cilantro or parsley, or some crunchy toppings, like chopped nuts or fried onions.
A pot with chole masala.
Punjabi Chole Masala Recipe.
What is the difference between chana masala and chole recipe

Chana masala and chole are often used interchangeably, but they are not precisely the same. While both dishes are made from chickpeas (chana in Hindi), chole has a darker color and thicker gravy. It is also typically spicier than chana masala.

Can I use canned chickpeas for this chole?

Yes, canned chickpeas can be used to make chole, but soaking and cooking dried chickpeas are preferred. If using canned chickpeas, make sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly before adding them to the recipe.

How long does it take to cook chole/chickpeas?

The cooking time for chole can vary depending on the method used. If you are pressure cooking, it can take anywhere from 18 to 25 minutes. If cooking on the stovetop, it can take up to 40 minutes. Remember to soak the chickpeas beforehand to reduce the cooking time.

Can I cook this chole in advance?

Absolutely, chole can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you plan to reheat, add a splash of water or vegetable broth to restore the gravy’s consistency.

As you can see, making chole like a pro doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can create a flavorful and spicy dish that will leave your taste buds singing. Remember to experiment with different spices and ingredients to customize your chole to your liking. And as you cook, don’t forget to enjoy the process – cooking is a form of art that can be both relaxing and rewarding. So, don your apron and get cooking – your friends and family will thank you for it!

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Pinterest image for chole Punjabi masala.
Punjabi Chole Masala Recipe.
A casserole with Punjabi chole recipe.

Chole Recipe – Punjabi Chole Masala

5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Calories: 331kcal
Adjust Servings Here: 4 servings
If you're a fan of Indian cuisine, chances are you've tried chole masala – a spicy, flavorful dish made with chickpeas. But have you ever wondered how to make chole recipe yourself? In this guide, we'll give you all the tips and tricks you need to create the perfect chole dish every time.

Ingredients

  • ½ lb (250 g) Chickpeas dried (soaked overnight)
  • 2 tbsp Cooking oil
  • 1 tbsp Ghee
  • 1 tsp Cumin seeds
  • 1 large Green chillies finely chopped
  • 2 large Tomatoes blended into a puree
  • ½ cup Cilantro leaves chopped
  • 2 large Bay leaves
  • 2 Whole cloves
  • 3 inch Cinnamon stick
  • 2 Green cardamoms

Wet masala paste

  • 1 large Onions
  • 3 inch Fresh ginger roughly chopped
  • 4 large Garlic cloves

Chole masala (roast and blend in spice grinder)

  • 1 tsp Chili powder or Cayenne
  • 1 tsp Sweet smoked paprika or more cayenne
  • ½ tsp Cumin powder jeera powder
  • 1 tbsp Coriander powder dhania powder
  • ½ tsp Turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp Garam masala
  • 1 tsp Fennel seeds Sauf
  • 1 tsp Pomegranate seed powder Anardana (optional)
  • 1 tsp Ginger powder Sonth (optional)
  • ½ tsp Dry mango powder Amchoor powder

Instructions

  • Soak – To make the perfect chole recipe, start by soaking the chickpeas overnight. The next day, cook them in a pressure cooker on high with plenty of water and a pinch of salt until they are tender.
    Pro tip – A stovetop pressure cooker will need 5 to 6 whistles and an instant pot will need 25 minutes on high.
    ½ lb Chickpeas
  • Chole spice mix – In a small bowl combine all the spice mix ingredients and set aside.
    1 tsp Chili powder, 1 tsp Sweet smoked paprika, ½ tsp Cumin powder, 1 tbsp Coriander powder, ½ tsp Turmeric powder, 1 tsp Fennel seeds, 1 tsp Pomegranate seed powder, 1 tsp Ginger powder, ½ tsp Dry mango powder, 1 tsp Garam masala
  • Wet masala – In a food processor or blender, add the onion, garlic, and ginger. Blend until smooth. Set aside.
    1 large Onions, 3 inch Fresh ginger, 4 large Garlic cloves
  • Tomato puree – To the same food processor or blender, add the chopped tomato and blend until smooth. Set aside separately.
  • Sauté – Heat oil and ghee in a large pan and add cumin seeds, whole spices, and green chilies and sauté for 30 seconds, Then, add the onion/wet masala paste. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Add in the tomato puree and cook for a few minutes until the mixture thickens.
    2 tbsp Cooking oil, 1 tbsp Ghee, 1 tsp Cumin seeds, 1 large Green chillies, 2 large Tomatoes, 2 large Bay leaves, 2 Whole cloves, 3 inch Cinnamon stick, 2 Green cardamoms
  • Gravy – Now it's time to add the chole spice mix powder and sauté until fragrant. Add the sugar and combine well.
    Pro tip – give the spices time to sauté and perfume. If necessary add a few tablespoons of water if the mixture is too thick.
  • Chole– Finally, add the cooked chickpeas to the mixture and simmer for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves.
    ½ cup Cilantro leaves

Recipe Notes

To make a truly exceptional chole recipe, it’s important to pay attention to the little details. Here are some tips to elevate your dish:
  • Use high-quality spices: Invest in fresh, high-quality spices for the best flavor. Toasting them before adding them to the dish will enhance their aroma and deepen their flavor.
  • Cook the chickpeas properly: It’s important to cook the chickpeas until they are tender but not mushy. Undercooked chickpeas will be hard and unpleasant to eat, while overcooked ones will fall apart.
  • Adjust the seasoning: Taste the chole as it cooks and adjust the seasoning accordingly. Add more salt or sugar if needed, and consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the flavors.
  • Simmer for longer: While the recipe calls for simmering the chole for at least 10 minutes, you can let it simmer for longer to develop a richer flavor. Just be sure to keep an eye on it and add more liquid if needed.

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Nutrition Information
Calories: 331kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 127mg | Potassium: 1877mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 2915IU | Vitamin C: 187mg | Calcium: 458mg | Iron: 16mg

The nutrition information and metric conversion are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee its accuracy. If this data is important to you please verify with your trusted nutrition calculator. Thank you

Did you make this recipe? I’d love to hear how it was.Mention @veenaazmanov or tag me on Instagram #veenaazmanov

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