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