Chole, also known as Chickpea Curry, is a beloved North Indian dish that's rich in flavor and packed with nutrients. This hearty curry, made with chickpeas and a blend of aromatic spices, is a staple in many Indian households. Perfect for pairing with rice, roti, or bhature, Chole is a versatile dish that's sure to satisfy your taste buds. Let's dive into this classic recipe and learn how to make delicious Chole at home!
Ingredients
For the Chole:
- Chickpeas: 1 cup, soaked overnight
- Oil: 2-3 tablespoons
- Bay Leaves: 2
- Cinnamon Stick: 1 small stick
- Cloves: 3-4
- Cumin Seeds: 1 teaspoon
- Onion: 2 medium, finely chopped
- Green Chilies: 2, slit
- Ginger Garlic Paste: 1 tablespoon
- Tomatoes: 2 large, pureed
- Turmeric Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Red Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Coriander Powder: 1 tablespoon
- Cumin Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Garam Masala: 1 teaspoon
- Chole Masala: 2 tablespoons
- Salt: To taste
- Water: As needed
- Coriander Leaves: For garnish
For the Paste:
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Garlic: 4-5 cloves
- Ginger: 1-inch piece
- Green Chilies: 2
- Tomato: 1 large, chopped
- Oil: 1 tablespoon
Instructions
Preparing the Chickpeas:
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Soak the Chickpeas: Start by soaking 1 cup of chickpeas in water overnight or for at least 8 hours. This helps in softening the chickpeas and reduces cooking time.
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Cook the Chickpeas: Drain the soaked chickpeas and transfer them to a pressure cooker. Add enough water to cover the chickpeas and a pinch of salt. Cook for 4-5 whistles or until the chickpeas are tender. Set aside.
Making the Paste:
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Heat the Oil: In a small pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
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Sauté the Ingredients: Add the finely chopped onion, garlic cloves, ginger, and green chilies to the pan. Sauté until the onions turn golden brown.
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Add the Tomato: Add the chopped tomato and cook until it becomes soft and mushy. Allow this mixture to cool slightly, then blend it into a smooth paste. Set aside.
Preparing the Chole:
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Heat Oil in a Pan: In a large pan, heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil over medium heat.
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Add Whole Spices: Add bay leaves, a small cinnamon stick, cloves, and cumin seeds. Sauté for a few seconds until the spices release their aroma.
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Sauté Onions: Add the finely chopped onions and slit green chilies to the pan. Cook until the onions become translucent and start to turn golden brown.
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Add Ginger Garlic Paste: Stir in the ginger garlic paste and sauté until the raw smell disappears.
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Add Tomato Puree: Add the pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil separates from the mixture.
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Add Spices: Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, and chole masala. Mix well and cook for a couple of minutes until the spices are well combined and aromatic.
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Add the Paste: Stir in the prepared onion-tomato paste and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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Add Chickpeas: Add the cooked chickpeas to the pan, along with any remaining cooking water. If needed, add more water to reach your desired consistency. Stir well to combine.
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Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the chickpeas to absorb the flavors of the spices.
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Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the salt and spices as needed. If you prefer a thicker gravy, mash a few chickpeas with the back of a spoon and mix well.
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Garnish: Once the chole is ready, turn off the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
Serving:
Chole is best served hot with rice, roti, or bhature. It also pairs wonderfully with naan or paratha. Add a side of sliced onions, green chilies, and lemon wedges to complete the meal.
Tips for Perfect Chole
- Soaking Time: Ensure you soak the chickpeas overnight or for at least 8 hours. This helps them cook faster and become tender.
- Cooking Time: If using canned chickpeas, you can skip the soaking and pressure cooking steps. Simply rinse and use them directly in the recipe.
- Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of chili powder and green chilies according to your heat preference.
- Consistency: If you prefer a thicker curry, mash a few chickpeas or let the curry simmer longer to reduce the liquid.
Conclusion
Chole is a classic Indian dish that’s both hearty and flavorful. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this authentic Chole recipe is sure to impress. Its rich blend of spices and tender chickpeas makes it a satisfying and comforting meal. Enjoy making and savoring this delightful dish!
