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Punjabi Chole
Serves 4
40 mins
350 Kcal
Punjabi chole or chole masala is a rich-flavoured curry originating in North India that is widely enjoyed in Punjab. The recipe is made from chickpeas, and cooked in a flavourful gravy. It is one of the most high-protein and flavourful dishes for vegetarians or those seeking a complete nutritional value in their meals. Preparing chole starts with dried chickpeas that are allowed to soak overnight and then cook until tender. The masala fragrant spice mixture is prepared, which is the real magic. The cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala are used. Besides these, ginger, garlic, and green chillies also come into this gravy, giving it a hot touch. Onions and tomatoes form the base. They are saut ed until golden brown and then pureed to make a smooth creation. Delicious Punjabi chole recipe to try. Chickpeas, once cooked, are mixed with the masala further simmering so that everything melts perfectly into each other. Punjabi chole is mostly garnished with fresh cilantro, sliced onions, and a squeeze of lemon juice, thus making it all the more flavourously vibrant. Bhature (deep-fried bread), soft naan, and even steamed rice usually accompany it. This dish is celebrated not only for its taste but also for its rich nutritional value since chickpeas are full of protein and fibre. This authentic recipe of Punjabi chole is perfect for gatherings. Punjabi chole is savoured at family functions, festivals, and outside eateries at roadside stalls, representing the warm hospitality of Punjabi culture. In terms of spicy flavours and comforting goodness, Punjabi chole is already a favourite dish, and everyone has been invited to indulge in the rich heritage of Indian cuisine excellence.
Ingredients required for Punjabi Chole
- 250 gms kabuli chana
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- Coriander
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- Ginger garlic paste
- Chana masala
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- 1 onion
- Red chilli powder
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- Cooking oil
Cooking steps for Punjabi Chole
- 1Chole, or chickpea curry, is a favourite to the heart of Indians, with its magnificent richness and bulkiness. It's protein-rich and a wholesome and satisfyingly scrumptious treasure both among and aside from vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Therefore, let's get into the preparation process of this rich and comforting dish for any occasion.
- 2First, soak 250 gms of kabuli chana, or the chickpeas, for 8 to 10 hours. This process would tenderise the chickpea so it can be cooked more quickly. After soaking, drain the water and place the chola in a pressure cooker.
- 3Add 1.5 litres of water, then salt at one teaspoon, in the cooker. Install the lid back to the cooker. Pressure cook the chickpeas for about 4 to 5 whistles or until they become soft and tender. The chickpeas must be cooked and ready to soak up all the spices that will spice up this dish.
- 4While you get the chickpeas on, prepare the base of the curry. Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Once the oil heats up, add one teaspoon of cumin seeds. Let them crackle. The cumin seeds will release their warm, earthy aroma.
- 5Add one finely chopped onion into the pan and cook the onion occasionally until it turns golden brown. This caramelisation helps in adding sweetness to the onion along with depth to its flavour in the curry.
- 6On browning the onions, add one tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste. Again, saut for about 2 minutes, till that raw aroma fades and brings out the flavour.
- 7Then, add two finely chopped tomatoes to the mixture. Cook the tomatoes till they become soft and mushy, which took about 5-7 minutes in my case. That leaves the rich and tangy base for the curry.
- 8Add allspice with two teaspoons chole masala, one teaspoon red chilli powder, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder, one teaspoon coriander powder, and 1/2 teaspoon garam masala. Stir the mixture well. Cook for around 2 to 3 minutes.
- 9This process is the backbone of making the spices infuse their flavours in the onion and tomato mix, giving your chole that appetising, fragrant aroma.
- 10Once the spices are well cooked, now it's time for the chickpeas. The chickpeas and the water they were cooking in go along with it. Mix well so everything is well combined. That water's going to help you create some gorgeous gravy to blanket over your chickpeas.
- 11Taste and add salt if needed. Simmer over occasional stirring for 10-15 minutes. The gravy thickens while the chickpeas absorb all the flavour of the spices.
- 12Take the curry off the heat when it's thickened sufficiently. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves just before serving. It adds quite a pop of colour and freshness to the chole.
- 13Serve it hot with chole accompanied by all traditional bhature, puri, or steamed rice. The spicy savoury chickpea flavour barge stays well with the soft fluffy bread or rice to bake into a satisfying comfort meal.
- 14In summary, punjabi chole is a dish that will surely be relished over time. Recipe of Punjabi chole The rich spices and hearty texture make it either an option for family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners.
- 15Enjoy making this lovely curry and savour each bite, knowing that you have prepared a healthy and delicious meal suitable to any stomach!