Punjabi Chole (Chickpea Curry) Recipe – Flavorful North Indian Dish

Punjabi Chole, also known as Chole Masala, is a popular North Indian Recipe made with chickpeas cooked in a spicy and aromatic gravy. It’s a staple in many households and is often enjoyed with rice, parathas, or the famous bhature. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with protein, making it a wholesome meal option.

Ingredients

• For Cooking Chickpeas:
  • 2 cups dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)
  • 5 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 5 green cardamom pods
  • 1-inch cinnamon stick
  • 4–5 whole black peppercorns
  • 2 black tea bags (optional, for color)
• For Gravy:
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
  • 2 tomatoes, pureed
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 tablespoon chole masala powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Chickpeas

• Drain the soaked chickpeas and transfer them to a pressure cooker.
• Add water, salt, bay leaves, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, black peppercorns, and tea bags (if using).
• Close the lid and cook on high heat for 1–2 whistles.
• Reduce the heat and cook for an additional 15–20 minutes.
• Allow the pressure to release naturally.
• Remove the tea bags and whole spices.

2. Prepare the Gravy

• Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.
• Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
• Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute until the raw smell disappears.
• Add pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil separates from the masala.
• Stir in ground coriander, ground cumin, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and chole masala powder.
• Cook the masala until it’s well blended and aromatic.

3. Combine Chickpeas with Gravy

• Add the cooked chickpeas along with some of their cooking liquid to the masala.
• Stir well to combine.
• Simmer the curry on low heat for 15–20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
• Adjust the consistency by adding more cooking liquid if necessary.
• Season with salt to taste.

4. Garnish and Serve

• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
• Serve hot with rice, parathas, or bhature.

Tips

• Soaking Chickpeas: Soaking chickpeas overnight reduces cooking time and improves digestibility.
• Chole Masala Powder: Using a good-quality chole masala powder enhances the flavor of the dish.
• Tea Bags: Tea bags are used to impart a darker color to the curry; they do not affect the taste.
• Adjusting Spice Levels: Modify the amount of red chili powder and chole masala powder to suit your spice preference.

Final Thoughts

Punjabi Chole is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings the authentic taste of North India to your table. With its rich blend of spices and tender chickpeas, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you’re preparing a festive meal or a comforting weeknight dinner, this dish is a must-try.