6 December, 2023
Chhole Recipe | Chickpea Curry Recipe
Chhole Recipe:
Chhole Recipe. Chhole, a cherished Indian dish, is a flavorsome and spicy Chickpea Curry enjoyed across households and eateries. This beloved dish is celebrated for its aromatic spices, rich taste, and versatility. Whether enjoyed at home or in Indian restaurants worldwide, this Chhole dish (Chickpea Curry) remains a cherished part of Indian culinary heritage.
Variations and Tips:
Chhole recipes vary across regions, with some adding ingredients like amchoor (dry mango powder) in Pindi Chhole or tea leaves for black color. I’m using tomatoes in my recipe for tanginess and not using Amchoor here.
For added flavor, consider garnishing with fresh Coriander leaves or a squeeze of lemon.
Serving:
Chhole pairs perfectly with Bhatura (fluffy deep-fried leavened sourdough bread), Naan (leavened flatbread), or even with Rice.
Below is a detailed guide on preparing this delectable Chhole Recipe with a variety of spices and techniques.
INGREDIENTS: (For Chhole Recipe)
| For Cooking Chhole | For Spice Mixture |
|---|---|
| 2 cups or 400 grams Chickpeas | 4-5 tsp Oil |
| Water as Required | 1 tsp Cumin Seeds |
| 1 tsp Salt | 2 tsp Ginger (chopped) |
| 4 Onions (chopped) | |
| 2-3 Green Chillies (chopped) | |
| 2 tsp Chana Masala | |
| 1½ tsp Garam Masala | |
| 4 tsp Coriander Powder | |
| Salt to taste | |
| 1 tsp Black Salt | |
| 1 tsp Red Chilli Powder | |
| 3 Tomatoes (Diced) | |
| ½ cup Tomato Puree (Fresh) |
8 Servings…
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Soaking Chickpeas:
- Take the desired amount of chickpeas and rinse them thoroughly under running water. Discard the water.
- Before starting the cooking process, soak the rinsed Chickpeas.
- Place the rinsed chickpeas in a large bowl and cover them with enough water. Ratio of water should be at least double the volume of chickpeas. Ensure the chickpeas are completely submerged.
- Allow the chickpeas to soak overnight or for at least 8 hours. The extended soaking time helps soften the chickpeas and reduces their cooking duration.
- If you are in a hurry, then soak the chickpeas in hot water for about 4 to 5 hours. For this, heat water on high flame for 3 to 4 minutes and use it to soak chickpeas.
- Drain the water after soaking is done.
- Rinse the chickpeas once more under running water before using in the recipe.
Soaking chickpeas is a crucial step that contributes to their tenderness and aids in cooking them evenly when preparing chhole.
2. Cooking Chickpeas:
- Once soaked, cook them in a pressure cooker on high flame until 6 to 7 whistles or until tender.
- Allow the cooker to depressurise naturally. Meanwhile we’ll prepare its spice mixture.
3. Preparing Spice Mixture:
- Heat oil in a pan.
- Once oil is hot, add cumin seeds. Let the seeds splutter.
- Sauté chopped onions until golden brown.
- Add chopped ginger, chopped green chillies, Chana Masala, Garam Masala, Coriander Powder, Salt, Black Salt and Red Chilli Powder. Combine everything.
- Splash a li’l bit of water and cook the spices for a minute.
- Add tomatoes and cook until the mixture forms a thick paste.
- Now add tomato puree and mix gently.
- Spice mixture is ready.
4. For Chhole (Chickpea Curry):
- Check if the chickpeas are well cooked and tender.
- Add the boiled chickpeas (including boiling water) to the prepared spice mixture and let it simmer for sometime.
- Stir occasionally until the flavors blend well and the curry/gravy reaches the desired consistency. Ensure the consistency remains semi-thick.
- Check seasoning and salt.
- Mash the chickpeas a little bit with the back of a spatula or ladle.
- Add desi ghee (clarified butter) at the end. This is completely optional.
- Garnish and serve with any fried or baked breads or Rice.
Health Benefits of Chhole:
This hearty dish not only tantalizes the taste buds but also offers numerous health benefits. Chickpeas are rich in protein, fiber and essential nutrients, promoting heart health, aiding digestion, and boosting energy levels.