Introduction:
Chole Recipe | Chole Chana Masala
Chole, a popular roadside delight also known as Punjabi Chana Masala, is an irresistible treat with its flavorful taste and tempting aroma. This chaat, famous across the country and globally, features boiled white chickpeas seasoned with various spice powders, including the special Chole Masala, along with onions, ginger, and garlic.
A distinctive aspect of this roadside favorite is the use of tea in cooking the chana, enhancing its richness in flavor and color. With numerous variations, every Indian household has its unique way of preparing this tongue-tingling dish. The following recipe showcases a Punjabi-style preparation of Chole, making it an easy and delectable Punjabi sabzi.
Chole proves to be a versatile dish, pairing well with any Indian bread such as puris, bhatura, roti, paratha, naans, or kulcha.
Ingredients of
Chole Recipe | Chole Chana Masala
For Chole:
- 1 cup kabuli chana (white chickpeas), soaked overnight and drained
- 1 tea bag or tsp of tea powder tied in muslin cloth
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds (jeera)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
- 1/2 tsp finely chopped ginger (adrak)
- 2 tsp finely chopped garlic (lehsun)
- 2 tsp chole masala
- 1 tsp chilli powder
- 1 tsp dried mango powder (amchur)
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder (haldi)
- 2 tsp coriander (dhania) powder
- 1 tsp cumin seeds (jeera) powder
- Salt to taste
Method
For Chole:
- Combine kabuli chana, salt, tea bag, and enough water in a pressure cooker. Pressure cook for 3 whistles.
- Discard the tea bag, drain the kabuli chana, and set aside.
- Heat oil in a deep pan, add cumin seeds. When they crackle, add onions, ginger, and garlic. Sauté until onions turn translucent.
- Add chole masala, chilli powder, dried mango powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin seeds powder, salt, and 1 cup of water. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add kabuli chana, mix well, and cook for 5-7 minutes. Lightly mash the chana with a masher.
- Serve hot.
Nutrient Values (Per Serving)
- Energy: 223 cal
- Protein: 7.2 g
- Fiber: 11.7 g
- Fat: 9.7 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 10.5 mg
- Carbohydrates: 26.8 g
Chole Recipe | Chole Chana Masala:
Step by Step Guide
Pressure Cooking Chole for Chole Masala
Soaking Kabuli Chana:
- In a deep bowl, place the kabuli chana and cover them with sufficient water.
- Seal it with a lid and let it soak for 8 hours. If in a hurry, soak in hot water for 4 hours.
- Drain well using a strainer and set aside.
Preparing Tea Muslin Cloth:
- Take a small piece of muslin cloth.
- Place tea leaves in it and tie it tightly.
Pressure Cooking Kabuli Chana:
- In a pressure cooker, add the soaked kabuli chana.
- Add salt and the muslin cloth-tied bag.
- Pour enough water and mix well.
- Pressure cook for 3 whistles.
- Allow steam to escape before opening the lid.
- Remove the tea muslin cloth.
- Drain the kabuli chana using a strainer, reserving the water for later use in cooking.
- Making Punjabi Chole Masala Gravy
Sauteing Aromatics:
- Heat oil in a deep non-stick pan, add cumin seeds, allowing them to crackle for 30 seconds.
- Add onions, finely chopped ginger, and garlic. Saute on medium flame for 1 to 2 minutes.
Adding Spices:
- Add chole masala, which can be store-bought or made at home using an easy recipe for Chole masala powder.
- Introduce chilli powder, dried mango powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin seeds powder, and salt.
Creating Gravy:
- Pour 1 cup of water, using the reserved water from pressure-cooking for added flavor.
- Mix well and cook on medium flame for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Finalizing the Dish:
- Add the pressure-cooked kabuli chana, mixing well.
- Cook on a medium flame for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring intermittently.
- Lightly mash the kabuli chana with a masher, avoiding over-mashing for a thickened gravy and enhanced taste.
Optional Addition:
- Optionally, add a bit of coriander to enhance the flavor.
- Mix well and set aside.
Tips for
Chole Recipe | Chole Chana Masala
- For quick soaking, use hot water for 4 hours instead of the regular 8 hours.
- Reserve and reuse the water from soaking and pressure cooking for added depth of flavor.
- Finely chop ginger using a sharp knife for better flavor.
- Lightly mash kabuli chana to achieve a thickened gravy and superior taste.
Conclusion:
Chole Recipe | Chole Chana Masala
In the realm of culinary wonders, Punjabi Chole stands as a testament to the vibrant tapestry of Indian flavors. With its rich aroma, diverse spices, and the infusion of tea, this dish transcends the ordinary, making it a delightful addition to any meal.
FAQs:
Enigma of Chole Recipe | Chole Chana Masala
Can I utilize canned chickpeas for this recipe?
While canned chickpeas can be employed, it is recommended to soak and cook dried chickpeas for an enhanced authenticity in the preparation.
What sets Chole Masala apart?
Chole Recipe, Chole Chana Masala is a meticulously crafted blend of spices that imparts a distinctive depth of flavor, setting it apart from conventional chickpea dishes.
Why is tea included in the cooking process of Chole?
The addition of tea introduces a subtle richness to the dish, elevating both its flavor profile and visual appeal.
Can I adjust the spice level to my liking?
Certainly! Feel free to customize the spice level by modifying the quantity of chili powder to align with your personal preferences.
Is Punjabi Chole considered a healthy option?
Indeed, Chole Recipe, Chole Chana Masala stands as a nutritious choice, boasting high protein and fiber content, thus contributing to a well-balanced diet.
