Indian Chickpea Curry, also known as Chole or Chana Masala, is a popular and flavorful dish made with chickpeas cooked in a spiced tomato-based gravy. It’s a staple in North Indian cuisine and is often enjoyed with rice, roti, or bread like bhature or naan. Here’s a detailed description of the recipe:
Jump to RecipeChickpea Curry starts with dried chickpeas that are soaked overnight to soften them. The soaked chickpeas are then pressure cooked until tender, though canned chickpeas can be used for convenience.
The curry base is prepared by sautéing finely chopped onions in oil until golden brown. To this, grated ginger and minced garlic are added, followed by slit green chilies for heat. Chopped tomatoes are then cooked down until they form a thick, flavorful base.
A blend of aromatic spices is added to the curry base, including cumin seeds for earthy flavor, coriander powder for warmth, cumin powder for depth, turmeric powder for color, and red chili powder for heat. Garam masala, a fragrant spice blend, adds complexity and depth to the dish. The spices are toasted in the oil, releasing their flavors and infusing the entire dish with warmth and aroma.
Once the spice blend is well incorporated, the cooked chickpeas are added to the curry base along with the water they were cooked in. This allows the chickpeas to soak up the flavors of the spices and tomatoes, creating a rich and hearty gravy.
The Chickpea Curry is then simmered on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together and the gravy to thicken. During this time, the chickpeas absorb the flavors of the spices, resulting in a deliciously fragrant and flavorful dish.
Before serving, the Chickpea Curry is garnished with freshly chopped coriander leaves, adding a burst of freshness and color to the dish.
Chickpea Curry is typically enjoyed with a variety of accompaniments such as rice, roti, or bread. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends, and it’s sure to become a favorite in any Indian meal spread.
Chickpea Curry Recipe
Course: RecipeCuisine: IndianDifficulty: Easy10
minutes30
minutes300
kcal40
minutesChickpea Curry, or Chole, is a quintessential North Indian dish featuring tender chickpeas cooked in a spiced tomato-based gravy. Bursting with aromatic flavors of cumin, coriander, and garam masala, it’s a hearty and satisfying meal. Enjoyed with rice or bread, it’s a staple in Indian cuisine.
Ingredients
2 cups dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)
2 large onions, finely chopped
2 large tomatoes, finely chopped
2-3 green chilies, slit lengthwise
1-inch piece of ginger, grated
4-5 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon garam masala
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust according to taste)
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons oil
Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing
Directions
- Pressure cook the soaked chickpeas with a little salt until they are soft and cooked well.
- Heat oil in a large pan or skillet. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
- Add grated ginger and minced garlic. Sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
- Add chopped tomatoes and green chilies. Cook until tomatoes turn soft and mushy.
- Add all the spice powders – coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala. Mix well and cook for a couple of minutes.
- Add the cooked chickpeas along with the water it was cooked in. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed.
- Simmer the chole on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors blend well and the gravy thickens.
- Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.