Chana Masala: The King of Indian Curries

Chole, also known as Chana Masala, is a popular North Indian dish made with chickpeas, aromatic spices, and a rich, tangy tomato-based gravy. It’s commonly served with rice, bhature (deep-fried bread), or roti. Here’s a simple yet flavorful recipe to make Chole at home.

Ingredients:

For Cooking Chickpeas:

• 1 cup dried chickpeas (or 2 cups canned chickpeas)
• 3 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 black tea bag (optional, for dark color)

For the Curry:

• 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or mustard oil)
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 large onion (finely chopped)
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 2 medium tomatoes (pureed)
• 1 green chili (chopped, optional)
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• ½ teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon chole masala (optional, for extra flavor)
• Salt to taste
• ½ teaspoon amchur (dry mango powder) or lemon juice
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Chickpeas

1. Soak dried chickpeas overnight in 3 cups of water.
2. Drain and rinse, then pressure cook with fresh water, salt, and a tea bag (for color) for 20–25 minutes (or until soft). If using canned chickpeas, rinse them well and skip this step.

Step 2: Prepare the Masala

1. Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
2. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
3. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute until fragrant.
4. Add tomato puree and cook until oil starts to separate.
5. Mix in turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook for another 2–3 minutes.

Step 3: Combine & Simmer

1. Add the boiled chickpeas (without tea bag) to the masala mixture.
2. Pour in some chickpea cooking water (or regular water) to adjust consistency.
3. Let it simmer for 10–15 minutes on low heat.
4. Stir in garam masala, chole masala, and amchur powder. Mix well.

Step 4: Garnish & Serve

• Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice.
• Serve hot with bhature, puri, roti, or rice.

Enjoy your homemade Chole! 😋