Easy Chole Masala Recipe: Spicy Chickpeas Delight

Chole Masala, also known as Chana Masala, is a renowned Indian dish where chickpeas are the star, enveloped in a rich, spicy tomato-based gravy. Whether you're an Indian cuisine aficionado or just embarking on your culinary journey, this delightful dish is accessible and perfect for mastering. Let's delve into a straightforward recipe that promises to deliver the authentic flavors of Chole Masala in your kitchen.

Ingredients

Before embarking on the culinary adventure, ensure you have these ingredients:

• 2 cups dried chickpeas (or 2 cans of cooked chickpeas)
• 2 large tomatoes, pureed
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1-2 green chilies, slit
• 2 tbsp oil (preferably mustard oil)
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 2 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tbsp chole masala
• Salt to taste
• 1 tea bag (for color)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Lemon juice (optional, for tanginess)

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Now, let's start preparing our delightful Chole Masala:

Preparation

1. If using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight. Cook them until tender. Alternatively, use canned chickpeas.
2. Place the cooked chickpeas in a pan, add the tea bag, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to impart a deep color. Remove and discard the tea bag.

Cooking the Masala

3. Heat oil in a large pan or kadai, add cumin seeds, and let them splutter.
4. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
5. Incorporate minced garlic, grated ginger, and slit green chilies. Fry for a minute.
6. Add pureed tomatoes and cook until the mixture thickens and the oil starts to separate.
7. Sprinkle red chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric, garam masala, chole masala, and salt. Cook until the spices are well blended and aromatic.
8. Add the chickpeas along with the water in which they were cooked or canned chickpea liquid. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if required.
9. Let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. You might add lemon juice at this point for an extra zing.

Garnishing and Serving

10. Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with your choice of bread or rice.

🍲 Note: Chole Masala tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to settle and deepen.

Alternative Preparations

While the above recipe is traditional, here are some variations:

• Chana Bhatura: Serve Chole Masala with deep-fried fluffy bread called bhatura.
• Chole Kulche: Pair it with kulcha, an Indian flatbread similar to naan.
• Chole Chaat: Make it into a street food snack with added toppings like onions, tamarind sauce, and green chutney.

In conclusion, the world of Chole Masala is vast and filled with flavor. From a simple home-cooked meal to an intricate dish for special occasions, this Chickpeas Delight is sure to impress. The recipe outlined here not only provides a direct path to authentic Indian cuisine but also encourages culinary creativity. With every bite, you'll experience the harmony of spices, the hearty chickpeas, and the soul-warming aroma that define Chole Masala.

Can I use canned chickpeas for this recipe?

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Absolutely, canned chickpeas can save time, but ensure to rinse them thoroughly to remove excess salt.

What is chole masala and can I substitute it?

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Chole masala is a spice blend specific to this dish. You can substitute it with garam masala, but the flavor might slightly change.

How can I make this dish less spicy?

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To reduce the spice level, decrease the amount of red chili powder and green chilies, or omit them entirely.