**Chole Masala: A Flavorful and Versatile Indian Dish**
Chole masala, also known as chana masala, is a classic Indian dish that originated in the northern state of Punjab. It is a flavorful and versatile dish made with chickpeas (also known as chole or chana) simmered in a rich and aromatic tomato-based sauce. The dish is typically served with rice, roti, or naan, and can also be enjoyed as a filling for samosas or pakoras. There are numerous variations of chole masala, each with its unique blend of spices and flavors. Some common ingredients used in this dish include onions, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, cumin, coriander, turmeric, red chili powder, and garam masala. Additionally, some variations may incorporate other ingredients such as potatoes, bell peppers, or paneer cheese. Whether you prefer a mild or spicy version, chole masala is a delicious and satisfying dish that can be easily prepared at home. This article provides three distinct recipes for chole masala, each offering a unique taste experience. The first recipe is a traditional Punjabi-style chole masala, while the second is a quick and easy version made with canned chickpeas. The third recipe introduces a unique twist by incorporating spinach into the dish, resulting in a vibrant and flavorful Chole Palak. With these three recipes, you can explore the versatility of chole masala and find the one that best suits your taste preferences.
CHOLAY (CURRIED CHICKPEAS)
This is a very flavorful recipe from North India, usually eaten with fried bread like bhatura or puri. I like to serve it over rice for a very filling meal. You can also try it as a quick snack over toasted bread. This recipe is much quicker to make if you use precooked canned beans, but I like to think that the authentic flavor comes from doing it the hard way!
Provided by SHAMMI EDWARDS
Categories Side Dish Beans and Peas
Time 45m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Place the 2 cups water, tea bag, and bay leaf into a pot, and bring water to a boil. Reserving about 1/2 cup garbanzo beans, stir the beans into the boiling water. When beans are heated through, discard the tea bag and bay leaf. Remove from heat. Drain the beans, reserving water, and set aside.
- Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a skillet over medium heat, and saute the sliced onion until tender. Remove from heat, cool, and mix in the reserved garbanzo beans, 1 tomato, and 1/2 the cilantro leaves. Set aside.
- Heat the remaining oil in a skillet over medium heat. Blend in the coriander, cumin seeds, ginger, and garlic. Cook and stir for 15 to 20 seconds, until lightly browned. Mix in the turmeric. Stir the chopped onion into the skillet, and cook until tender. Mix in the remaining tomatoes. Season with salt, cayenne pepper, and garam masala. Bring the tomato liquid to a boil, and cook about 5 minutes. Stir in the boiled garbanzo beans, sliced onion mixture, and enough of the reserved water to attain a thick, gravy-like consistency. Continue to cook and stir 5 minutes. Garnish with the remaining cilantro leaves to serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 247.5 calories, Carbohydrate 40.2 g, Fat 6.7 g, Fiber 8.3 g, Protein 8.5 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 448 mg, Sugar 3.2 g
ALOO CHOLAY (CHICKPEA-POTATO CURRY)
From the cookbook, "Hands Off Cooking" by Ann Martin Rolke. "This is my take on a classic Indian mild chickpea-potato curry. I usually serve it with basmati rice and naan, tortillas, or pitas. When Indican cooks call for "chili powder," they usually mean cayenne, which I use here. If you like your food a little less spicy, use a Southwestern chili powder to add some flavor but not much spice. This is great with a dollop of Raita." Posted for ZWT8.
Provided by kitty.rock
Categories Curries
Time 45m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In a large pot, combine the broth, chickpeas, tomatoes, potatoes, onion, butter, ginger, salt, cumin, coriander, and cayenne.
- Stir to mix and nestle the potatoes into the liquid.
- Set the pot, uncovered, over medium heat.
- Simmer vigorously for about 35 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Serve the curry in bowls with Indian naan bread or over rice.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 565.5, Fat 6.1, SaturatedFat 2.2, Cholesterol 7.6, Sodium 1826, Carbohydrate 112.8, Fiber 18.7, Sugar 6.9, Protein 18.6
CHOLAY
Provided by Huma Siddiqui
Categories Onion Tomato Side Vegetarian Diwali Ramadan Spice Chickpea Vegan Cilantro Simmer Pescatarian Dairy Free Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added Kosher
Yield Makes 10 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In large bowl, combine chickpeas and enough cold water to cover by 2 inches. Refrigerate at least 8 hours or overnight, then drain and rinse thoroughly under running water.
- In 6- to 8-quart saucepan, combine chickpeas and 5 cups water. Bring to boil, then reduce heat to moderate and simmer, uncovered, until chickpeas are tender but not mushy, about 2 1/2 hours. Raise heat to high and boil until all but 1/2 inch of water has evaporated. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In large saucepan over moderate heat, heat oil. Add cumin seeds and sauté until they begin to sizzle, about 30 seconds. Add onions and sauté until golden brown, about 15 to 20 minutes. Add tomatoes, chile powder, cumin, and salt and simmer, stirring frequently, until sauce thickens slightly, about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in chickpeas and 1/2 cup cilantro, cover, and simmer until thick sauce forms, about ten minutes. Pour into serving dish and garnish with remaining cilantro, sliced onions, and sliced tomatoes.
CHICKEN WITH GARBANZO BEANS (CHICKEN CHOLAY)
Make and share this Chicken With Garbanzo Beans (Chicken Cholay) recipe from Food.com.
Provided by grapefruit
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 45m
Yield 3-4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Heat oil.
- Fry onion till brown.
- Add ginger, garlic, black pepper, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric and nigella seeds (mixed with a little water to make a paste).
- Stir fry 1-2 minutes.
- Add tomatoes and stir fry till tomatoes are soft.
- Add drumsticks, fry 1-2 minutes.
- Add red chili powder and salt and mix well. Let chicken cook in its own water for a few mins or add 1/2 - 1 cup water and the garbanzo beans, mix well.
- Cover and let cook till chicken and beans soft and oil rises to the surface.
- (NOTE: if using canned beans, it won't take very long for this curry to cook).
- Toss in whole green chillies, cover and turn off heat.
- Serve in 5 minutes.
- Yum!
- Serve with a simple salad.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 524.4, Fat 15.4, SaturatedFat 3.9, Cholesterol 118.3, Sodium 1396.5, Carbohydrate 58.5, Fiber 11.6, Sugar 10.7, Protein 39.9
CHICKEN CHOLAY
Make and share this Chicken Cholay recipe from Food.com.
Provided by roja khan
Categories Pakistani
Time 45m
Yield 4-5 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Place the chick peas, 1 teaspoon salt, cinnamon stick and bicarbonate of soda in a large heavy-based saucepan, add 2 cups water to cover the chickpeas by 2 inches and bring to a boil. still retain their shap.Once the chick peas have become tender keep them with its water, as that is also needed.
- Heat oil in a heavy based saucepan. Add onions and stirring frequently, sauté until the onions are light brown, about 5 minutes. Add ginger and garlic, sauté until the mixture turns to a golden color, about 3-5 minutes. (Add 2-3 tablespoons of water, if the mixture sticks to the bottom of the pan.
- Add chili powder, turmeric, coriander powder, 1 teaspoon garam masala, remaining salt and a little water to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Stirring frequently, fry the mixture for few more minutes. Then add the tomatoes. Still stirring frequently, fry the onion mixture for about 8 minutes until the tomatoes are reduced to a pulp. Add a little water, if necessary, to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Keep frying until the oil begins to separate.
- Add chicken and stirring frequently, fry to a golden color or all the moisture has evaporated, about 5-8 minutes.
- . Add 1 cup water, cover the pan, reduce the heat and allow to cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
- Add the boiled chick peas and 2 cups of water from the chick peas. Carefully mix it with the chicken and cook for 5 minutes until the chick peas have absorbed some of the flavor.
- Sprinkle remaining gram masala, coriander leaves and green chilies.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 448.8, Fat 18.6, SaturatedFat 2.9, Cholesterol 53.1, Sodium 1935.3, Carbohydrate 43.8, Fiber 10.2, Sugar 4.7, Protein 28.7
Tips:
- Soaking the chickpeas overnight or for at least 8 hours is essential for a tender texture. Ensure they're fully submerged in water.
- Use a pressure cooker to save time. If unavailable, boil the chickpeas in a large pot for 1-2 hours or until tender.
- Don't discard the chickpea soaking water; use it in the recipe for a flavorful broth.
- For a richer flavor, roast the spices before grinding them. This enhances their aroma and depth of flavor.
- Adjust the spice level to your preference. Add more green chilies or chili powder for a spicier dish.
- Serve chole with various accompaniments like rice, roti, paratha, or naan. It also pairs well with a side of yogurt or pickle.
Conclusion:
Chole, also known as chana masala, is a delicious and versatile dish enjoyed throughout India and beyond. Its hearty chickpeas, aromatic spices, and rich gravy make it a popular choice for everyday meals and special occasions alike. With the tips and step-by-step guide provided in this article, you can easily create an authentic and flavorful chole at home. Experiment with different spice combinations and accompaniments to find your perfect chole recipe. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and embark on a culinary journey to savor the delightful flavors of chole.
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