Chole ki Sabji Recipe

Are you looking for a tasty and filling vegetarian dish to add to your recipe collection? Look no further than chole ki sabji, a classic Indian dish made with chickpeas and spices. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make this delicious dish, as well as some tips and tricks to ensure that it turns out perfectly every time.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Ingredients
3. Preparation
4. Cooking the Chole
5. Preparing the Masala
6. Combining the Chole and Masala
7. Serving Suggestions
8. Health Benefits of Chole ki Sabji
9. Tips and Tricks
10. Variations on Chole ki Sabji
11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
12. Conclusion

1. Introduction

Chole ki sabji, also known as chana masala, is a popular vegetarian dish from the Indian subcontinent. It is made with chickpeas (chole) cooked in a spicy tomato-based sauce, along with a blend of aromatic spices that give the dish its signature flavor. Chole ki sabji is typically served with rice, naan, or other Indian breads and is a staple in many Indian households.

2. Ingredients

To make chole ki sabji, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups dried chickpeas (chole), soaked overnight and drained
• 2 medium-sized onions, chopped
• 2 medium-sized tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 2 green chilies, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 2 cups water
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

3. Preparation

Before we begin cooking, we need to prepare the ingredients. Start by soaking the chickpeas overnight in water. The next day, drain the water and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly.

Chop the onions and tomatoes and set them aside. Finely chop the green chilies and keep them aside as well.

4. Cooking the Chole

1. Heat the oil in a pressure cooker or a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the cumin seeds and allow them to splutter.
3. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
4. Add the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies and sauté for a minute.
5. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn mushy.
6. Add the coriander powder, garam masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well.
7. Add the soaked chickpeas and water. Mix well.
8. If using a pressure cooker, cover it with a lid and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the chickpeas are tender. If using a pot, cover it with a lid and cook for 30-40 minutes or until the chickpeas are tender.

5. Preparing the Masala

1. Heat a pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil.
2. Add the cooked chickpeas (chole) and the remaining masala from the pressure cooker or pot.
3. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the masala has thickened and coats the chickpeas evenly.

6. Combining the Chole and Masala

Once the chole and masala are ready, it's time to combine them. To do this, add the cooked chole to the masala and stir well, making sure that the chole are well coated with the masala.

Next, add enough water to the pot to achieve the desired consistency of the dish. Some people prefer their chole ki sabji to be thick and gravy-like, while others prefer it to be more soupy. Adjust the amount of water accordingly.

Once you've added the water, bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

During this time, the flavors will meld together, and the dish will thicken slightly. If you find that the dish is too thick, you can add more water to thin it out.

After the chole ki sabji has simmered for 10-15 minutes, turn off the heat and let it sit for a few minutes to cool down. The dish is now ready to serve.

But before you serve it, don't forget to give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you find that the dish is too spicy, you can add a little bit of sugar to balance out the flavors.

Now that your chole ki sabji is ready, it's time to serve it up and enjoy!

7. Serving Suggestions

Once the chole ki sabji is ready, you can garnish it with fresh coriander leaves and serve it with rice, naan, or any Indian bread of your choice. You can also serve it with a side of onion rings and lemon wedges for added flavor.

8. Health Benefits of Chole ki Sabji

Chole ki sabji is not only delicious but also very healthy. Chickpeas are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. They are also low in fat and calories, making them a great addition to any vegetarian or vegan diet. The spices used in chole ki sabji, such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric, are also known for their health benefits and may aid in digestion and reduce inflammation.

9. Tips and Tricks

• If you are short on time, you can use canned chickpeas instead of dried ones. Just be sure to rinse them thoroughly before using.
• To make the chole ki sabji creamier, you can add a tablespoon of yogurt or cream towards the end of the cooking process.
• Adjust the spice level according to your preference. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red chili powder or omit it altogether.

10. Variations on Chole ki Sabji

• You can add potatoes or paneer (Indian cottage cheese) to the dish for added flavor and texture.
• For a healthier version, you can use olive oil instead of regular oil and skip the cream or yogurt.
• You can also experiment with different spice blends to create your own unique version of the dish.

11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q - Can I use canned chickpeas instead of dried ones?
ans - Yes, you can use canned chickpeas instead of dried ones. Just be sure to rinse them thoroughly before using.

Q - How do I make the dish creamier?
ans - You can add a tablespoon of yogurt or cream towards the end of the cooking process to make the dish creamier.

Q - How do I adjust the spice level?
ans - You can adjust the spice level according to your preference by reducing the amount of red chili powder or omitting it altogether.

Q -Can I add potatoes or paneer to the dish?
ans - Yes, you can add potatoes or paneer (Indian cottage cheese) to the dish for added flavor and texture.

Q - Is chole ki sabji healthy?
ans - Yes, chole ki sabji is healthy as it is rich in plant-based protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates.

12. Conclusion

Chole ki sabji is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make and perfect for vegetarians and vegans. With its blend of aromatic spices and hearty chickpeas, it is sure to be a hit with everyone. So why not give it a try and add it to your recipe collection today?