Chole(A Spicy Food)
A flavorful and spicy Indian chickpea curry with aromatic spices, perfect for hearty vegetarian meals and pairs well with bread or rice.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut tomatoes and onions into big pieces.
- Crush tomatoes and onions in a blender together.
- Heat butter in a pot.
- Add the crushed tomato-onion mixture and water to the pot; cook for 2 minutes.
- Add ginger, lemon juice, and channa masala; cook for 3 minutes.
- Add chickpeas and salt to taste; cook for a few minutes.
- Add garam masala and cook for 5 minutes.
- Decorate with chopped tomatoes, green chilies, and coriander. Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider sautéing the onions until golden brown before adding the tomatoes. If you're out of chickpeas, you can substitute with black beans or kidney beans. For a vegan version, replace butter with coconut oil or olive oil. Adjust the spice levels by adding more chili powder or using less garam masala based on your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Chole pairs beautifully with Indian Bread (Makes 10 To 12 Servings) or steamed basmati rice. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a refreshing salad or the Curry-Yogurt Dip for a cooling contrast. Garnish with fresh coriander and lemon wedges to enhance the flavors. Consider serving it with a side of A Nice Indian Pudding for a delightful finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the chole in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it has thickened. It can also be microwaved in a microwave-safe dish, covered, for about 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chole(A Spicy Food) contains roughly 99 calories, with 3g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned chickpeas instead of cooked ones?
Yes, using canned chickpeas is a great time-saver. Just rinse and drain them before adding to the dish. This will cut down on the cooking time, making it easier to prepare a quick meal without compromising flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, you can add more green chilies or a dash of cayenne pepper during cooking. Additionally, incorporating some red chili powder will enhance the spice level. Adjust according to your preference for heat.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Chole tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it a day in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and just reheat when you're ready to serve. It’s perfect for meal prep or hosting guests.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).