Authentic Chikkad Chole recipe from Lahore and Amritsar, full of aromatic flavors without onion, garlic, tomato, ghee, or oil. Perfect for diet lovers and traditionally served with Amritsari kulcha.

Chikkad Chole recipe
Prep Time
8hr 0min
Cook Time
1hr 0min
Total Time
9hr

Ingredients

6 Servings
(1 serving = 1 bowl)

Main Ingredients

  • Kabuli chole
    Kabuli chole
    700g
  • Chana dal
    Chana dal
    1/2cup

Potli Spices

  • Black peppercorns
    Black peppercorns
    20
  • Black cardamom, crushed
    Black cardamom, crushed
    4piece
  • Cinnamon stick
    Cinnamon stick
    2in
  • Tea bags
    Tea bags
    2
  • Cloves
    Cloves
    8
  • Dry amla
    Dry amla
    1tbsp

For chana

  • Bay leaves
    Bay leaves
    2piece
  • Salt
    Salt
    2tbsp
  • Cooking soda (optional)
    Cooking soda (optional)
    1tbsp
  • Water
    Water
    2L

Chana Masala

  • Black cardamom
    Black cardamom
    2
  • Cumin seeds
    Cumin seeds
    2tbsp
  • Cardamom seeds
    Cardamom seeds
    3tbsp
  • Shah jeera
    Shah jeera
    1tbsp
  • Green cardamom
    Green cardamom
    4
  • Cinnamon stick
    Cinnamon stick
    2in
  • Fennel seeds
    Fennel seeds
    1tbsp
  • Red chilli
    Red chilli
    6
  • Cloves
    Cloves
    12
  • Bay leaves
    Bay leaves
    2
  • Mace flower
    Mace flower
    1

green paste

  • Green chilli
    Green chilli
    5
  • Coriander leaves
    Coriander leaves
    1bundle
  • Mint leaves
    Mint leaves
    20
  • Ginger
    Ginger
    2in
  • Water
    Water
    1tbsp

Other ingredients

  • Anardana
    Anardana
    1 1/2tbsp
  • Black salt
    Black salt
    1tbsp
  • Aamchur
    Aamchur
    1/2tbsp
  • Roasted ajwain
    Roasted ajwain
    1tbsp
  • Kasoori methi
    Kasoori methi
    2tbsp
  • Red chilli powder
    Red chilli powder
    1tbsp

How to make Chikkad Chole

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Wash the Kabuli chole and chana dal thrice and soak in water for at least 8 hours.

Cooking Chole

  1. Step 1

    Strain and wash the chole.

  2. Step 2

    In a cooker, add chole, potli spices, salt, bay leaves, cooking soda (optional), and water.

  3. Step 3

    Cook until 6-8 whistles.

Chana Masala

  1. Step 1

    Dry roast black cardamom, cumin seeds, cardamom seeds, shah jeera, green cardamom, cinnamon stick, fennel seeds, red chilli, cloves, bay leaves, and mace flower.

  2. Step 2

    Grind into a powder.

Green Paste

  1. Step 1

    Grind green chilli, coriander leaves, mint leaves, ginger, and water into a paste.

Final Steps

  1. Step 1

    Open the cooker and check the chole. They should be soft enough.

  2. Step 2

    Take 2-3 tbsp of chole and mash them. Mix with the rest of the chole and remove the bay leaves.

  3. Step 3

    Add chana masala and green paste to the chole. Cook on medium heat, stirring and mashing the chana slightly.

  4. Step 4

    Remove the potli.

  5. Step 5

    Add anardana, black salt, aamchur, roasted ajwain, kasoori methi, and red chilli powder. Cook until creamy and done.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

220.0kcal (11%)

Protein

11.7g (23.34%)

Carbs

36.7g (13.33%)

Sugars

1.7g (3.34%)

Healthy Fat

2.2g

Unhealthy Fat

0.3g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Ensure the chole are soaked well to achieve the right texture.

  2. Adjust the spices according to your taste preference.

FAQS

  1. What is the cooking process for making Chikkad Chole without onion and garlic?

    To make Chikkad Chole, start by washing and soaking Kabuli chole and chana dal for at least 8 hours. After soaking, strain and wash the chole. In a pressure cooker, combine the chole with potli spices, salt, and water, then cook for 6-8 whistles. Next, dry roast and grind the spices, and blend green chilies, coriander, mint, and ginger into a paste. Once the chole is soft, mash some of them, mix in the green paste and spices, and cook until creamy.

  2. Is Chikkad Chole suitable for a vegan or vegetarian diet?

    Yes, Chikkad Chole is completely vegan and vegetarian-friendly as it contains no animal products. It is made with plant-based ingredients like Kabuli chole, chana dal, and a variety of spices, making it a healthy option for those following a vegan or vegetarian diet.

  3. What are some good substitutions for ingredients in Chikkad Chole?

    If you don't have Kabuli chole, you can substitute it with other legumes like chickpeas or black-eyed peas. For spices, if you can't find black cardamom or mace flower, you can omit them or use a pinch of nutmeg for a similar flavor. Additionally, if you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of green chilies and red chili powder.

  4. How should I store leftover Chikkad Chole?

    Leftover Chikkad Chole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave. If you want to store it for a longer period, consider freezing it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

  5. What dishes pair well with Chikkad Chole?

    Chikkad Chole is traditionally served with Amritsari kulcha, which complements its rich flavors perfectly. You can also serve it with rice, naan, or roti. For a complete meal, consider adding a side of pickles or yogurt to balance the spices and enhance the overall dining experience.

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