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.

Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 700gKabuli chole
- 1/2cupChana dal
Potli Spices
- 20Black peppercorns
- 4pieceBlack cardamom, crushed
- 2inCinnamon stick
- 2Tea bags
- 8Cloves
- 1tbspDry amla
For chana
- 2pieceBay leaves
- 2tbspSalt
- 1tbspCooking soda (optional)
- 2LWater
Chana Masala
- 2Black cardamom
- 2tbspCumin seeds
- 3tbspCardamom seeds
- 1tbspShah jeera
- 4Green cardamom
- 2inCinnamon stick
- 1tbspFennel seeds
- 6Red chilli
- 12Cloves
- 2Bay leaves
- 1Mace flower
green paste
- 5Green chilli
- 1bundleCoriander leaves
- 20Mint leaves
- 2inGinger
- 1tbspWater
Other ingredients
- 1 1/2tbspAnardana
- 1tbspBlack salt
- 1/2tbspAamchur
- 1tbspRoasted ajwain
- 2tbspKasoori methi
- 1tbspRed chilli powder
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
How to make Chikkad Chole
Preparation
Wash the Kabuli chole and chana dal thrice and soak in water for at least 8 hours.
Cooking Chole
Strain and wash the chole.
In a cooker, add chole, potli spices, salt, bay leaves, cooking soda (optional), and water.
Cook until 6-8 whistles.
Chana Masala
Dry roast black cardamom, cumin seeds, cardamom seeds, shah jeera, green cardamom, cinnamon stick, fennel seeds, red chilli, cloves, bay leaves, and mace flower.
Grind into a powder.
Green Paste
Grind green chilli, coriander leaves, mint leaves, ginger, and water into a paste.
Final Steps
Open the cooker and check the chole. They should be soft enough.
Take 2-3 tbsp of chole and mash them. Mix with the rest of the chole and remove the bay leaves.
Add chana masala and green paste to the chole. Cook on medium heat, stirring and mashing the chana slightly.
Remove the potli.
Add anardana, black salt, aamchur, roasted ajwain, kasoori methi, and red chilli powder. Cook until creamy and done.
Nutrition (per serving)
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
Ensure the chole are soaked well to achieve the right texture.
Adjust the spices according to your taste preference.
FAQS
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Loading reviews...
Preeti Kalia
(@hobbi_espassion)
Authentic Punjabi Recipes Easy cooking videos Collabs- preetikalia179@gmail.com Jalandhar Authentic Punjabi Recipes Easy cooking videos Collabs- preetikalia179@gmail.com Jalandhar...
Marnirni-apinthi Building, Lot Fourteen,
North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
Australia