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
- Kabuli chole700g
- Chana dal1/2cup
Potli Spices
- Black peppercorns20
- Black cardamom, crushed4piece
- Cinnamon stick2in
- Tea bags2
- Cloves8
- Dry amla1tbsp
For chana
- Bay leaves2piece
- Salt2tbsp
- Cooking soda (optional)1tbsp
- Water2L
Chana Masala
- Black cardamom2
- Cumin seeds2tbsp
- Cardamom seeds3tbsp
- Shah jeera1tbsp
- Green cardamom4
- Cinnamon stick2in
- Fennel seeds1tbsp
- Red chilli6
- Cloves12
- Bay leaves2
- Mace flower1
green paste
- Green chilli5
- Coriander leaves1bundle
- Mint leaves20
- Ginger2in
- Water1tbsp
Other ingredients
- Anardana1 1/2tbsp
- Black salt1tbsp
- Aamchur1/2tbsp
- Roasted ajwain1tbsp
- Kasoori methi2tbsp
- Red chilli powder1tbsp
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
- Step 1
Wash the Kabuli chole and chana dal thrice and soak in water for at least 8 hours.
Cooking Chole
- Step 1
Strain and wash the chole.
- Step 2
In a cooker, add chole, potli spices, salt, bay leaves, cooking soda (optional), and water.
- Step 3
Cook until 6-8 whistles.
Chana Masala
- 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.
- Step 2
Grind into a powder.
Green Paste
- Step 1
Grind green chilli, coriander leaves, mint leaves, ginger, and water into a paste.
Final Steps
- Step 1
Open the cooker and check the chole. They should be soft enough.
- Step 2
Take 2-3 tbsp of chole and mash them. Mix with the rest of the chole and remove the bay leaves.
- Step 3
Add chana masala and green paste to the chole. Cook on medium heat, stirring and mashing the chana slightly.
- Step 4
Remove the potli.
- Step 5
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.
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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...
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