A delicious and authentic Pindi Chole recipe, perfect to pair with bhature, naan, or kulche.

Pindi Chole recipe
Prep Time
12hr 0min
Cook Time
30min
Total Time
12hr 30min

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = bowl)

Chole Preparation

  • chickpeas
    chickpeas
    300g
  • salt
    salt
    1 1/2tbsp
  • black peppercorns
    black peppercorns
    15
  • cloves
    cloves
    10clove
  • black cardamom
    black cardamom
    3
  • tea leaves sachet
    tea leaves sachet
    2
  • dry amla
    dry amla
    6
  • cinnamon stick
    cinnamon stick
    2in
  • bay leaves
    bay leaves
    2

Chana Masala

  • coriander seeds
    coriander seeds
    4tbsp
  • shah jeera
    shah jeera
    2tbsp
  • fennel seeds
    fennel seeds
    1tbsp
  • cinnamon stick
    cinnamon stick
    2
  • black cardamom
    black cardamom
    2
  • green cardamom
    green cardamom
    4
  • mace flowers
    mace flowers
    2
  • bay leaves
    bay leaves
    3
  • red chilli
    red chilli
    6
  • kasuri methi
    kasuri methi
    2tbsp
  • asafoetida
    asafoetida
    1/2tbsp

Final Preparation

  • black salt
    black salt
    1/2tbsp
  • red chilli powder
    red chilli powder
    1/2tbsp
  • chana masala
    chana masala
    3 1/2tbsp
  • coriander powder
    coriander powder
    1/2tbsp
  • anardana powder
    anardana powder
    2tbsp
  • aamchur powder
    aamchur powder
    1/2tbsp
  • green chilli
    green chilli
    4
  • tomato
    tomato
    1
  • ginger juliennes
    ginger juliennes
    1tbsp
  • chole water
    chole water
    1cup
  • desi ghee
    desi ghee
    2tbsp
  • ajwain
    ajwain
    1tsp
  • onion
    onion
    1
  • fresh coriander leaves
    fresh coriander leaves

How to make Pindi Chole

Chole Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Wash and soak chickpeas overnight in an iron pan for a darker color.

  2. Step 2

    In the morning, strain, wash, and transfer to a cooker.

  3. Step 3

    Add salt and a potli of spices including black pepper, cloves, black cardamom, tea leaves sachet, dry amla, cinnamon stick, and bay leaves.

  4. Step 4

    Pressure cook for 3-4 whistles.

Chana Masala

  1. Step 1

    Dry roast coriander seeds, shah jeera, fennel seeds, cinnamon stick, black cardamom, green cardamom, mace, bay leaves, red chilli, kasuri methi, and asafoetida.

  2. Step 2

    Grind the roasted spices to make chana masala.

Final Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Check the chole; they should be soft but not mushy. Strain the water and keep it aside.

  2. Step 2

    Remove the potli and bay leaves from the chole.

  3. Step 3

    Add black salt, red chilli powder, chana masala, coriander powder, anardana powder, and aamchur powder. Mix and keep aside for 10 minutes.

  4. Step 4

    In an iron kadhai, add chole, slit green chillies, cubed tomato, ginger juliennes, and chole water.

  5. Step 5

    Cook on medium heat for 2 to 4 minutes.

  6. Step 6

    Add onion rings.

  7. Step 7

    Heat desi ghee and add ajwain to make a tadka.

  8. Step 8

    Pour the tadka over the chole and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

  9. Step 9

    Serve hot with breads of your choice.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

309.0kcal (15.45%)

Protein

16.1g (32.26%)

Carbs

43.6g (15.87%)

Sugars

2.1g (4.26%)

Healthy Fat

4.0g

Unhealthy Fat

3.9g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Soak chickpeas in an iron pan to achieve a darker color.

  2. Ensure the chole are soft but not mushy for the best texture.

FAQS

  1. How do I cook Pindi Chole to achieve the perfect texture?

    To achieve the perfect texture for Pindi Chole, soak the chickpeas overnight in an iron pan for a darker color. After soaking, pressure cook them for 3-4 whistles until they are soft but not mushy. This ensures that the chickpeas maintain their shape while absorbing the flavors from the spices.

  2. What are some dietary options for Pindi Chole?

    Pindi Chole is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a great option for those following plant-based or gluten-free diets. You can enjoy it with bhature, naan, or kulche, all of which can be made gluten-free if needed.

  3. Can I substitute any ingredients in the Pindi Chole recipe?

    Yes, you can substitute some ingredients in the Pindi Chole recipe. For instance, if you don't have black salt, regular salt can be used instead. If you can't find chana masala, you can create a blend using cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Additionally, if you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of green and red chilies.

  4. How should I store leftover Pindi Chole?

    To store leftover Pindi Chole, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to maintain moisture and heat it on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.

  5. What dishes pair well with Pindi Chole?

    Pindi Chole pairs wonderfully with various Indian breads such as bhature, naan, or kulche. You can also serve it with rice or a side of yogurt to balance the spices. For a complete meal, consider adding a salad or raita to enhance the flavors.

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Preeti Kalia

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