Punjabi Chole Masala with Chana Masala Powder

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Preeti Kalia (@hobbi_espassion)

A complete Chole recipe to savor your spicy chatpata taste buds, perfect for a Punjabi Sunday meal.

Prep Time
12hr 0min
Cook Time
45min
Total Time
12hr 45min
Punjabi Chole Masala with Chana Masala Powder recipe

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = bowl)

Chana Masala Powder

  • 4tbsp
    coriander seeds
  • 2
    star anise
  • 5
    bay leaves
  • 10
    cloves
  • 15
    black peppercorns
  • 1tbsp
    fennel seeds
  • 5
    dry red chilli
  • 2tbsp
    shah jeera
  • 1tbsp
    carom seeds
  • 4in
    cinnamon stick
  • 4
    green cardamom
  • 1
    black cardamom
  • 1tbsp
    black salt
  • 1tsp
    degi mirch
  • 1/2tsp
    turmeric powder
  • 1tbsp
    dry mango powder
  • 4tbsp
    fenugreek seeds
  • 1/2tsp
    asafoetida

Chole

  • 200g
    chole (chickpeas)
  • 4cup
    water
  • 10
    dry amla
  • 2tsp
    salt
  • 2tbsp
    chana masala
  • 1tbsp
    anardana powder

Tempering

  • 1tbsp
    ghee
  • 1tsp
    carom seeds
  • 1
    ginger juliennes

Garnish

  • 1
    onion rings
  • 1
    tomato slices
  • 1
    green chillies
  • 1
    lemon slices
  • 1bundle
    coriander leaves

How to make Punjabi Chole Masala with Chana Masala Powder

Chana Masala Powder

  1. Dry roast coriander seeds, star anise, bay leaves, cloves, black peppercorns, fennel seeds, dry red chilli, shah jeera, carom seeds, cinnamon stick, green cardamom, and black cardamom in a pan on low to medium heat for 2-3 minutes.

  2. Cool the roasted spices and transfer to a mixer jar.

  3. Add black salt, degi mirch, turmeric powder, dry mango powder, fenugreek seeds, and asafoetida.

  4. Grind into a finely coarse powder.

Chole

  1. Soak chole overnight. Drain the water in the morning.

  2. Add water, dry amla, and salt to the chole. Shift to a pressure cooker and cook until 4-5 whistles.

  3. Transfer to a heavy-bottom pan, add chana masala and anardana powder. Cook for 6-10 minutes on medium heat until the water evaporates and masala coats the chole.

Tempering

  1. Heat ghee, add carom seeds and ginger juliennes.

  2. Add the tempering to the chole.

Garnish

  1. Add lots of coriander leaves.

  2. Top with onion rings, tomato slices, green chillies, and lemon slices.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

270.0kcal (13.5%)

Protein

11.3g (22.5%)

Carbs

40.0g (14.55%)

Sugars

2.5g (5%)

Healthy Fat

5.3g

Unhealthy Fat

5.0g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Ensure the spices are roasted on low to medium heat to prevent burning.

  2. Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of dry red chilli and degi mirch.

FAQS

  1. How can I make Punjabi Chole Masala vegan or vegetarian?

    To make Punjabi Chole Masala vegan, simply substitute ghee with vegetable oil or coconut oil. The rest of the ingredients are already plant-based, making this dish perfect for both vegans and vegetarians.

  2. What are some good substitutions for chana masala powder in this recipe?

    If you don't have chana masala powder, you can create a substitute by mixing equal parts of cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Alternatively, you can use curry powder for a different flavor profile, though it may alter the traditional taste of the dish.

  3. How should I store leftover Punjabi Chole Masala?

    Store leftover Punjabi Chole Masala in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to the freezer.

  4. What dishes pair well with Punjabi Chole Masala for a complete meal?

    Punjabi Chole Masala pairs wonderfully with steamed basmati rice, jeera rice, or fluffy naan. You can also serve it with a side of raita or a fresh salad to balance the spices.

  5. What is the cooking process for making Punjabi Chole Masala from scratch?

    To make Punjabi Chole Masala, start by dry roasting the spices and grinding them into a powder. Soak the chickpeas overnight, then pressure cook them with water and dry amla. After cooking, mix in the chana masala and anardana powder, and finish with a tempering of ghee and ginger. Top with fresh coriander and serve hot.

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