Delhi Style Chole is a rich, spiced chickpea curry that carries the soul of North India’s street food culture. Slow-cooked kabuli chana are simmered in a dark, robust gravy. Perfectly goes with naan, tandoori roti, paratha or jeera rice.
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Soak chickpeas for 3-4 hours or overnight. Pressure cook with a pinch of salt for 5-6 whistles. You can also add a tea bag (or a spoon of tea leaves tied in cloth), this gives the chana its dark brown color and earthy flavor.
Soak cashews in warm water for 1 hour.
Grind onion, garlic, ginger, green chillies, and coriander leaves into a fine paste using a mixie jar.
Saute the prepared paste in oil until the oil separates.
Grind tomato and soaked cashews into a fine paste and add it to the cooked onion paste. Saute until the raw flavour of the tomato disappears.
Add turmeric, kashmiri red chilli powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, chole masala powder, pinch of anardana powder and salt. Add 1 tbsp chana water so that the masalas don't burn and saute until the oil separates.
Add chopped coriander leaves and boiled chickpeas. Mix and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Lightly mash a few chanas to thicken the gravy naturally.
Add a little garam masala and kasoori methi at the end for aroma.
Garnish with onion rings, green chilies, lemon wedges, and fresh coriander before serving.
Use ripe red tomatoes for natural sweetness and tang.
For extra depth, add a little amchur (dry mango powder) or lemon juice at the end.
Simmer on low flame after adding chana to absorb flavors.
Resting it for a few hours before serving makes the flavors deepen.
Garnish with onion rings, green chilies, lemon wedges, and fresh coriander before serving
Can I use canned chickpeas instead of soaking and boiling?
Yes, you can use canned chickpeas to save time. Ensure you rinse them well before using.
What can I substitute for cashews?
You can use almonds or skip them altogether, though cashews add creaminess to the curry.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, Chana Masala can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Is Chana Masala spicy?
It has a moderate level of spice, but you can adjust the chilli powder and green chillies to suit your taste.
Can I freeze Chana Masala?
Yes, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to a month. Thaw and reheat before serving.
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