Chole Masala

Discover the bold and comforting flavors of Chole Masala, a popular North Indian curry that's a true celebration of spices. This hearty dish features tender, protein-packed chickpeas simmered in a rich, aromatic tomato-onion gravy infused with the earthy warmth of chole masala, cumin, and garam masala. The addition of kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) and tangy tamarind paste elevates its depth of flavor, while a final garnish of fresh coriander and a squeeze of lemon adds a refreshing finish. Perfectly paired with steamed rice or fluffy flatbreads, this recipe is a wholesome and satisfying meal the whole family will love. With easy-to-follow steps and irresistible layers of flavor, this Chole Masala is an essential addition to your Indian food repertoire.

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 250 grams dried chickpeas
• 750 ml water
• 1 large onion
• 2 medium tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 leaf bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons chole masala powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1.5 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
• 0.5 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
• 2 tablespoons coriander leaves
• 0.5 unit lemon

Directions

Step 1

Rinse and soak the chickpeas in water overnight or for at least 8 hours. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

Finely chop the onion and tomatoes and keep them separate.

Step 3

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and bay leaf, sauté until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.

Step 5

Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for 2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.

Step 6

Add the chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes are soft and the oil starts separating from the masala.

Step 7

Add chole masala powder and mix well. Let it cook for another minute.

Step 8

Add the drained chickpeas to the pot along with 750 ml of water. Stir to combine.

Step 9

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer covered for 45 minutes or until the chickpeas are tender.

Step 10

Add tamarind paste, kasuri methi, and garam masala. Mix well and simmer for another 5 minutes.

Step 11

Adjust the seasoning if needed. Turn off the heat and remove the bay leaf.

Step 12

Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and a squeeze of lemon before serving.

Step 13

Serve hot with rice or your choice of flatbread.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1585.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1418.4

Total Fat 45.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 17.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3966.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 212.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 55.6g	0%
Total Sugars 53.9g
Protein 56.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 498.5mg	0%
Iron 23.2mg	0%
Potassium 3551.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 27.6%

Protein: 15.2%

Carbs: 57.3%