If you’re searching for the perfect chole recipe, this authentic Punjabi chickpea curry brings bold flavor, plant-based protein, and classic Indian warmth to your plate. Whether you’re meal-prepping or hosting a festive Indian dinner, this hearty dish is a must-try!
In fact, it’s one of those soulful dishes that easily pleases both seasoned Indian food lovers and curious newcomers.
🔍 What is Chole Recipe or Punjabi Chickpea Curry?
Chole, also known as chana masala, is a traditional North Indian chickpea curry cooked in a spiced onion-tomato gravy. It’s a beloved staple in Punjabi households and is usually served with bhature, poori, or jeera rice.
Unlike quick-cook versions, this recipe allows the chickpeas to simmer slowly with aromatic spices. As a result, you get a deep, complex flavor that closely mirrors the taste of homemade food in Indian kitchens.
🛒 Ingredients for Authentic Chole Recipe
Here’s everything you’ll need to prepare this delicious, restaurant-style chole at home:
🌾 Main Ingredients
- 1½ cups dried chickpeas (or 2 cans of cooked chickpeas)
- 2 tbsp oil (sunflower or mustard oil recommended)
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, pureed
- 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
- 2 green chilies, slit
- Salt to taste
🌿 Whole Spices
- 1 bay leaf
- 1–2 black cardamoms
- 1–2 cloves
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
🌶️ Ground Spices
- 1½ tsp chole masala or garam masala
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- ½ tsp amchur powder (dry mango powder)
- 1 tsp cumin powder
🧂 Optional (for deeper flavor)
- 1 tea bag (for color and earthy depth)
- ½ tsp kasuri methi, crushed
- Fresh coriander for garnish
🍳 Step-by-Step Punjabi Chole Recipe
🔹 Step 1: Soak and Cook Chickpeas
To start, soak dried chickpeas overnight in enough water.
Pressure cook with salt and a tea bag for 5–6 whistles, or until soft. (Discard the tea bag.)
Shortcut: If using canned chickpeas, rinse and drain them well before use.
🔹 Step 2: Prepare the Masala
Next, heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan.
Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, black cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon.
Then add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw smell disappears.
Now add pureed tomatoes and cook for 7–10 minutes until the oil starts to separate.
Sprinkle in all ground spices and sauté for another 2 minutes.
🔹 Step 3: Combine and Simmer
Now add the cooked chickpeas along with 1 cup of their cooking water.
Lightly mash a few chickpeas to thicken the curry.
Allow everything to simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes so flavors meld beautifully.
Stir in crushed kasuri methi toward the end.
🔹 Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Finally, garnish with fresh coriander.
You can also add a squeeze of lime just before serving for an added zing.
🍽️ What to Serve with Chole Recipe
This hearty curry pairs beautifully with:
- Bhature (Chole Bhature is an iconic combo!)
- Jeera rice or plain basmati rice
- Chapati, poori, or naan
✨ For an authentic street-food style, top it with chopped raw onions and a lemon wedge.
🥗 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Dietary Fiber | 10g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Iron | 3.5 mg |
| Calcium | 70 mg |
💪 Chole is naturally rich in plant-based protein, fiber, and essential minerals, making it a heart-healthy meal.
✅ Pro Tips to Master Chole Recipe
- Don’t rush the masala – slow cooking brings out depth.
- Use a high-quality chole masala for restaurant-style taste.
- For darker gravy, add a tea bag while cooking chickpeas.
- This curry is make-ahead friendly – it tastes even better the next day!
🙋 Chole Recipe – Common Questions Answered
Q: Can I make this oil-free?
Yes, use water or vegetable broth to sauté onions and skip oil.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Chole is 100% gluten-free and vegan.
Q: Can I freeze chole?
Yes. It freezes well for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat with a splash of water or stock.
❤️ Final Thoughts
Chole is more than just a curry—it’s an emotion in every Indian kitchen. From Delhi’s street food stalls to dinner tables worldwide, this humble chickpea dish is always a crowd-pleaser. Try this authentic Punjabi chole recipe at home and enjoy a flavorful, comforting bowl of Indian magic.
