Amritsari Chole Recipe – White Chickpeas in Spicy Gravy
Punjabi Cuisine | High Protein Vegetarian | Dinner
Amritsari Chole, a flavorful and spicy dish, is traditionally made using kabuli chana (white chickpeas) and is often served in roadside dhabas (eateries). This dish is cooked in a rich tomato and onion-based gravy, where a perfect blend of spices is used to create a mouth-watering taste. With a rich blend of everyday spices, this dish becomes an irresistible treat that is sure to delight your taste buds.
Ingredients for Amritsari Chole:
These ingredients combine to create the perfect harmony of flavors that define the authentic Amritsari Chole.
| Ingredient Name | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Kabuli Chana (Chickpeas), soaked | 1 cup |
| Black Tea Bag | 1 bag |
| Tomatoes (pureed) | 1 tomato |
| Green Chilies | 2 |
| Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Ghee (Clarified Butter) | 1 tbsp |
| Star Anise | 1 |
| Bay Leaf | 1 |
| Cinnamon Stick | 1 inch |
| Fenugreek Seeds (Methi) | 5 seeds |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 tsp |
| Kashmiri Red Chili Powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 1/2 tsp |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 2 tsp |
| Turmeric Powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Chole Masala Powder | 2 tsp |
| Onion, chopped | 1 large |
| Garlic, grated | 1 tsp |
| Ginger, grated | 1 tsp |
| Black Cardamom | 1 |
| Chat Masala Powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Fresh Coriander (Cilantro), chopped | For garnishing (as required) |
| Dried Fenugreek Leaves (Kasuri Methi) | For garnishing (as required) |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Serving Size: 4 servings
Instructions for Cooking Amritsari Chole:
-
Prepare the Tomato and Green Chili Puree:
Start by pureeing the tomatoes along with the green chilies in a blender or using a hand blender. Set aside for later use. -
Heat Oil and Ghee:
In a large pan or kadhai, heat oil and ghee over medium heat. Once hot, add the star anise, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, and fenugreek seeds. Allow them to cook for about 15 seconds, letting the spices release their aroma. -
Sauté Onion and Asafoetida:
Add the finely chopped onion to the pan, along with the asafoetida. Sauté the onion until it turns soft and golden brown, about 4-5 minutes. -
Add Tomato Puree and Cook:
Add the prepared tomato puree to the sautéed onions and cook for about 2 minutes. This will help the flavors meld together. -
Spices and Seasoning:
Add the Kashmiri red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and chole masala powder. Stir well and cook the mixture for 2-4 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and coat the tomato-onion gravy. -
Add Cooked Chickpeas:
Add the soaked and cooked kabuli chana (chickpeas) to the gravy. If you have reserved the cooking water from the chickpeas, add some to adjust the consistency of the gravy. Stir to combine everything well. -
Flavor with Cardamom, Chat Masala, and Salt:
Add the black cardamom, chat masala powder, and salt to taste. Let the dish simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to develop and deepen. -
Finish with Kasuri Methi and Garnish:
Add a sprinkle of kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) for that distinctive aroma and flavor. Stir it in and cook for another 2 minutes. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. -
Serve:
Once done, turn off the heat and serve the Amritsari Chole hot with steamed rice, roti, or even paired with a side of cool, creamy raita. This dish also goes wonderfully well with a generous helping of onion salad.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 260 kcal |
| Protein | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Dietary Fiber | 8g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Sodium | 350mg |
| Cholesterol | 15mg |
| Vitamin A | 10% DV |
| Vitamin C | 15% DV |
| Calcium | 5% DV |
| Iron | 20% DV |
Cooking Tips:
- If you prefer a smoother gravy, you can blend the cooked onions and tomato mixture before adding the chickpeas.
- For an extra punch, you can add a bit of finely chopped ginger and garlic while sautéing the onions.
- If you don’t have kasuri methi, you can omit it, but it does add a unique flavor that is quite characteristic of Amritsari Chole.
This Amritsari Chole recipe is perfect for a satisfying dinner and offers a delicious taste of Punjabi cuisine with its robust flavors. It’s ideal for high-protein vegetarian meals and pairs beautifully with any type of Indian bread or rice. Whether you are cooking for family or guests, this dish will surely become a crowd favorite!
