Palak Chole – Spinach Chickpeas
Description:
Palak Chole is a nutritious and flavorful dish where chickpeas are cooked with spinach, offering a high-protein vegetarian option. The addition of spinach enhances the dish’s nutritional value, making it not only delicious but also a healthy meal choice.
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: High-Protein Vegetarian
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Kabuli chana (chickpeas), soaked overnight
- 1 cup spinach, washed and roughly chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 tomato, finely chopped
- 1 green chili, slit
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- Salt, to taste
- 2 teaspoons garam masala powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cardamom pods
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Instructions:
- Soak Chickpeas: Start by soaking the chickpeas in water for 5-6 hours.
- Prepare Tomato Puree: In a blender, grind the tomato, green chilies, and some water to make a smooth puree. Set aside.
- Cook Spinach: Heat oil in a pan, add the chopped spinach, and cook until it wilts and softens. Set aside.
- Prepare Base: In a pressure cooker, heat oil and add the bay leaf and cardamom. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Sauté Onions and Spices: Add the chopped onion, ginger, and garlic to the cooker. Sauté until the onions turn golden brown. Add the prepared tomato puree, salt, turmeric powder, garam masala, coriander powder, and red chili powder. Cook for 1 minute.
- Cook Chickpeas: Add the soaked chickpeas to the cooker, followed by enough water to cover the chickpeas. Stir well and close the lid of the cooker. Cook for 4-5 whistles, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for an additional 15 minutes.
- Add Spinach: Once the pressure is released, open the cooker, add the cooked spinach, and stir well. Mash the mixture slightly for a thicker consistency. Cook for another minute.
- Serve: Serve the Palak Chole hot with phulka, Jeera Rice, Kachumber Salad, and Lasuni Daal for a complete meal.
Enjoy this wholesome North Indian dish that’s packed with protein and flavor!
