Kadai Chole Recipe: Dry Chickpeas Masala with Capsicum
Kadai Chole is a flavorful, hearty North Indian dish that combines chickpeas with aromatic spices, fresh vegetables, and a rich tempering of ghee. This vegetarian delight is best enjoyed with a variety of Indian breads or rice, making it a versatile dish perfect for lunch, dinner, or festive occasions.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Kabuli Chana (White Chickpeas) | 1 cup (soaked overnight) |
| Onions (diced in chunks) | 2 |
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1 (diced in chunks) |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 4 cloves |
| Ginger (finely chopped) | 1 inch |
| Green Chilies (slit) | 2 |
| Tomato (pureed) | 1 |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1 |
| Cloves (Laung) | 3 |
| Bay Leaf (Tej Patta) | 1 |
| Black Cardamom (Badi Elaichi) | 1 |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1 tsp |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 1/2 tsp |
| Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder | 1 tsp |
| Amchur (Dry Mango Powder) | 1/2 tsp |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Ajwain (Carom Seeds) | 1/2 tsp |
| Ghee | 2 tbsp |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
40 minutes
Total Time
55 minutes
Servings
4 servings
Cuisine
North Indian
Course
Lunch
Diet
Vegetarian
Instructions
Step 1: Soak and Cook the Chickpeas
Start by washing the chickpeas thoroughly and soaking them in water for at least 6 hours or overnight. After soaking, cook the chickpeas in a pressure cooker with salt and 3 cups of water for about 30 minutes, or until they are soft and fully cooked.
Step 2: Prepare the Kadai Masala
Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee in a large kadai (wok) over medium heat. Add the ajwain (carom seeds) and let them sizzle for a few seconds. Then, add the diced onions, chopped ginger, garlic, and slit green chilies. Sauté until the onions soften and become translucent.
Step 3: Add Whole Spices
Next, add the cinnamon stick, cloves, black cardamom, and bay leaf. Stir the mixture well to release the flavors of the spices into the oil.
Step 4: Cook the Bell Pepper
Add the diced green bell pepper (capsicum) to the kadai and stir-fry on high heat for a few minutes. The capsicum should be tender but still retain its vibrant green color.
Step 5: Incorporate the Tomato Puree and Dry Spices
Now, add the pureed tomato to the kadai, along with the dry spices: coriander powder, cumin powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, amchur powder, garam masala powder, and salt. Stir everything together, allowing the spices to blend with the tomato and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Add the Cooked Chickpeas
Once the spices are well-mixed with the tomatoes, add the cooked chickpeas into the kadai. Stir the mixture to ensure that the chickpeas are well-coated with the spice mixture. If needed, add a bit more ghee at this stage to enhance the flavor and texture.
Step 7: Simmer to Blend the Flavors
Reduce the heat to low and cover the kadai. Let the Kadai Chole simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together and the chickpeas to absorb the spices.
Step 8: Final Adjustments
Taste the dish and adjust the salt and spices to your preference. If you want a richer flavor, you can add a little more garam masala or a pinch of salt.
Step 9: Serve Hot
Once done, transfer the Kadai Chole to a serving bowl. Serve this delightful dish hot with a side of Mixed Vegetable Handi, Pudina Tawa Paratha, or Mooli Raita for a perfect North Indian meal. For a more elaborate meal, serve it with Gobi Biryani, Dal Makhani, and Moong Dal Halwa for a festive, party-worthy spread.
Tips for the Perfect Kadai Chole:
- Ghee Usage: Ghee adds a rich flavor to the dish. You can adjust the quantity of ghee based on your preference.
- Capsicum: Stir-fry the capsicum on high heat to ensure it remains tender-crisp and doesn’t lose its vibrant green color.
- Pressure Cooking: The chickpeas should be cooked until tender but not mushy. Ensure there’s enough water while pressure cooking.
- Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of Kashmiri red chili powder or add a few more green chilies.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~250 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 7 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
| Potassium | 450 mg |
| Vitamin A | 10% DV |
| Vitamin C | 25% DV |
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
Serving Suggestions:
- Roti or Paratha: Kadai Chole pairs perfectly with soft Indian breads like roti, naan, or paratha.
- Rice: Serve with Jeera Rice or Pulao for a wholesome meal.
- Side Dishes: Pair with raita, pickle, and a light salad to balance the meal.
Kadai Chole is a rich and flavorful dish that brings the heart of North India to your kitchen. The combination of spices and chickpeas makes it a satisfying meal that’s full of taste and nutrition. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering with friends.
