Aloo Chana in Mint Coriander Gravy Recipe
Aloo Chana in Mint Coriander Gravy is a delightful and aromatic Indian curry that combines the earthy flavors of chickpeas (chana) with the refreshing zest of mint and coriander. The rich, creamy gravy made from coconut, green chilies, and a variety of spices is the perfect complement to the hearty potatoes and chickpeas, creating a dish that is both satisfying and vibrant. This vegetarian recipe is perfect for lunch or dinner and pairs wonderfully with flatbreads like tawa paratha or steamed rice.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Kabuli Chana (Chickpeas) | 1 cup (soaked overnight) |
| Potatoes (Aloo) | 2 (boiled and peeled) |
| Onion | 1 (finely chopped) |
| Chana Dal (Split Chickpeas) | 1/2 cup (boiled) |
| Green Bell Pepper (Shimla Mirch) | 1 (chopped) |
| Ginger | 1 teaspoon (grated) |
| Garlic | 1 teaspoon (finely chopped) |
| Turmeric Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Lemon Juice | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Fresh Coconut (Grated) | 1/2 cup |
| Green Chilies | 3 (chopped) |
| Cashews | 1/4 cup |
| Fresh Coriander | 1/4 cup (chopped) |
| Fresh Mint | 1/4 cup (chopped) |
| Cumin Seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Cinnamon Stick | 1-inch piece |
| Cloves | 2 |
| Cardamom | 2 pods |
| Bay Leaves | 2 |
| Oil | 2 teaspoons |
Preparation Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 7 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Main Course
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chickpeas and Dal:
- Begin by soaking the kabuli chana (chickpeas) in water overnight. Drain and rinse them before using.
- Similarly, boil the chana dal until soft and set aside.
-
Grind the Pastes:
- In a mixer grinder, add 1/2 cup of the boiled chickpeas and grind them into a smooth paste. Set this paste aside.
- In the same grinder, add the grated coconut, green chilies, cashews, fresh coriander, and mint. Blend everything into a fine paste and set it aside as well.
-
Cook the Spices:
- Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a pan or wok. Once hot, add the cumin seeds, cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamom pods, and bay leaves. Sauté them for about 1 minute, allowing the spices to release their fragrance.
-
Sauté the Aromatics:
- Add the chopped onions to the pan and sauté them until they become soft and golden brown.
- Next, add the grated ginger, chopped garlic, and green bell pepper. Continue to sauté until the bell pepper softens.
-
Combine the Main Ingredients:
- Add the boiled chickpeas, chana dal, and boiled potatoes to the pan. Stir everything together and cook for about 4-5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
-
Add the Gravy Ingredients:
- Add the ground chickpea paste, coconut-mint-coriander paste, salt, and turmeric powder. Stir everything together and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the paste to blend well with the chickpeas and potatoes.
-
Simmer:
- After 2-3 minutes, pour in 1/2 cup of water, stir again, and cover the pan. Let the curry simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing all the flavors to come together.
-
Finishing Touches:
- After 10 minutes, add the lemon juice and stir it in. Turn off the heat and remove the pan from the stove.
- Garnish the curry with freshly chopped coriander and mint leaves for a fresh aroma and color.
-
Serve:
- Aloo Chana in Mint Coriander Gravy is now ready to serve. Pair it with hot tawa paratha, steamed rice, or a side of cucumber, tomato, and onion raita for a wholesome meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~350 kcal |
| Protein | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Fiber | 12g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Vitamin C | 35mg |
| Iron | 3mg |
Tips:
- Soaking Chickpeas: For a smoother texture and quicker cooking, always soak chickpeas overnight or for at least 6-8 hours before cooking.
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder curry, reduce the number of green chilies used in the paste.
- Variations: You can add other vegetables like peas or carrots for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Storage: This curry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It also freezes well for future meals.
Aloo Chana in Mint Coriander Gravy offers a fresh and comforting flavor profile, perfect for any meal. Its combination of hearty chickpeas, tender potatoes, and vibrant mint-coriander gravy makes it a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress!
