Sholay Chickpea Curry
Spice Level: Medium
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Serves: 4
Dietary Info: Lactose-Free
Rating: 3.8/5 (63 votes)
Views: 98,426
Description:
Sholay Chickpea Curry is a fragrant and flavorful dish packed with spices that create a delightful taste experience. The chickpeas, soaked overnight, are tenderized in a flavorful blend of onions, garlic, tomatoes, and a special combination of spices like turmeric, chili powder, and garam masala. This curry is an ideal choice for those looking for a hearty, satisfying, and lactose-free meal. The dish gets its vibrant kick from the green chilies and is beautifully garnished with fresh coriander and red onions. A true comfort dish, Sholay is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dried chickpeas (soaked overnight in 1L water) | 100g |
| Onion (finely diced) | 1 |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 4 cloves |
| Tomatoes (canned or fresh) | 400g / 1 tin |
| Fresh ginger (grated) | 2 tsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Green chili (chopped) | 1 |
| Turmeric powder | 1 tsp |
| Chili powder | 1 tsp |
| Dried fenugreek leaves | 1 tsp |
| Garam masala | 1 tsp |
| Fresh coriander (chopped) | 1 handful |
| Lemon (for juice) | 1 |
| Green chilies (for garnish, chopped) | 1-2 |
| Red onion (for garnish, thinly sliced) | As desired |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the base:
In a pressure cooker, heat a small amount of oil and sauté the diced onions and chopped garlic. Cook until the onions turn golden brown. If the onions start to stick, add a splash of water and stir until the onions brown evenly. -
Cook the aromatic masala paste:
Once the onions and garlic are golden, reduce the heat and add the tomatoes, grated ginger, chopped green chili, salt, turmeric, and dried fenugreek leaves. Stir and cook the mixture until the onions and tomatoes melt into a smooth, aromatic masala paste. -
Add chickpeas:
Rinse the soaked chickpeas thoroughly before adding them to the pan. Stir-fry the chickpeas in the masala paste for a couple of minutes to coat them evenly with the flavors. -
Pressure cook the chickpeas:
Add hot water just enough to cover the chickpeas. Close the pressure cooker lid and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it reaches a boil and whistles twice, reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. -
Check and cook further if necessary:
After simmering, remove the pressure cooker from heat and let it cool with the lid on. Once it cools, open the lid and check if the chickpeas are fully cooked. If they’re still firm, add a little more water and repeat step 4 until they’re tender. -
Reduce and thicken the sauce:
Once the chickpeas are cooked through, place the pan back on the heat. Stir-fry the chickpeas in the curry sauce to reduce the liquid and thicken the consistency to your liking. -
Final seasoning:
Once the sauce has thickened, turn off the heat and squeeze in the juice of one fresh lemon. Stir in the garam masala to add a rich flavor to the curry. -
Garnish and serve:
Serve the Sholay Chickpea Curry by garnishing it with freshly chopped coriander, thinly sliced red onions, and additional green chilies for that perfect spicy touch.
Allergen Information:
- This recipe is lactose-free.
- It contains chickpeas which are legumes.
Please check for any specific allergies related to garlic, onions, and spices before preparing.
Dietary Preferences:
- Lactose-Free
- Suitable for vegetarians and vegans (when using plant-based oil and non-dairy substitutes if needed).
- Gluten-Free (ensure that any added spices or ingredients are certified gluten-free).
Pro Tips:
- For extra depth of flavor, you can make the curry in advance and allow the chickpeas to soak up the flavors overnight.
- Adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less green chili or chili powder.
- Garnishing with a dollop of dairy-free yogurt or a sprinkle of toasted nuts adds a creamy texture and enhances the presentation.
Conclusion:
Sholay Chickpea Curry is a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a satisfying meal. The combination of spices, chickpeas, and garnishes makes it an absolute delight. Whether you’re serving it with naan or rice, or simply enjoying it on its own, this curry will bring warmth and comfort to your dining table. A fantastic choice for those seeking a lactose-free option packed with bold flavors and nutrients. Enjoy!
