Chole Pindi Recipe: A Flavorful North Indian Delight
Chole Pindi is a popular dish from North India, known for its tangy and spicy flavor that comes from the perfect blend of spices and ingredients. It features chickpeas, also known as Kabuli Chana or Kala Chana, which are cooked in a delightful combination of spices, ginger, and lemon, giving it a deliciously bold taste. Whether you choose to use white chickpeas or black chickpeas, this dish is packed with flavor and nutrition. It’s the perfect vegetarian option for lunch, and can also be packed for your lunch box.
This vibrant dish is often enjoyed with Bhindi Raita (Okra Yogurt), Besan Aur Mirch ki Sabzi (Chickpea Flour and Chilli Curry), and Phulkas (Indian flatbread), making for a wholesome meal that’s both fulfilling and flavorful.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chickpeas (Kabuli Chana or Kala Chana) | 1 cup, soaked overnight |
| Cardamoms | 2 |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Cinnamon stick | 1 |
| Ginger | 1-inch, finely chopped (for garnish) |
| Green chillies | 2, thinly sliced |
| Tomato puree | 1/2 cup |
| Turmeric powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Pomegranate powder | 1 tsp |
| Coriander powder | 1 tsp |
| Garam masala powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Dried mango powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Red chilli powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Oil or ghee | As per requirement |
| Salt | To taste |
| For garnish | Ginger (1-inch, thinly sliced), Lemon (chopped) |
Preparation Time
500 minutes (soaking time for chickpeas)
Cooking Time
120 minutes
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chickpeas
Start by soaking the chickpeas (Kabuli Chana or Kala Chana) overnight in plenty of water. Once soaked, rinse them thoroughly and place them in a pressure cooker. Add water and salt as per your taste. Close the lid and cook for about 5 whistles. Allow the pressure to release naturally. Once done, keep the cooked chickpeas aside. -
Spice Preparation
Heat oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, green chillies, and cinnamon stick. Sauté the ingredients until the onion turns translucent and soft. Add the thinly sliced ginger and cook for a minute, releasing its aroma. -
Spices and Tomato Mixture
To the pan, add the tomato puree, turmeric powder, pomegranate powder, coriander powder, garam masala powder, dried mango powder, and red chilli powder. Stir everything well and let the mixture cook until the tomatoes are well-cooked, and the oil starts to separate from the masala (spice mixture). -
Combine Chickpeas
Once the masala is cooked, add the pressure-cooked chickpeas to the pan and mix well. Let it cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and the chickpeas to absorb the spices. -
Garnishing
Once the dish is cooked, turn off the gas. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Add thinly sliced ginger and chopped lemon on top for an extra burst of freshness. -
Serve
Your Chole Pindi is ready to serve! This flavorful dish pairs wonderfully with Bhindi Raita, Besan Aur Mirch ki Sabzi, and soft Phulkas for a satisfying North Indian meal. It’s also a great option for packing in your lunch box for a fulfilling and tasty meal on the go.
Tips for Perfect Chole Pindi:
- You can adjust the spice levels by adding more or less green chillies and red chilli powder according to your preference.
- If you prefer a richer taste, you can cook the dish with ghee instead of oil.
- For an extra tangy twist, squeeze a bit more lemon juice just before serving.
- Soaking the chickpeas overnight ensures they cook faster and more evenly, enhancing the texture of the dish.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~150 kcal |
| Protein | ~8 g |
| Fat | ~5 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~20 g |
| Fiber | ~6 g |
| Sugar | ~2 g |
| Sodium | ~300 mg |
| Vitamin C | ~10 mg |
| Iron | ~2 mg |
Conclusion
Chole Pindi is a delicious and nutritious dish that brings the authentic flavors of North India straight to your table. With its perfect blend of spices, chickpeas, and tangy lemon, this dish makes for an ideal lunch choice and is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re serving it to family, taking it to work, or simply enjoying it on a lazy afternoon, Chole Pindi is bound to become one of your favorite go-to meals.
