Kadhai Chole Recipe
An Aromatic, Spicy North Indian Chickpea Delight
Kadhai Chole is a delightful North Indian dish made by cooking boiled chickpeas with an assortment of vibrant spices, onions, and capsicum, all brought together in a generous helping of ghee. This flavorful, satisfying dish is perfect for lunch, whether you’re enjoying it at home or packing it in a lunchbox for a hearty meal on the go. With its rich combination of spices and textures, Kadhai Chole is sure to become a regular feature in your cooking repertoire.
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chickpeas (soaked overnight) | 1 cup |
| Onion, chopped | 2 medium |
| Capsicum (green), chopped | 1 |
| Garlic, finely chopped | 4 cloves |
| Ginger, finely chopped | 1-inch piece |
| Green chillies, chopped | 2 |
| Tomato, pureed | 1 |
| Cinnamon stick | 1 |
| Cloves | 3 |
| Bay leaf | 1 |
| Black cardamom | 1 |
| Coriander powder | 1 tsp |
| Cumin powder | ½ tsp |
| Kashmiri red chilli powder | 1 tsp |
| Dried mango powder (amchur) | ½ tsp |
| Garam masala powder | ½ tsp |
| Celery | ½ tsp |
| Ghee | 2 tbsp |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
40 minutes
Total Time
55 minutes
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chickpeas:
Begin by soaking the chickpeas in water for at least 6 hours or overnight. Once soaked, drain the water and place the chickpeas into a pressure cooker. Add 3 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Cook on medium heat for about 30 minutes or until the chickpeas are tender and cooked through. -
Sauté the Aromatics:
While the chickpeas are cooking, heat the ghee in a large pan or wok (kadhai). Once the ghee is hot, add the celery, chopped onions, ginger, garlic, and green chilies. Sauté the mixture until the onions become soft and translucent. Add the cinnamon stick, cloves, black cardamom, and bay leaf to infuse the ghee with their aromatic flavors. -
Cook the Vegetables:
Next, add the chopped capsicum to the pan. Cook it for a few minutes until it softens slightly, but still retains its vibrant color. This will give the dish a pleasant crunch and freshness. -
Add the Tomatoes and Spices:
Stir in the pureed tomato, followed by the coriander powder, cumin powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, dried mango powder (amchur), garam masala powder, and salt. Mix well to combine all the spices into the tomato base. Allow the mixture to cook for 5-6 minutes, until the oil begins to separate from the masala. -
Combine with Chickpeas:
Add the cooked chickpeas into the pan along with a little bit of the reserved cooking water from the chickpeas (if needed). Stir gently to coat the chickpeas in the rich, spicy sauce. Add a little more ghee to bring out the richness of the dish and cook for another 5 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together. -
Final Touch:
Once the chickpeas are thoroughly coated in the spices and the flavors are well combined, your Kadhai Chole is ready to serve!
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your delicious Kadhai Chole hot with Tawa Paratha or Jeera Rice. For a refreshing touch, pair it with Boondi Raita to balance the heat and add a cooling contrast. This hearty and flavorful dish makes for a perfect vegetarian lunch that’s both comforting and nutritious.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 250-300 kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 7g
Sodium: 400-500mg
Kadhai Chole is a satisfying and nutritious choice for those looking to enjoy a hearty meal packed with flavor and health benefits. The combination of spices, fresh vegetables, and chickpeas makes it a well-rounded dish that can be served as a main course or as part of a larger spread. Whether for a casual lunch or a more elaborate family gathering, this dish is sure to impress and delight.
