Are you craving a hearty, flavorful meal but want to avoid onion and garlic? This Chole recipe is the perfect solution! This delicious and healthy chickpea curry is surprisingly easy to make, even without those commonly used aromatics. It’s a fantastic option for quick dinner ideas, perfect for busy weeknights, and a great addition to your repertoire of homemade cooking recipes. Get ready to experience the rich, warming spices of this delicious dish – a true testament to the power of simple, flavorful ingredients!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried chickpeas (or 2 cans, 15 ounces each, drained and rinsed)
- 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable, canola, or coconut)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida (hing) – optional, but adds a unique flavor
- 1 inch ginger, finely grated
- 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 cup water or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish
- Fresh lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Chickpeas
If using dried chickpeas, soak them in water for at least 6 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse thoroughly. Pressure cook the chickpeas with 3 cups of water for 3-4 whistles or until tender. If using canned chickpeas, skip this step.
Step 2: Building the Flavor
Heat the oil in a pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them splutter for a few seconds. This releases their aroma and adds depth of flavor to the dish.
Step 3: Infusing the Spices
Add the grated ginger and green chilies (if using) and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and asafoetida (if using). Sauté for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Step 4: Combining the Ingredients
Add the cooked chickpeas, salt, and water (or broth) to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded.
Step 5: Serving the Chole
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice, roti, naan, or your favorite bread. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a bright, zesty touch.
Cooking Tips:
- For a smoother chole, you can partially mash some of the chickpeas before adding them to the sauce.
- Adjust the amount of chili powder according to your spice preference.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more water or broth to adjust the consistency.
- For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste along with the spices.
Variations:
- Spicy Chole: Increase the amount of red chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Creamy Chole: Stir in a dollop of plain yogurt or cream at the end of cooking for a creamy texture.
- Chole with Potatoes: Add 1-2 diced potatoes along with the chickpeas for a heartier dish.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 15-20g
- Fiber: 10-15g
This delicious Chole recipe offers a fantastic blend of flavors and textures, making it a perfect healthy meal option. Enjoy this easy recipe and the compliments that are sure to follow! It’s a true testament to how delicious and satisfying healthy food can be, even without onion and garlic. This quick dinner idea is a winner for both busy weeknights and special occasions. Try it and let us know your thoughts!