Chole Curry

Chole is also known as Chickpeas, which is part of the diverse legume family.  Among all the types of legumes, chickpeas are the most popular beans being used on wide range of dishes all around the Globe. The dishes prepared out of Chickpeas are very delicious such as Hummus & Falafels in Middle East and Chole Curries in Indian Subcontinents. They can also be used in Salad with having numerous health benefits.

Health Benefits:

Chickpeas are an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble dietary fiber. Soluble fibers help to reduce and maintain the cholesterol level in the body and insoluble fibers promotes the digestive health. Together with fiber, they contain significant amounts of folate and magnesium. These two nutrients offer protection against cardiovascular diseases. Chickpeas are also rich source of calcium, which helps to strengthen our bones.

Ingredients:

·         Chole (Chickpea) – 2 Cup

·         Onion – 2 (Medium)

·         Ginger Paste – 1 tbsp

·         Garlic Paste – 1 tbsp

·         Green Chilly – 1

·         Tomato  Puree– 3-4 (Medium)

·         Bay Leaf (Tejpatta) – 1

·         Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) – 1

·         Cumin Powder – ½ tsp

·         Red Chili Powder – 1 tsp

·         Turmeric Powder – ¼ tsp

·         Chole Masala – 1 ½  tsp

·         Salt as per taste

·         Cooking Oil – 2-3 tbsp

·         Ginger  and Green Chilly Juliens – For Garnishing

Tips:

Once Choles are boiled, store the water as it can be used for Gravy.

Preparing Method:

Ø  Soak Chole overnight with sufficient water before cooking it.

Ø  Boil Chole in a Pressure Cooker till 4-5 whistles.

Ø  Cut & Grind Onion with Green chilly to make a fine paste.

Ø  Heat Oil in a Pan; add Bay Leaf; Cinnamon Stick and sauté for 15 secs in medium flame.

Ø  Add Onion-Green Chili Paste and fry till it turns light brown.

Ø  Add Garlic Paste, Ginger Paste and cook till its raw smell goes off.

Ø  Add Tomato Puree and cook till the mixture gets separated from Oil.

Ø  Add Cumin Powder, Red Chili Powder, Chole Masala, Salt and sauté for 2 mins.

Ø  Then place the boiled Choles and cook for 5-7 mins by covering the lid.

Ø  Finally add boiled water of Chole and cook for 10 mins till the gravy is thickened.

Ø  Now the dish is ready. Garnish “Chole” with Ginger and Green Chilly Juliens.

Chole is well served with Steamed Rice, Roti, Paratha, Puri and Bhature.