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Punjabi Breakfast Chole

Vegan Masala Recipe

Punjabi Breakfast Chole

Tender chickpeas in a rich, spiced tomato sauce, ready in under 30 minutes and ideal with puri, paratha or rice.

Recipe by How our recipes are created

Substantially updated 24 September 2026

25 minPrep: 5 minCook: 20 minServes 3PunjabiVegan

From the kitchen

What to expect

This breezy recipe for Punjabi chole captures the essence of home-cooked comfort, ready in a flash yet deeply satisfying.

Serving idea

Best served simply

Pair with puri or paratha, and a side of fresh cilantro for garnish.

Recipe-specific guidance

Why this method works

Tea gives Punjabi-style chole a deep colour without making the gravy taste sweet, while a final hot tempering restores vivid spice aroma. Simmering the chickpeas in the reduced tomato masala helps them absorb seasoning rather than sitting in a separate sauce.

Cues to watch for

  • •Remove the tea bag once the chickpea liquid is dark enough; never split it into the pot.
  • •Cook the tomato masala until thick, darker and showing oil at the edge.
  • •Pour the tempering over the finished chole while it is still audibly sizzling.

Useful substitutions

  • •Cooked dried chickpeas give the firmest texture; tinned chickpeas are quicker.
  • •Amchur supplies the characteristic dry acidity, with lemon as a final alternative.
  • •Reduce the fresh and dried chilli independently while keeping the other spices.

Storage and reheating

Chole often improves overnight. Refrigerate for up to three days and reheat with enough water to loosen the gravy, adding a fresh squeeze of lemon if needed.

Cook the recipe

Method

  1. 1

    In a large saucepan, add 1 can of drained and rinsed chickpeas, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp salt, 1 tea bag, and 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes until the chickpeas are tender.

  2. 2

    While the chickpeas are cooking, prepare the onion, green chili, and other spices so they are ready to use.

  3. 3

    In a large non-stick wok or saucepan, heat 2 tbsp oil over medium heat, then add 1 bay leaf, 2 cardamom pods, 1-inch cinnamon stick, and 1 tsp whole cumin seeds. Fry for 1-2 minutes until the spices start to sputter.

  4. 4

    Add the finely chopped onion and cook until golden brown, about 10-15 minutes.

  5. 5

    Stir in the grated ginger, minced garlic, and diced green chili, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until aromatic.

  6. 6

    Add the curry spices: ½ tsp kasuri methi, ¼ tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp coriander powder, ½ tsp cumin powder, ½ tsp garam masala, and 1 tsp aamchur. Allow the spices to cook for about 1 minute.

  7. 7

    Incorporate 1½ cups of crushed tomatoes, cooking on medium-low heat while stirring regularly until the tomatoes break down and some liquid evaporates, about 5-7 minutes.

  8. 8

    Remove the tea bag from the chickpeas and then add the chickpeas with their cooking water to the tomato mixture. Stir well, bring to a gentle boil, and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes. Adjust the seasoning and add more water if a thinner consistency is desired.

  9. 9

    In a small frying pan, heat 3 tbsp oil for tempering. Once hot, add 2 dried red chilies, ¼ tsp turmeric powder, ¼ tsp garam masala, and optional ¼ tsp red chili powder. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.

  10. 10

    Drizzle the tempering oil over the hot chole just before serving.

A few useful notes

Notes

  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture.
  • For a thicker curry, simmer for longer to let some liquid evaporate. Consider adjusting the spices based on your heat preference.

Gather everything first

Ingredients

  • 1 can chickpeas (approx. 340g), drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tea bag (orange pekoe or black tea is best)
  • 3 cups water
  • 2 tbsp oil, for cooking onions
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp ginger, grated
  • 1 tsp garlic, minced
  • 1 green chili, diced
  • 1½ cup crushed tomatoes (from a can or blended fresh tomatoes)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 cardamom pods
  • 1-inch cinnamon stick
  • 1 tsp whole cumin seeds
  • ½ tsp kasuri methi
  • ¼ tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • ½ tsp cumin powder
  • ½ tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp aamchur
  • ¼ tsp salt (or to taste)
  • 3 tbsp oil, for tempering
  • 2 whole dried red chilies
  • ¼ tsp turmeric powder (for tempering)
  • ¼ tsp garam masala (for tempering)
  • ¼ tsp red chili powder (optional, for tempering)

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