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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

25 minPrep: 5 minCook: 20 minServes 3PunjabiVegan
dairy freegluten freeVeganVegetarian

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.

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.

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)

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.

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