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    Home » Recipes » Chickpea Recipes

    Chole Masala Recipe (Pakistani) - Chikar Cholay

    Published: Jun 22, 2018 · Modified: Aug 24, 2024 by Hinz

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    Here is quick and easy chole masala recipe, known locally as Lahori Chikar Cholay. It's made with cooked chickpeas, garam masala, and a blend of spices. This dish is a beloved choice in Pakistani street food and is commonly paired with halwa poori, naan, or paratha.

    chole masala recipe - lahori chole
    Jump to:
    • Chole Masala Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • How to Make Chole Masala Recipe
    • Recipe Video
    • What goes well with chole masala
    • Q & A
    • Pakistani Street Food Ideas
    • Chole Masala Recipe (Pakistani Chikar Cholay)

    Chole Masala Recipe

    This is a well-known recipe for Lahori street food from Pakistan. Chole masala, or chikar chole, is a beloved choice for breakfast or lunch, especially on weekends. There are countless variations of this dish, as everyone has their own unique way of preparing it. I aimed to create a simple version that captures the authentic street food flavor.

    This delightful chickpea masala or chikkar cholay is perfect for any meal—breakfast, lunch, or dinner—and pairs wonderfully with poori, naan, roti, or paratha.

    I have fond memories of my mother making chole masala for special occasions like Eid and Ramadan Iftar. It’s a dish we all adore for its delicious and mouthwatering taste. While many people have their own take on chole masala, the true essence of the dish shines through when it's made in the traditional Lahori style.

    There are numerous renowned spots in the Subcontinent where you can enjoy scrumptious chole masala. After trying various places, I discovered the authentic flavor in 'Pindi' Pakistan.

    The street food chefs truly know the secret to making chole masala, and I sought out their recipe to share with you.

    Ingredients

    Onion garlic-ginger paste: make a paste of onion, ginger and garlic with water in blender.
    Oil: Use vegetable or canola oil. Ghee is also a good choice for desi people.
    Cumin Seeds: It will add a nutty flavor in gravy.
    Spices: Used salt, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and coriander powder,
    Yogurt: Will add a sour taste and creamy texture in chole masala.
    Chickpeas: - Used 2 Cups of boiled chickpeas. Here is the step by step method to boil chickpeas on stove.
    Chicken Stock: Enhance the taste of chole masala. Substitute is water.
    Special Seasoning: Use the combination of black pepper, black salt, and garam masala powder.
    Baking Soda: A pinch of soda bicarbonate will help to create a mushy texture of chole masala.
    For Garnishing: Julianne ginger and green chilies.

    How to Make Chole Masala Recipe

    Blend onion, ginger, and garlic together until you have a smooth paste.

    Heat some oil in a pan, then add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds until they release their aroma.

    Next, add the onion, ginger, and garlic paste, sautéing it for a few minutes. Season the mixture with red chili powder, turmeric, and coriander, stirring well to eliminate the raw taste of the spices.

    Then, incorporate yogurt and mix until a flavorful masala forms. As the gravy thickens, add in your boiled chickpeas (check how to boil dried chickpeas). Gently stir and pour in 300 ml of water or chicken stock (broth) to achieve a slightly thinner consistency.

    Sprinkle in black salt, black pepper, and garam masala powder, then cover the pan with a lid.

    To help the chickpeas blend with the gravy, add a pinch of baking soda. Let it cook for about 25 minutes. After that time, remove the lid to find the oil floating on top, indicating it's ready to serve.

    Top it off with sliced ginger and green chilies. Enjoy it with tandoori roti or paratha.

    punjabi chole masala recipe
    Lahori Chole

    Recipe Video

    If you're trying this recipe for the first time, let me tell you that it's a delicious chickpea gravy made with local spices. It boasts a rich dark brown color and a shiny appearance that makes it really appealing. While some folks opt for chole masala powder, I decided to keep it straightforward by using individual spices, making it easier for you to recreate this dish at home.

    Cooking time: 30 mins (with cooked Chickpeas) |
    Difficulty: Beginners | Language: Urdu/Hindi | Watch Time: 4:24

    What goes well with chole masala

    Many ideas floats when it comes to serve chole masala. It goes well with poori/bhatura, paratha and tandoori roti. Basmati rice also makes a perfect combo with raita and veg salad.

    Q & A

    What is the difference between chole masala and chana masala?

    Chole masala and chana masala refer to the same dish, differing only in regional nomenclature. In Punjab, this dish is commonly referred to as chole masala or Pindi chole, while the term chole is predominantly used in India and Pakistan to describe it.

    May I use store-bought chickpeas to make chikkar chole?

    Yes, you can! properly rinse the chickpeas before use and drain the canned water.

    How to thicken the gravy of chole masala?

    Add a small amount of baking soda to achieve a softer texture in the chickpeas. Alternatively, you may blend the boiled chickpeas for use in a curry. In this scenario, it is advisable to incorporate additional oil during the cooking process; otherwise, the curry may appear bland in texture.

    Here are more chickpeas recipes to try:

    • Chickpeas curry without coconut milk
    • Chana pulao
    • Chana biryani
    • Crunchy chickpeas
    • Sautéed chickpeas
    • Chickpea salad
    • Kala chana chaat

    Pakistani Street Food Ideas

    • mutton kadai recipe - mutton karahi
      Mutton Karahi - Lahori Lamb/Mutton Kadai Gosht
    • keema naan
      Pakistani Keema Naan Recipe
    • lahori chicken chargha
      Lahori Chicken Chargha
    • chicken karahi recipe
      Chicken Karahi Recipe (Authentic Lahori Street Style)

    If you're excited to make this Chole masala recipe, be sure to Rate the Recipe by clicking on the stars! Feel free to drop any questions you have in the comment section—I’m here to help you have a great experience. I’d also love to see your recipe photos, so don’t hesitate to share them with me and I love to post on my Instagram.

    chole masala recipe - lahori chole
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    5 from 1 vote

    Chole Masala Recipe (Pakistani Chikar Cholay)

    Here is quick and easy chole masala recipe, known locally as Lahori Chikar Cholay. It's made with cooked chickpeas, garam masala, and a blend of spices. This dish is a beloved choice in Pakistani street food and is commonly paired with halwa poori, naan, or paratha.
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Indian, Pakistani
    Keyword chikkar cholay, chole masala recipe, lahori chole
    Prep Time 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time 45 minutes minutes
    Servings 4 Persons
    Calories 348kcal
    Author Hinz

    Ingredients

    • 1 tablespoon Onion + Ginger + Garlic Paste
    • 1 tablespoon Oil
    • 1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds
    • Salt to taste
    • 1 ts[ Red chili powder
    • 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
    • 1 teaspoon Coriander powder
    • 1 cup Yogurt
    • 2 cups Chickpeas cooked/boiled
    • 2 cups Chicken Stock
    • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
    • ½ teaspoon Black Salt
    • 1 teaspoon Garam Masala Powder
    • ¼ teaspoon Baking Soda
    • Julianne ginger & Green Chilies For Garnishing

    Instructions

    • Blend onion, ginger, and garlic together to create a thick paste.
    • Heat some oil in a pan. Once hot, toss in cumin seeds and sauté for a few seconds.
    • Next, add the onion, ginger, and garlic paste to the oil and stir well. Incorporate additional spices, including red chili powder, turmeric, and coriander, stirring until the raw flavors are cooked out. If needed, add a splash of water to prevent the spices from burning.
    • Mix in yogurt and continue stirring until the masala is well combined.
    • When the gravy thickens and the masala is ready, gently fold in the boiled chickpeas.
    • Pour in 300 ml of chicken stock (broth) or water to achieve a slightly thinner gravy.
    • To help the chickpeas blend with the gravy, add a pinch of baking soda.
    • Sprinkle a pinch of baking soda. This step will help to tenderize the chickpeas and make a creamy and soft texture.
    • Cover the pan and simmer the curry for 25 minutes.
    • Finally, garnish with sliced ginger and green chilies, and serve alongside tandoor roti or paratha.

    Video

    Notes

    • For best results, opt for home-cooked chickpeas.
    • Using organic chickpeas significantly boosts the flavor. These are known as Ceci Piccoli (Small Chickpea or desi cholay).
    • To achieve the soft and creamy texture in chana masala, add a small pinch of baking soda. This trick will help you replicate the delightful texture of chole masala found in street food.
    • The right amount of black pepper powder and spices is essential for creating the distinctive color of chikkar cholay.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 100g | Calories: 348kcal

    More Chickpea Recipes

    • sauteed chickpeas
      Sautéed Chickpeas (How To Saute Chickpeas)
    • chickpea curry without coconut milk famous chana makhani in a rounder dish. White background
      Chickpea Curry Without Coconut Milk (Chana Makhani)
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      How to Cook Chickpeas on Stove
    • aloo chana chaat recipe pakistani
      Aloo Chana Chaat Recipe Pakistani

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