Chole Masala Recipe (Indian Chickpea Curry) (2024)

Originally posted: . Last modified: by Anjali Lalani. This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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This easy Chole Masala recipe consists of chickpeas and tomatoes simmered with a mixture of ginger, garlic, jalapenos, onions, and Indian Spices. It’smy clean, healthy, and delicious perfected version of apopular North Indian dish!

Chole Masala Recipe (Indian Chickpea Curry) (1)

Growing up in an Indian household, we regularly ate Chole (as most of us have at some point or another). My Mom used to make it at least 2-3 timesa month, and we all loved it. She had a few different versions she’d make depending on the amount of time she had for cooking, and they had their unique taste. One was made using more fresh tomatoes and semi-dry and another had tomato sauce based gravy. Either way, it was always delicious!She’d serve it with homemade Bhatura or Puri (fried Indian bread), rice,or fresh roti.

All About Chole (Indian Chickpea Curry)

For those of you that have no idea what Chole is or have never heard of it before, it basically refers to a curried vegetable dish made from chickpeas. Chickpeas in general are very versatile, hearty, and a great ingredient to use in vegan dishes.

This dish isalso widely known as Chana Masala because of the various Indian spices. Itoriginated in North Indian and has become a popular favorite. It’s on most menus at large gatherings, weddings, festivals, and celebrations because it’s fairly easy to make large amounts and a general favorite.

The basic recipe of Chole consists of chickpeas and tomatoes simmered with a mixture of ginger, garlic, jalapenos, onions, and Indian spices. But over the years, I’ve come to realize that there are so many different regional variations of the dish. No one household or restaurant these days makes the exact same tasting chole masala recipe. They vary in consistency and have slightly different combination of spices and cooking method that results in a variety of tastes, textures, flavors, and even colors.

While I’m generally not that picky and enjoy most chole masala recipe variations, over the years, I’ve found myself always craving this home-made delicious fresh version over any other.

Chole Masala Recipe (Indian Chickpea Curry) (2)

My Chole Masala Recipe

If you recall, I originally developed my popular Cauliflower Tikka Masala recipe because I wanted a healthier, vegan, clean version that was just as rich, creamy, and as bold in flavor as the one found in restaurants. Well who knew that easy recipe would turn into one of my most popular dishes on the blog! Similarly, I’ve always gravitated to this chole masala recipe overany restaurant-version I’ve experienced. Unlike the Cauliflower Tikka Masala recipe, Chole is typically a vegan dish as is unless they decide to add some ghee or butter to the mix (which doesn’t happen often).

So why do I prefer this particular chickpea curry recipe I’m sharing with you today over others?

  • It’s healthier and not filled with oil
  • There’s no store-bought ‘chole masala’ spice mixes used (never been a huge fan of these and they are spicy and my kids can’t handle the heat)
  • It’sthicker and chunkier in texture (as opposed to thin gravy)
  • It has a fresh and bold flavorprofile

So if you’re looking to re-create a restaurant favorite dish at home, trying to find another great chickpea recipe,or looking for a healthy filling complete family-friendly dish to add to your weekly meal rotation, try this Chole Masala Recipe (otherwise known as Indian Chickpea Curry recipe)! It’s easy, gluten-free, and freezes well for those long days where you only have energy to pull something out of the freezer. If you try it out, be sure to tag me on Instagram, both #vegetariangastronomy @vegetariangastronomy. I love sharing your re-makes on Fridays!

If you need a few more easy Indian recipes, check out my Easy Curried Okra, Curried Black Lentil (Urad) Soup, and thisRoasted Smoky Eggplant Curry.

Chole Masala Recipe (Indian Chickpea Curry) (3)

Chole Masala Recipe (Indian Chickpea Curry) (4)

Chole Masala Recipe (Indian Chickpea Curry) (5)

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4.50 from 2 votes

Chole Masala Recipe (Indian Chickpea Curry)

This easy Chole Masala recipe consists of chickpeas and tomatoes simmered with a mixture of ginger, garlic, jalapenos, onions, and Indian Spices! It's my clean, healthy, and delicious perfected version of a popular North Indian dish!

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time25 minutes mins

Total Time35 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Gluten-Free, Indian, Vegan

Keyword: chole recipe, indian chickpea curry

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 167kcal

Author: Anjali Lalani

INGREDIENTS

  • 28 ounces canned chickpeas , rinsed and drained
  • 1 tbsp cooking oil , grapeseed
  • 1/2 teasp black mustard seeds
  • 1.5 cups onions , red or white
  • 1 inch fresh ginger , finely grated
  • 8 cloves garlic , finely minced
  • 1/2 jalapeno , finely chopped (optional)
  • 2.5 cups red vine tomatoes , finely chopped (6-8)
  • 1/2 teasp ground turmeric
  • 1/2 teasp roasted ground cumin , or more garam masala
  • 1 teasp salt
  • 1.5 teasp ground cumin
  • 3/4 teasp raw sugar
  • 1/2 teasp garam masala
  • 1 teasp lemon juice , freshly squeezed
  • 1/3 cup cilantro , freshly chopped

For Garnish:

  • onions , finely chopped
  • jalapenos , finely chopped
  • lemon , sliced

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Heat the cooking oil in a large non-stick pot or pan on medium heat.

  • Add the black mustard seeds and let them fry for 20-30 seconds.

  • Mix in the garlic, ginger, onion, and jalapenos (if using) and saute until the onions start to become translucent, mixing frequently.

  • Mix in the chopped tomatoes, roasted cumin, turmeric, and salt.

  • Cover and cook until the tomatoes soften (5-10 minutes), mixing frequently.

  • Mix in the cooked chickpeas, ground cumin, sugar, garam masala, and lemon juice.

  • Cover and allow everything to cook together for another 5-10 minutes until the chickpeas soften and absorb the flavors. Mix frequently.

  • Open the cover, and mash about half the chickpeas using a masher (or your fork).

  • Mix and allow the chole to cook, uncovered on medium heat, until the dish slightly reduces (the water evaporates and the dish thickens).

  • Taste and adjust with additional lemon juice, salt, sugar, and/or garam masala. (see notes below)

  • Add in the freshly chopped cilantro and mix once more. Turn off the heat.

  • Serve hot with some cooked rice, quinoa, tortilla, roti, or naan.Garnish with some raw onions, jalapenos, and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.

NOTES

There are many different types of garam masala (i.e. some are stronger than others). Some are store bought and some are made at home, so depending on the flavor and how sweet your tomatoes are, you may need to adjust the amount of salt, lemon juice, sugar, and garam masala at the end.

I like to use a combination of roasted ground cumin and garam masala because I lovethe flavor of the roasted cumin in this dish. But you can also sub out the roasted ground cumin for garam masala.

For kids/toddlers, omit the jalapenos if they can't handle heat. Also, depending on the type of garam masala, some are stronger than others and spicy, so you can sub it out for roasted ground cumin if you prefer.

NUTRITION

Calories: 167kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 5g | Sodium: 759mg | Potassium: 273mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 90IU | Vitamin C: 6.2mg | Calcium: 67mg | Iron: 2.2mg

Did you Make this Recipe ?Mention @VegetarianGastronomy or tag #vegetariangastronomy!

Nutrition Facts

Chole Masala Recipe (Indian Chickpea Curry)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 167Calories from Fat 45

% Daily Value*

Fat 5g8%

Sodium 759mg33%

Potassium 273mg8%

Carbohydrates 24g8%

Fiber 6g25%

Sugar 2g2%

Protein 7g14%

Vitamin A 90IU2%

Vitamin C 6.2mg8%

Calcium 67mg7%

Iron 2.2mg12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Chole Masala Recipe (Indian Chickpea Curry) (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between chole masala and channa masala? ›

Chana Masala goes by many names: Channa masala, chole masala, chole, cholle. They are all the same dish. It is usually made with the more common, light-colored chickpea, as opposed to black chickpea, kala chana.

How to make chole with chickpeas? ›

Pulse tomatoes in the food processor until finely chopped. Add to the pan along with salt. Reduce heat to maintain a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 minutes. Add chickpeas and garam masala, reduce heat to a gentle simmer, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes more.

What is the difference between chole and chickpeas? ›

What is the difference between Chana and Chole? Generally speaking, both the terms Chana and chole mean chickpeas. Chana is a Hindi word and Chole is a Punjabi word & both mean the same. But chana masala is any Indian chickpea curry and chole masala is a dish made in Punjabi style with specific spices.

What is the difference between Pindi Chole and chole masala? ›

Pindi chole originates from Punjab, in a town called Rawalpindi. What distinguishes it from other versions of chole or chana masala is it does not use onion, garlic, or tomato. I know, I know, why would you omit ingredients that give food its aroma? Well, pindi chole highlights flavors from other ingredients.

What's the difference between chickpea tikka masala and chickpea masala? ›

The Key Differences:

Another key difference is in the preparation method. Chana masala is typically simmered on the stove until the chickpeas are tender. In contrast, tikka masala involves marinating and grilling the meat before adding it to the sauce. In terms of flavor, chana masala has a mild, earthy flavor.

Is chickpeas the same as Channa? ›

The chickpea or chick pea (Cicer arietinum) is an annual legume of the family Fabaceae, subfamily Faboideae. Its different types are variously known as gram or Bengal gram, chhana, chana, or channa, garbanzo or garbanzo bean, or Egyptian pea.

How long to soak chole before cooking? ›

Soak your chickpeas overnight (8 to 12 hours). They'll be plump and ready to cook in the morning. Quick Soak: Need chickpeas fast? Rinse the beans, bring them to a boil in a pot of water, then turn off the heat.

Why do you soak chickpeas before cooking? ›

No, you don't have to soak your chickpeas before cooking . . . but it makes the beans cook much faster. It can take up to twice the time if you don't soak them first. Also, soaking may help remove some of the phytic acid found in dry beans. Soaked beans also tend to plump up without splitting as they cook.

Why do you put baking soda in chickpeas? ›

They heat the mixture in a pot for a few minutes before adding water and cooking the chickpeas as usual. The alkaline environment created by the baking soda helps break down the pectin in the beans, softening the beans' skins so well that they disintegrate during cooking and are easily rinsed away.

What do Indian people call chickpeas? ›

Chole, a dish of spiced chickpeas (also called chana or chana masala!) originates in the Indian subcontinent but can be found wherever people from the subcontinent went and settled due to colonialism.

What are chickpeas called in India? ›

Chickpeas – also known as chana or chole in Hindi, or garbanzo beans in English – are a creamy, delicious legume that is used in many applications throughout the world. Some of the most popular dishes made with chickpeas are hummus, falafel and chana masala.

What is the English name for chole? ›

From Hindi छोले (chole, “chickpeas”).

Is rajma masala and chole masala same? ›

What is the difference between rajma masala and chole masala? The ingredients are very similar if not identical, along with many similar ones like chaat masala.

What is the benefit of chole masala? ›

Wonderful Benefits Of Eating Channa Masala
  • Helps in maintaining heart health. Chickpeas are rich in fibre and also have good quantities of potassium, vitamin B-6 and vitamin C. ...
  • Prevents cancer. Chickpeas is a wonder in itself. ...
  • Aids in digestion. ...
  • Helps in dealing with anemia.

Is chole masala good for weight loss? ›

A. Yes, consuming chana, may contribute to weight loss due to their high fibre and protein content and low-calorie count. Adding them to a weight loss diet may significantly decrease body weight, waist circumference, and other metabolic health indicators.

Is white chana and chole same? ›

Kabuli Chana is also known as chole or chhole. The desi varieties of chickpeas are small, angular seeds. Chickpeas is a versatile pulse and it is a good idea to stock some at all times. Use it with salads, chaats, subzis, pulaos, or in any other exciting creation.

What is the difference between chole and chana dal? ›

While you can make a dal out of any pulse, typically, the word “dal” only shows up in the name of a pulse if it is a split lentil. For example, chana dal = split chickpeas, whereas if I am referring to whole chickpeas, I would say chana or chole.

Is Kabuli chana and chole difference? ›

Kabuli chana refers to the specific variety of chickpeas characterized by its larger size and pale color. Chole, on the other hand, is a common term used in Indian cuisine to refer to various preparations of chickpeas, such as chole masala or chole curry.

What is chana masala made of? ›

Chana masala is a North Indian curried dish made with white chickpeas, onions, tomatoes, spices and herbs. 'Chana' is a Hindi word for 'Chickpeas' and 'Masala' here refers to a 'spiced gravy'. So Chana Masala is nothing but chickpeas simmered in a spicy onion tomato masala.

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