Chole Recipe (Punjabi Chole Masala)

Name: Chole Recipe (Punjabi Chole Masala)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 2 cups chickpeas (raw, to be soaked overnight); 2 bay leaves; 5-6 green cardamom pods; 1 inch cinnamon stick; 4-5 black peppercorn; 2 black tea bags (for dark color of chole); 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste); 5 cups water; 1 & ½ tablespoons oil (use any oil of choice, I used avocado oil); 2 whole cloves; ¾ cup grated onions (or very finely chopped); 2 teaspoons ginger garlic paste; 2 & ½ cups pureed tomatoes (from 4 medium tomatoes); 3 teaspoons chole masala powder (homemade (recipe above) or store-bought); ½ teaspoon red chili powder (or to taste, use Kashmiri red chili powder for less heat); ½ teaspoon paprika powder; ¾ teaspoon cumin powder; ½ salt (adjust to taste); 1 tablespoon ghee; 1 inch ginger (cut into julienne); ¼ teaspoon garam masala; ½ tablespoon crushed kasuri methi (also known as dried fenugreek leaves); 2 tablespoons cilantro (chopped)

Instructions

Prep:15minCook:1h

Chole Masala is a popular North Indian curry made with chickpeas and a lot of spices including a special spice mix. This Punjabi chole is best enjoyed with rice, bhatura or parathas!

Updated at: Fri, 04 Sep 2026 00:22:27 GMT