Chickpea Curry Recipe
Article By: Prabhati
Chickpea curry, a staple in many cuisines around the world, is a hearty and flavorful dish known for its robust combination of spices and tender chickpeas. Commonly prepared with a base of onions, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes, it offers a delightful balance of savory and tangy flavors. The chickpeas, soaked and cooked until tender, absorb the aromatic spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder, creating a fragrant and satisfying curry. Often garnished with fresh cilantro and served with rice or naan, chickpea curry is a comforting dish enjoyed for its wholesome ingredients and cultural richness. Learn the easy recipe .
Ingredients
- Onion : 3 large, thinly sliced.
- Tomatoes : 2 big ones
- Ginger paste : 1 tbsp
- Garlic paste: 2 tbsp
- Vegetable oil or canola oil: 2 tbsp
- Bay leaves: 2
- Cloves : 5-6 pcs
- Green cardamom : 3-4 t
- Pepper : 5-6 t
- Cumin powder: 1 tsp
- Coriander powder: 2 tsp
- Red Chilli Powder : 1/2 tsp
- Turmeric: 1/4 tsp
- Garam Masala : 2 tsp
- Can chickpeas : 100 gm
- Kosher salt: To taste
- Water : As per quantity (for making gravy)
- Ginger : 1 slice julienne
- Coriander: 2 tbsp fresh
Method
- First gather the ingredients together.
- Make a paste of chopped onions, tomatoes, ginger and garlic.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Then add bay leaves, cloves, cardamom, peppercorns to this hot oil and keep sauteing till it turns slightly dark, lightly fragrant.
- Next add the rest of the chopped onions and fry until light golden.
- Add the onion-tomato paste prepared earlier, cook till the oil starts separating from the paste.
- Next add cumin seeds, coriander, red chillies, turmeric, garam masala and stir for 5 minutes.
- Wash the chickpeas well in water and drain
- Now pour the chickpeas in the masala and mix well with the masala.
- Add about 1/2 cup hot water to make gravy and keep stirring with salt to taste.
- Then cover with a lid and let it cook for 10 minutes.
- If some chickpeas are thick then mash with flat spoon or potato masher and mix everything well. This is how Chhole (Chickpea Curry) is prepared.
- When Chhole (Chickpea Curry) is ready, garnish with ginger, finely chopped fresh coriander leaves. Also, a lemon and a handful of finely chopped onion can be used as garnish, which adds more flavor.
Conclusion
Chickpea curry exemplifies the diversity and depth of flavors found in global cuisine. Its aromatic spices, tender chickpeas, and harmonious blend of ingredients make it a beloved choice for vegetarians and curry enthusiasts alike. Whether enjoyed as a main dish or part of a larger meal, chickpea curry continues to captivate with its comforting warmth and delicious complexity, proving itself as a timeless culinary delight.