Special Chole - No Onion No garlic

Chole is a predominantly Punjabi dish whose main ingredients are Chickpeas, onions, garlic, and tomatoes. It is usually served with a fried Indian Bread called Bhatura. Chole has become a common name even in South Indian households. I for one have been having chole since I don’t know when, though rarely with Bhaturae. They taste good with any Indian bread, like rotis or parathas. They can be served even with rice.

To me chole always meant onions and garlic. I never imagined preparing it without its two main ingredients. Now, while browsing through Deeksha’s space, who is my blog hop partner for this month, I saw the recipe for Special Chole. While going through the recipe, I realised that the ingredient list does not include onion or garlic. Since my Mil, does not take onions on most days, I thought this would be the perfect thing to try.

Believe me; I did not miss the taste of onions or garlic, the chole turned out to be as tasty as ever. We had it for dinner with some phulkas.

Serves – 4

What you’ll need

1. Brown Chickpeas – 1 cup, soaked overnight
2. Potato – 1 (optional)
3. Tomato – 4 big, ripe
4. Ginger – 1 inch piece
5. Green Chilli – 1, slit
6. Turmeric Powder – ½ tsp
7. Red Chilli Powder – 1 tsp (adjust according to taste)
8. Coriander Powder – 1 ½ tsp
9. Garam Masala – ½ tsp
10. Chana Masala – ½ tsp
11. Cumin Seeds – ½ tsp
12. Cloves – 2
13. Cardamom – 2
14. Cinnamon – 1 small piece
15. Bay Leaf - 1
16. Ghee/Clarified Butter – 1 tbsp
17. Fresh Coriander Leaves – few sprigs, for garnishing

Method                     

1. Wash the soaked chickpeas in one or two exchanges of water.
2. Pressure cook the soaked chickpeas and the potato for 3 to 4 whistles.
3. Grind the tomatoes and ginger into a smooth paste.
4. Heat a Kadai with Ghee, add cumin seeds, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon and bay leaf.
5. Next add the tomato ginger paste, turmeric powder and sauté  for 6 to 8 minutes or till the ghee separates out.
6. Now add the spice powders, chilly powder, coriander powder, garam masala and chana masalas.
7. Fry for another minute or two.
8. Now add the cooked chickpeas and boiled cubed potatoes. Add salt and mix well.
9. Add about 1 ½ cups of water and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

Delicious chole is ready. Serve hot with any Indian Bread.

Linking this to Blog Hop Wednesday