Masala Chola

Masala Chola step by step instructions:

There are many ways in which chola can be prepared and trust me I just love tasting each of it. I generally add poppy seeds to the gravy. It gives a lovely texture and flavor to the gravy.
Chola are best had with bhatura. But if you are not in a mood of making bhatura you can make whole wheat flour puris (recipe here) or plain parathas also. They also taste wonderful.

Do check my “Chola Palak” recipe also. Palak is added to the regular masala chola to give it wonderful taste and flavor.

Let us start cooking!!!

Ingredients:
Chickpeas (Chola): ¼ cup (50 gms, soaked in water for 7-8 hours)
Tomato: 1 big (125 gms)
Onion: 1 medium (70 gms)
Garlic clove: 1
Ginger: a small piece
Curry leaves: 4-5
Oil: 1 tbsp
Asafetida: 1 pinch
Mustard seeds: ¼ tsp
Cumin seeds: ½ tsp
Poppy seeds (khuskhus): 1 tsp
Red chili powder: ¼ tsp
Turmeric powder: ¼ tsp
Coriander powder: 1 tsp
Chola masala: 1 ½ tsp
Chaat masala: ½ tsp
Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves): ½ tsp
Water: 2 cups
Coriander leaves: 1 tbsp (finely chopped)
Salt as per taste

Method:
1. Boil the chickpeas with 1 cup water and salt in a pressure cooker for about 20 minutes or for 8-10 whistles. Switch off the flame and let the pressure release by itself.

2. Grind together onion, garlic, poppy seeds, curry leaves, and ginger.

3. In a pan heat oil. Add asafetida and mustard seeds. Let the seeds crackle. Add cumin seeds.
4. Add the onion paste. Mix well. Stir continuously until the raw smell of onion has gone.
5. Grind the tomato.

6. Add red chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and chola masala. Mix well.
7. Add the tomato paste. Mix well. Cook until oil is released from the tomatoes.

8. Add the boiled chickpeas and water and cook for other 10-15 minutes. Add chaat masala and kasuri methi. Mix well.

9. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot with bhatura, puri, paratha etc.
10. Yummy “Masala Chola” is ready!

Tips:
1. Always boil the chola with salt. It aids in faster cooking and makes the chola tastier.
2. If you want you can skip adding poppy seeds. But trust me it gives a very good flavor to the gravy.
3. The quantity of water can be adjusted as per one's choice depending on how much gravy you want.

See you soon with a new recipe till then Happy Cooking!!!