Chole Masala (Spicy Garbanzo beans)

Eating hot Chole with Roti/Chapathi is the best meal one can have a cold winter or rainy days. It is a delicacy through out India and is the favorite amongst Roti lovers.. Also, the most protein rich  vegetable one can have.

Badshah's Punjabi chole ka masala, remains our signature spice mix for Chole masala since late 90's. My husband follows the recipe as given in the back of the pack. However, since I like to make things simple, I use my own way of making it (the quick and dirty way).

Punjabi Chole 
Ingredients
2 cans (1000 g) cooked Garbanzo beans (Kabuli Chana)
2-3 Tbsp refined oil
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp mustard seeds
1-2 onions finely chopped
1 tsp chopped ginger
2-3 cloves garlic 
1/2 kg Tomatoes - 4-5 medium
1 bunch cilantro for garnish
1 Potato (cooked)
2-3 Tbsp Punjabi Chole Ka Masala powder
 Here is a link to the recipe to make the Masala powder 
http://www.indiankhana.net/2013/03/punjabi-chole-masala-powder-recipe.html

1cup water (you can use water from cooked garbanzo beans)
1 tsp Turmeric and salt to taste

Directions
Soak the Garbanzo beans overnight and cook it pressure cooker with potatoes and salt for 4-5 whistles. Alternative is to get cans of cooked Garbanzo beans (Del Monte). Heat the oil, add the cumin and mustard seeds, once mustard sputter, add the onions, garlic, and ginger and saute until light brown. Add the tomatoes and cook until tender (5-10 min). Add the masala powder and mix well. Now add the cooked potatoes and beans and water and let it all cook for 10- 15 min under low to medium heat. Taste and add salt as needed. Once the dish is a thick gravy (not too watery), you can shut the heat and garnish with cilantro on top.

You will get many recipes out there for Chole Masala with complicated cooking procedures like cooking the beans with tea bags etc. Since I like to make my food simple and quick, I rely on cooking the beans well (soft) and adding Badshah's Masala powder to get the right taste. 


Serve hot with Chapathi.. It goes well with Rice as well. My kids love it with Rice and ghee.