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Chole Chaat (Spicy Chickpeas)

Chole Chaat is a zesty snack for people who enjoy spicy food. This is a very easy recipe to prepare, and quite an aromatic dish.

Recipe serves 4.

Chole ChaatIngredients:

  • 1 cup chickpeas (Garbanzo beans, Kabuli chana)
  • 1 medium size boiled potato
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 1/4  cup gram flour (besan)
  • 1 tablespoon finely grater ginger
  • 1 seeded minced green chili adjust to taste
  • 1 1/2  teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon black salt (kala namak)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon roasted cumin powder*
  • 1 teaspoon mango powder
  • 1 tablespoon garam masala
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoon Ginger relish
  • Few slices of lemon
  • 8 Romaine lettuce leaves

Method

  1. Peel and cut the boiled potato into ¼-inch cubes.  Set aside
  2. Wash the chickpeas and soak in four cups water for at least eight hours. Chickpeas will increase to two and a half times their original volume.
  3. Drain the water and wash the chickpeas.
  4. Place the chickpeas in a pressure cooker with four cups water. Cook on medium high heat. When it starts to steam, turn down the heat to medium, and cook for another eight minutes.
  5. Turn off the heat and wait until steam has stopped before opening the pressure cooker. Chickpeas should be soft and tender.
  6. Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat, add the gram flour (besan) and stir fry one to two minutes, until the color changes to golden brown.
  7. Add grated ginger and minced green chili, stir for a few seconds. Add the chickpeas to the gram flour.
  8. Add salt, black salt, black pepper, roasted cumin seed powder, and mango powder. Lightly mash chickpeas while mixing in the spices. Cook on low heat 10 to 15 minutes.  Turn off the heat.
  9. Cook on low heat for 10 to 15 minutes.  Turn off the heat.
  10. Add the potatoes, garam masala, and lemon juice. Mix gently.
  11. Before serving, let the chickpeas sit at least half an hour to absorb all the flavors.  The gravy will
    thicken as it cools.

Serving Suggestions

  1. Chole chaat tastes best when served warm.
  2. Garnished the chole chaat with ginger relish and/or a slice of lemon.
  3. Serve chole chaat as a lettuce wrap using Romaine lettuce leaves.  It provides a nice crunch to the chaat and makes for a beautiful presentation.

Tips

  1. For an easier and quicker recipe, substitute canned chickpeas.
  2. *The roasted cumin seed powder is prepared by dry roasting whole cumin seeds and then grinding them to a powder.

Chole Chaat Recipe: A Tangy Twist to Spicy Chickpeas 

Introduction to Chole Chaat Recipe 

Chole Chaat is a delightful fusion of street food flavors, blending the essence of appetizers with the tanginess of chaat, all while being gluten-free and vegan, making it a perfect choice for those seeking delicious and wholesome street food recipes. 

This chole chaat recipe offers a unique twist to traditional chickpeas by infusing them with a medley of spices and chutneys. Perfect for snacking or as a side dish, this chole chaat is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Let’s dive into the flavorful journey of creating this irresistible recipe of chole chaat.

How to Make Chole Chaat: Step-by-Step Guide 

Preparing the Chickpeas: 

  • Begin by soaking 2 cups of dried chickpeas overnight or for at least 6-8 hours. Rinse and drain the soaked chickpeas before cooking. In a pressure cooker, add the soaked chickpeas with enough water to cover them. Cook until they are soft and tender.

Making the Spicy Masala: 

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds and let them splutter. Then, add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown. Next, add 2 teaspoons of ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw aroma disappears. Now, add 2 teaspoons of chole chaat masala and cook for a minute.

Assembling the Chole Chaat: 

  • Once the chickpeas are cooked, add them to the pan with the prepared masala. Mix well, ensuring the chickpeas are coated evenly with the spices. Let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Adding Tangy Tamarind Chutney: 

  • Drizzle ¼ cup of tangy tamarind chutney over the cooked chickpeas. The sweet and sour flavor of the chutney adds a delightful contrast to the spicy chickpeas, enhancing the overall taste of the chaat.

Garnishing with Fresh Ingredients: 

  • Sprinkle freshly chopped coriander leaves and finely chopped onions over the prepared chole chaat. These fresh ingredients not only lend a vibrant color to the dish but also add a burst of freshness to every bite.

Serving the Chole Chaat: 

  • Transfer the prepared chole chaat to a serving dish and garnish it with a drizzle of mint chutney and a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra kick of flavor. Serve hot and enjoy the tantalizing flavors of this irresistible Indian street food.

Tips for Perfecting Your Chole Chaat Recipe 

  • To enhance the flavor profile of the chole chaat, you can add a pinch of amchur (dry mango powder) or  chaat masala for an extra tangy twist.
  • For a healthier version, you can use boiled chickpeas instead of cooking them in oil. Simply boil the chickpeas until tender and proceed with the recipe as directed.
  • Customize the spice level of the chole chaat according to your preference by adjusting the amount of green chilies or red chili powder used in the masala.

Variations to Explore 

  • Paneer Chole Chaat: Add cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) to the chole chaat for a protein-rich variation.
  • Sprouts Chole Chaat: Incorporate sprouted chickpeas or mixed bean sprouts to amp up the nutritional content of the chaat.
  • Avocado Chole Chaat: For a creamy twist, top the chole chaat with diced avocado and a dollop of yogurt.

Benefits of Chole Chaat 

  • Chickpeas, the star ingredient of chole chaat, are a rich source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients such as iron, magnesium, and folate.
  • The spices used in chole chaat, such as cumin, ginger, and garlic, are known for their digestive properties and can aid in digestion.
  • Chole chaat is a wholesome and satisfying snack option that can help curb hunger cravings while providing a burst of energy.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I use canned chickpeas instead of dried chickpeas for this recipe?

  • Yes, you can substitute canned chickpeas for dried chickpeas. Simply rinse and drain the canned chickpeas before using them in the recipe.

Can I prepare the chole chaat in advance?

  • Yes, you can prepare the chole chaat ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Simply reheat it before serving.

Is chole chaat suitable for vegetarians and vegans?

  • Yes, chole chaat is a vegetarian and vegan-friendly dish as it does not contain any animal products.

Can I adjust the spiciness of the chole chaat according to my preference?

  • Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of green chilies or red chili powder to suit your taste buds.

What can I serve with chole chaat?

  • Chole chaat pairs well with crispy papdis (fried dough wafers), sev (crispy chickpea noodles), or even plain yogurt for a refreshing contrast.

Explore more mouthwatering recipes on Manjula’s Kitchen: Paneer Tikka Masala, Vegetable Biryani, Aloo Paratha, Mango Lassi, Palak Paneer


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35 thoughts on “Chole Chaat (Spicy Chickpeas)

  1. Hello,

    You are my kitchen guru.

    One question about chole chaat: if using canned chickpeas, do you drain them? Then how much water do you add?

    Thanks,
    Tyra

  2. Pingback: Happy Diwali (Festival of Lights) | Manjula's Kitchen | Indian Vegetarian Recipes
  3. Thanks for posting lovely dishes. you are really an amazing person. God bless you.

    can you please tell which garam masala do you use. or if it is home made , can you please give the recipe of it.

  4. Thanks for posting lovely dishes. you are really an amazing person. God bless you.

    can you please tell which garam masala do you use. or if it is home made , can you please give the recipe of it.

  5. Thanks for posting lovely dishes. you are really an amazing person. God bless you.
    can you please tell which garam masala do you use. or if it is home made , can you please give the recipe of it.

  6. Hi Manjula,
    I feel very happy everytime I watch you. I feel peace because you teach vegetarian cooking and because you are nice and you are Asian like me. But I wonder if frying food is healthy or not. Frying food can cause carcinogen that causes free radicals in the body. I do not feel good when I eat fry food, even stir fry , although I know that fried food tastes so good. Do you have any receipes that does not require frying or deep frying? Thank you.

  7. Thank you Manjula Auntie for your amazingly simple and Delicious Recipes.
    I love the tips you give, which are so helpful.
    Thank a ton!
    Yasmeen

  8. Hello, Manjula Aunty! Thank you once again for a mouth-watering recipe. I’m going to definitely make it this weekend. Can you please tell us which brand of garam masala powder you use ? If you make it at home, can you please post a recipe for it at your convenience?

    I just feel that every brand tastes so different, and very few have the right taste, so it would be very nice to know which one you use. Thank you again for the amazing recipes.

  9. dear manjula ji…

    really truly love all your easy recipes….can you pls show the recipes for soya( nutri nuggets) biriyani and veg indo chinese noodles recipe

  10. Hi Manjula,
    Thank you for this delicious recipe. I have made it 3 times already (without the potato) and it is great! It is even delicous served cold over a bed of romaine lettuce with lemon juice squeezed on top. Simple yet very satisfying. Thank you!
    Tina

    1. Hello Babu,

      The brand is Fagor. I have been using it for the last 2 years and would highly recommend it. If you can get containers for pressure cooker from India, it makes it even more useful.

      Cheers,
      Anamika

  11. hello aunty,I have been watching your site from 2years almost.I have learnt many recipes from ur kitchen.thanks a lot.this recipe is really gud to serve for the special guests.I’m from jakartha.

    1. Hi Vidya, The recipe states “roasted cumin powder” (bhuna jeera).

      Black salt is easily found in Indian grocery stores here in the US. American grocery stores don’t carry it and won’t know what you are asking for.

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