Chola Dhabal
A rustic and robust chickpea curry inspired by roadside dhabas. This dish features a thick, aromatic gravy made with onions, tomatoes, and a special blend of spices, delivering a truly authentic and satisfying flavor.
For 4 servings
Cook the Chickpeas
- Wash and soak the dried chickpeas in plenty of water overnight, or for at least 8 hours.
- Drain the soaking water. Place the soaked chickpeas in a pressure cooker with 4 cups of fresh water, tea bags, baking soda, and 1 tsp of salt.
- Secure the lid and pressure cook on medium-high heat for about 20-25 minutes after the first whistle, or until the chickpeas are very tender and mash easily.
- Allow the pressure to release naturally. Once safe to open, discard the tea bags. Do not drain the water; set the cooked chickpeas aside in their cooking liquid.
Prepare the Masala Base
- Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add the whole spices: bay leaf, cinnamon stick, black cardamom, and cloves. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the finely chopped onions and sauté, stirring frequently, for 10-12 minutes until they are deeply golden brown. This step is crucial for the flavor.
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies. Cook for another 2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
Build the Gravy
- Add the tomato puree and the remaining 0.5 tsp of salt. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and you see oil separating at the edges.
- Lower the heat and add the powdered spices: turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and chole masala. Stir continuously for 1 minute to toast the spices without burning them.
Combine, Simmer, and Finish
- Pour the cooked chickpeas along with all their cooking liquid into the prepared masala. Stir well to combine.
- Using the back of your ladle, gently mash about 1/4 of the chickpeas against the side of the pan. This will naturally thicken the gravy.
- Bring the curry to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld deeply.
- Turn off the heat. Stir in the dry mango powder, garam masala, and crushed dried fenugreek leaves.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Let the curry rest for 10 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a deeper, authentic color, use 2 black tea bags while boiling the chickpeas. This is a classic dhaba technique.
- 2The key to a rich gravy is patience. Ensure your onions are well-browned before adding other ingredients.
- 3Mashing some of the cooked chickpeas is a natural way to create a thick, creamy gravy without adding any cream.
- 4For a smokier flavor, you can perform the 'dhungar' method: place a small steel bowl in the center of the finished curry, add a hot piece of charcoal, pour a few drops of ghee on it, and immediately cover the pot for 5 minutes.
- 5This curry tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop.
Adapt it for your goals.
Quick Version
Use two 15-ounce cans of chickpeas, drained and rinsed. Skip the pressure cooking step and add them directly to the masala with 2 cups of water or vegetable broth. Simmer for 20-25 minutes.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the amount of green chilies to 3-4 and add an extra 1/2 tsp of red chili powder. You can also add a pinch of black pepper powder along with the garam masala.
Creamier TextureCreamier Texture
For a richer, less rustic version, you can stir in 2-3 tablespoons of heavy cream or cashew cream at the very end after turning off the heat.
With VegetablesWith Vegetables
Add 1 cup of diced potatoes or paneer cubes along with the chickpeas to make it a more wholesome meal. Adjust simmering time accordingly.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Plant-Based Protein
Chickpeas are packed with protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function, making this a great meal for vegetarians and vegans.
High in Dietary Fiber
The high fiber content from chickpeas aids in digestion, promotes gut health, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and contributes to a feeling of fullness, which can help with weight management.
Rich in Essential Minerals
This dish provides important minerals like iron, which is vital for oxygen transport; manganese, an antioxidant; and folate, which is crucial for cell growth and metabolism.
Anti-inflammatory Spices
Spices like turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon contain powerful anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce inflammation in the body and support overall health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Chola Dhabal is a very healthy dish. Chickpeas are an excellent source of plant-based protein, dietary fiber, and essential minerals. The spices used also have various health benefits. To make it healthier, you can reduce the amount of oil used.