Chole Chana

Chole Chana is a very common dish found in the Indian culture. My grandma makes it with chickpeas (chana) cooked in a spiced tomato-onion gravy, enriched with aromatic spices like cumin and garam masala. It's typically served hot with rice and naan which offers a flavorful meal.

Recipe: 

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 2 cups dried garbanzo beans or 2 cans garbanzo beans from store

• 2 teaspoonful oil

• 1/2 cup water

• 2 diced medium onions

• 2 & 1/2 diced medium tomatoes

• 1/2 teaspoonful Garam masala

• 1 stick cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoonful blended ginger

• 1/2 teaspoonful blended garlic

• 1 teaspoonful dry red chili finely blended

• 1/4 teaspoonful turmeric powder

• cilantro to garnish

Method:

Dry garbanzo beans

1. If using dry garbanzo beans then soak them overnight and steam the next day in the morning 

2. You can place them in a pressure cooker with 2 cups of water and let the cooker whistle twice

3. To make sure the bean is cooked press one bean and if it gets pressed down without any effort then it’s cooked

Canned garbanzo beans

1. If you are using canned beans then they are ready to cook

2. In a pot place oil with cinnamon stick broken in 2 or 3 pieces with medium heat 

3. Heat for 2 minutes and add onions to the pot

4. Keep stirring to prevent browning

5. The oil should separate from onions

6. Then add diced tomatoes

7. Cool for 5-7 minutes and add all other ingredients except garbanzo beans 

8. Cook for another 2 minutes and add garbanzo beans last

9. Cook for 5-10 minutes before ready

10. Garnish with cilantro and ready to serve with paratha

Preparation time:

• Varies with ready garbanzo beans 20 minutes or overnight soaked beans 

Serving Instruction:

• Serve immediately

Nutritional Facts:

Calories: 200-250 calories

Protein: 10-15 grams

Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams

Fat: 5-10 grams