Introduction: The Flavourful Legacy of Delhi Ke Chole
Delhi Ke Chole is not just a dish—it’s an experience. This classic North Indian chole recipe, bursting with bold spices, tangy chutneys, and tender chickpeas, captures the soul of Delhi’s street food culture. Whether served with crispy bhature, soft parathas, or simple steamed rice, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that never fails.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step preparation of authentic Delhi-style chole, complete with homemade green chutney, tangy tamarind pulp, and a unique spice blend that elevates the humble channa to something truly magical.
Let’s recreate the magic of Delhi street food in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Authentic Delhi street food flavor
- ✅ No store-bought spice mixes needed
- ✅ Vegan & gluten-free
- ✅ Easy to make with basic ingredients
- ✅ Perfect for meal prep or parties
Ingredients: What You Need for Delhi Ke Chole
Soaking Channa:
- 1.5 cups channa (chickpeas)
- Enough water to soak (soak for 5–6 hours or overnight)
Cooking Channa:
- Soaked channa
- 3–4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
Tamarind Pulp:
- Lemon-sized tamarind
- ½ cup hot water (soak for 15–20 mins)
Green Chutney:
- 1 cup coriander leaves
- ½ cup mint leaves
- 6–7 green chillies
- 1 teaspoon ginger (peeled and chopped)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup water
Spice Mix:
- 2 teaspoon red chilli powder
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon black salt
- 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
- 1 teaspoon chaat masala powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Assembly:
- Cooked channa
- Prepared green chutney (as per taste)
- Tamarind pulp (as per taste)
- Spice mix (prepared earlier)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 tomato, finely chopped
- Ginger juliennes (for garnish)
- Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Delhi Ke Chole
1. Soak the Channa
Start by soaking 1.5 cups of channa (chickpeas) in enough water for 5–6 hours or overnight. This softens the chickpeas and ensures even cooking.
Pro Tip: Add a pinch of baking soda while soaking to make the chickpeas extra soft.
2. Cook the Channa
- Drain the soaked channa.
- Add them to a pressure cooker with 3–4 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Cook on low flame for about 6–7 whistles or until soft.
Chickpeas should be tender but not mushy. Perfect texture is key to this recipe.
3. Prepare Tamarind Pulp
- Soak a lemon-sized tamarind ball in ½ cup hot water for 15–20 minutes.
- Once soft, mash it well and strain the mixture to extract thick tamarind pulp.
Tamarind adds the signature tang to Delhi-style chole.
4. Make the Green Chutney
In a blender, add:
- 1 cup coriander leaves
- ½ cup mint leaves
- 6–7 green chillies
- 1 teaspoon ginger
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup water
Blend until smooth.
Adjust chillies according to your spice preference. This chutney gives the chole its zesty kick.
5. Prepare the Spice Mix
Grind the following into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar-pestle:
- 2 tsp red chilli powder
- 1 tbsp coriander seeds
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp black salt
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp chaat masala
- 1 tsp black pepper
Freshly ground masalas add unmatched aroma and flavor.
6. Assemble the Delhi Ke Chole
Now comes the fun part—assembly!
- In a large bowl, add the cooked channa.
- Add the green chutney and tamarind pulp as per your taste.
- Sprinkle the freshly ground spice mix generously.
- Add finely chopped onions and tomatoes.
- Garnish with ginger juliennes and chopped coriander leaves.
- Mix everything well.
Taste and adjust salt, tang, or spice as needed.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve Delhi Ke Chole with:
- Piping hot parathas
- Fluffy bhature
- Steamed basmati rice
- Or even as a protein-rich salad bowl
This dish is filling, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying.
Serving Suggestions for Delhi Ke Chole
- Classic Combo: Chole Bhature or Chole Kulche with sliced onions and lemon wedges.
- Healthy Twist: Serve over a bowl of quinoa or brown rice.
- Chaat Style: Top with crushed papdi, sev, and a drizzle of curd for a quick chole chaat.
- Meal Prep: Store in airtight containers for 3–4 days. Flavors intensify over time!
Pro Tips to Make the Best Delhi Ke Chole
- Use Fresh Spices: Always grind spices fresh for the most authentic taste.
- Don’t Overcook: Channa should hold shape—not mushy.
- Balance is Key: Adjust chutney and tamarind for the perfect sweet-spicy-tangy mix.
- Use Ice Water After Cooking: For firm chickpeas with a nice bite, drain and rinse with cold water.
- Add a Smoky Touch: Smoke the chole using the dhungar (coal) method for a rustic street-style flavor.
Variations You Can Try
- Dry Chole: Skip chutneys and pulp, just toss in spice mix for dry masala chole.
- Amritsari Chole: Add tea bags while pressure cooking for a darker, earthy tone.
- Punjabi Style Chole: Use onion-tomato masala base instead of chutneys.
- Delhi Chole Chaat: Add sweet chutney, curd, chopped onions, and sev.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftover chole in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezing: Can be frozen for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Gently reheat on a stovetop or microwave. Add a splash of water if it feels too thick.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~250 kcal |
| Protein | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fats | 8g |
| Fiber | 10g |
| Sodium | Varies |
High in fiber and protein, Delhi Ke Chole is perfect for vegetarians and vegans looking for a hearty, nutrient-dense meal.
FAQs About Delhi Ke Chole
Can I use canned chickpeas?
Yes, rinse and boil them slightly before using for better texture. However, freshly soaked and cooked channa give the best results.
Is Delhi Ke Chole the same as Chole Bhature Chole?
Not exactly. Chole for bhature usually includes onion-tomato gravy. Delhi Ke Chole uses chutneys and spice mix for a drier, street-style version.
Can I make this without tamarind?
Yes, substitute with lemon juice or dry mango powder (amchur) for tanginess.
How do I make it less spicy?
Reduce the number of green chillies and the amount of red chilli powder in the spice mix.
Conclusion: Delhi Ke Chole – A Must-Try for Every Food Lover
If you’ve never tried Delhi-style chole, now is your chance to bring that iconic North Indian flavor straight into your kitchen. Easy to prepare and bursting with spices, tang, and texture, this dish is a celebration of India’s rich street food tradition.
Try it once, and we promise—you’ll keep coming back for more!
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