Amritsari Chole is a classic North Indian dish, loved for its spicy, tangy, and aromatic flavors. Traditionally made with soaked chickpeas and whole spices, this version skips onions and garlic, making it ideal for Jain and vegetarian diets. The rich, dark color of the dish comes from tea bags and dried amla, while tomato puree forms the base of the gravy. The use of chole masala, anardana (dried pomegranate seeds), and Kasoori methi gives the curry its signature tangy and earthy taste. Serve it with Bhature, Naan, or Jeera Rice for a satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This no-onion, no-garlic version of Amritsari Chole retains all the flavors of the original dish, making it perfect for those following religious or dietary restrictions. The recipe still offers a robust taste thanks to the use of ginger, green chilies, and whole spices. The gravy is light yet flavorful, allowing the chickpeas to absorb the rich spices, making every bite comforting and hearty.
Prep and Cook Time
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 40 minutes | 50 minutes |
Ingredients for Amritsari Chole
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this no-onion, no-garlic version of Amritsari Chole:
Full Ingredients List
- Chickpeas (Chole) – 1 cup (soaked for 8-10 hours)
- Tea bag or dry amla – 5-6 pieces (for color)
- Bay leaf – 1
- Green cardamoms – 3
- Cloves – 3
- Cinnamon stick – 1 inch
- Black peppercorns – 8-10
- Water – 3 cups
- Oil – 1 tablespoon
- Ghee – 1 tablespoon (optional for non-vegan)
- Cumin seeds – 1 teaspoon
- Asafoetida (Hing) – ¼ teaspoon
- Green chili – 1, slit
- Ginger – 1 tablespoon, finely chopped
- Tomato puree – from 3 medium tomatoes
- Red chili powder – 1 teaspoon
- Cumin powder – 1 teaspoon
- Coriander powder – 1 teaspoon
- Chole Masala – 1 teaspoon (or garam masala)
- Anardana (dried pomegranate seeds) – 1 tablespoon, lightly crushed
- Kasoori methi – 1 teaspoon, crushed
- Coriander leaves – 2 tablespoons, finely chopped
- Salt – to taste
Nutrition Table (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 267 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 35 grams |
| Protein | 11 grams |
| Fat | 11 grams |
| Fiber | 11 grams |
| Iron | 4 mg |
How to Make Amritsari Chole (No Onion, No Garlic)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chickpeas
- Soak the Chickpeas: Soak 1 cup of chickpeas overnight or for 8-10 hours. Rinse them well before cooking.
- Add Whole Spices: Tie whole spices like cardamoms, cloves, peppercorns, and cinnamon in a muslin cloth. Add it to the pressure cooker with soaked chickpeas, a tea bag or dry amla, bay leaf, and water. Cook for 8-10 whistles until chickpeas are soft.
Step 2: Prepare the Masala
- Heat Oil and Ghee: In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil and 1 tablespoon of ghee (optional). Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add Aromatics: Add asafoetida, slit green chili, and chopped ginger. Sauté for a minute.
- Add Tomato Puree: Pour in the tomato puree and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Allow the mixture to thicken.
- Add Spices: Add salt, red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and chole masala. Cook the mixture for another 8-10 minutes until the oil starts separating from the tomatoes.
Step 3: Combine Chickpeas and Masala
- Add Chickpeas: Add the boiled chickpeas along with the cooking water to the pan. Stir to combine, and let the mixture simmer for 8-10 minutes.
- Mash Some Chickpeas: Using a potato masher, mash a few of the chickpeas to thicken the gravy.
- Adjust Consistency: If the gravy is too thick, add more water as needed. Cook for another 5 minutes until you reach the desired consistency.
Step 4: Add Final Touches
- Add Anardana: Sprinkle anardana (dried pomegranate seeds) to add tanginess.
- Garnish: Add crushed kasoori methi and finely chopped coriander leaves for a fragrant finish.
Pro Tips for Perfect Amritsari Chole
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, always use fresh tomatoes, ginger, and green chilies.
- Adjust Spice Levels: You can control the heat by adjusting the amount of green chili and red chili powder. For a milder curry, reduce these quantities.
- Tea Bag Trick: The tea bag (or dry amla) gives the chole its signature dark color. If you don’t have a tea bag, you can use black tea granules tied in a muslin cloth.
Serving Suggestions
Amritsari Chole pairs beautifully with traditional North Indian breads like:
- Bhature: A deep-fried, fluffy bread that complements the tangy, spicy chole.
- Naan or Kulcha: Serve the chole with garlic naan or stuffed kulcha for a rich, comforting meal.
- Jeera Rice: If you prefer rice, Jeera Rice (cumin-flavored rice) is a great side to serve with this chole.
Variations of Amritsari Chole
- Spicier Amritsari Chole: For those who enjoy extra heat, add more green chilies or a sprinkle of black pepper.
- Vegan Version: Skip the ghee and use only oil for a vegan version of this chole. Coconut oil can also be used for an added layer of flavor.
- With Onion and Garlic: If you prefer the traditional version, sauté onions and garlic before adding the tomatoes to the gravy.
Health Benefits of Chickpeas
Chickpeas are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and important vitamins like folate and vitamin B6. Regular consumption of chickpeas can improve digestion, aid in weight management, and lower the risk of heart disease. Combined with the anti-inflammatory benefits of ginger, green chili, and cumin, this dish is not only delicious but also nutritious.
Conclusion
Amritsari Chole is a flavorful, wholesome dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or as an accompaniment to a larger spread. Its rich, tangy gravy, enhanced with aromatic spices and herbs, makes it a favorite among North Indian dishes. Whether you’re serving it with Bhature, Naan, or rice, this no-onion, no-garlic version is perfect for those seeking a lighter, more digestible meal without compromising on flavor.
With its simple preparation and ingredients, Amritsari Chole is an excellent dish for everyday cooking, while also being a standout item on special occasions. Try it out for your next meal and experience the magic of this traditional North Indian favorite!
