15 Easy South Indian Chole Recipe Try These Culinary Delights!
Published on: Mar 29, 2024
South Indian cuisine is known for its bold and flavorful dishes, and chole is no exception. This popular dish is made with tender chickpeas cooked in a rich and spicy tomato-based gravy. While the traditional recipe may seem intimidating to some, we have an easy and approachable version that will have you making delicious chole in no time. In this article, we will walk you through the steps to make a mouthwatering South Indian chole at home. So, put on your apron and get ready to impress your family and friends with this delectable dish!
Main Ingredients: Chole, Onion, Ginger, Garlic Cloves, Green Chillies
Tava Chole is a popular North Indian dish that features spicy chickpeas cooked in a flavorful tomato-based gravy. This dish is typically served with soft, buttery naan bread or steamed rice. The secret to making the perfect Tava Chole lies in using the right blend of spices and slow cooking the chickpeas until they are tender and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
2of 20
Chole Puri
Main Ingredients: Chole, Onion, Tomatoes, Green Chilies, Kashmiri Red
Chole Puri is a traditional Indian breakfast dish that consists of spicy chickpeas served with puffy, fried bread called puri. The combination of the tangy chole and the crispy puri make for a satisfying and filling meal. This dish is a favorite among many and is often served at special occasions and festivals.
3of 20
Chole Bhature
Main Ingredients: White Chickpea, Chickpea, Black Tea, Vegetable Oil
Chole Bhature is a popular street food in North India, consisting of spicy chickpeas served with deep-fried bread called bhature. The chickpeas are cooked in a rich tomato gravy and flavored with a variety of spices, making it a delicious and hearty dish. Chole Bhature is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the vibrant flavors of Indian street food.
4of 20
Methi Chole
Main Ingredients: Chole, Vegetable Oil, Cloves, Green Cardamom, Bay Leaf
Methi Chole is a unique twist on the traditional chole recipe, featuring the addition of fenugreek leaves (methi) for an extra burst of flavor. The bitterness of the fenugreek is balanced out by the tangy and spicy chickpeas, creating a delicious and aromatic dish. Methi Chole is a popular dish in the state of Punjab and is often served with buttery parathas.
5of 20
Chole Paneer
Main Ingredients: Chole, Water, Bay Leaf, Cinnamon, Black Cardamom
Chole Paneer is a delicious fusion of two popular Indian dishes – chole and paneer. This dish combines the tangy and spicy chickpeas with the creamy and soft paneer, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Chole Paneer is a great option for vegetarians looking for a protein-packed meal.
6of 20
Chole Masala | Punjabi Chana Masala
Main Ingredients: Chole, Cloves, Cinnamon Stick, Baking Soda, Salt
Chole Masala, also known as Punjabi Chana Masala, is a classic Indian dish made with tender, spicy chickpeas cooked in a flavorful tomato-based gravy. This dish is a staple in most North Indian households and is often paired with rice, roti, or naan. The key to making the perfect Chole Masala lies in using a blend of aromatic spices and slow cooking the chickpeas until they are tender and infused with flavor.
7of 20
Palak Chole \ Chickpeas in Spinach Sauce
Main Ingredients: Spinach, Baking Soda, Oil, Dry Red Chilies, Cumin
Palak Chole, also known as Chickpeas in Spinach Sauce, is a hearty and nutritious dish that combines the protein-packed chickpeas with the iron-rich spinach. The chickpeas are simmered in a creamy and flavorful spinach sauce, creating a delicious and healthy meal. This dish is a great way to sneak in some greens and is loved by both adults and kids alike.
8of 20
Indian Mixed Beans Curry
Main Ingredients: Black Lentil, Rajma, Chole, Kale, Dried Black Eyed
Indian Mixed Beans Curry is a flavorful and protein-packed dish that combines a variety of beans, including chickpeas, kidney beans, and black beans, in a rich and spicy tomato-based gravy. This dish is a great option for vegetarians and can be enjoyed with rice, roti, or naan. It is also a great way to add some variety to your regular meals.
9of 20
Chole Masala
Main Ingredients: Coriander Powder, Ginger Powder, Red Chili Powder
Chole Masala is a popular dish in North India, consisting of tender chickpeas cooked in a spicy and tangy tomato-based gravy. This dish is a favorite among many and is often served with rice or Indian breads like roti or naan. The key to making the perfect Chole Masala lies in using a blend of aromatic spices and slow cooking the chickpeas until they are soft and infused with flavor.
10of 20
Achari Chana Pulao
Main Ingredients: Basmati Rice, Ghee, Cloves, Green Cardamom, Canela
Achari Chana Pulao is a delicious and aromatic rice dish that combines tangy and spicy chickpeas with flavorful basmati rice. The chickpeas are cooked in a special blend of pickling spices, giving the dish a unique and delicious flavor. This dish is perfect for special occasions or can be enjoyed as a filling and satisfying meal on its own.
11of 20
Achaari Chole Pulao
Main Ingredients: Chole, Basmati Rice, Onions, Green Chilies, Garlic
Achaari Chole Pulao is a variation of the popular Achari Chana Pulao, featuring the addition of paneer and potatoes for an extra burst of flavor and texture. The tangy and spicy chickpeas are cooked in a special blend of pickling spices, giving the dish a unique and delicious flavor. This dish is perfect for those looking for a hearty and satisfying meal.
12of 20
Punjabi Chana Masala
Main Ingredients: Chole, Tea Bag, Salt, Bay Leaf, Green Cardamoms, Cumin
Punjabi Chana Masala is a classic North Indian dish that features tender and spicy chickpeas cooked in a flavorful tomato-based gravy. This dish is a staple in most Punjabi households and is often served with rice, roti, or naan. The secret to making the perfect Punjabi Chana Masala lies in using a blend of aromatic spices and slow cooking the chickpeas until they are soft and infused with flavor.
13of 20
Aloo Chana Chaat (Chat) | Potato Chickpeas Salad
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, Chole, Red Onion, Tomatoes, Coriander Leaves
Aloo Chana Chaat, also known as Potato Chickpeas Salad, is a popular street food in India. This dish is a perfect blend of tangy, spicy, and sweet flavors and features a mix of boiled potatoes, chickpeas, and a variety of chutneys and spices. Aloo Chana Chaat is a favorite among many and is often enjoyed as a snack or light meal.
14of 20
Kala chana - Ashtami Prasad
Main Ingredients: Chole, Salt, Red Chili Powder, Haldi, Cumin Seeds
Kala chana, also known as black chickpeas, is a popular ingredient in many Indian dishes, especially during festivals. During the festival of Ashtami, devotees offer Kala chana as prasad (offering) to the goddess Durga. This dish is typically made with a special blend of spices and is considered to be very nutritious and auspicious.
15of 20
Refried Bean Burger | Vegan
Main Ingredients: Oil, Small Red Onion, Ginger, Refried Beans, Besan
Refried Bean Burger is a delicious and healthy alternative to the traditional beef burger, featuring a patty made with refried beans, spices, and breadcrumbs. This burger is a great option for vegans and vegetarians and can be customized with different toppings and condiments. Serve it with a side of sweet potato fries for a complete and satisfying meal.
16of 20
Bread Uttapam, South Indian Snack
Main Ingredients: White Bread, Sooji, All Purpose Flour, Yogurt, Salt
Bread Uttapam is a quick and easy South Indian snack made with bread and a batter made of semolina, rice flour, and yogurt. This dish is a great way to use up leftover bread and is a favorite among kids. It can be enjoyed on its own or with a side of chutney or sambar for a more filling meal.
South Indian Spicy Egg Curry is a delicious and protein-packed dish that features hard-boiled eggs cooked in a spicy and flavorful tomato-based gravy. This dish is a favorite among many and is often served with rice or Indian breads like roti or naan. It is also a great way to add some variety to your regular meals.
18of 20
South Indian-style Red Cabbage
Main Ingredients: Red Cabbage, Olive Oil, Mustard Seeds, Curry Leaves
South Indian-style Red Cabbage is a unique and flavorful dish that features shredded red cabbage cooked in a special blend of spices and coconut. This dish is a great way to add some color and nutrition to your meals and can be enjoyed as a side dish or a light meal on its own. It is also vegan and gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
Indian Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a popular North Indian dish that features succulent pieces of chicken cooked in a rich and creamy tomato-based gravy. This dish is a favorite among many and is often served with rice, roti, or naan. The key to making the perfect Indian Butter Chicken lies in marinating the chicken in a blend of spices and yogurt before cooking it in the gravy.
20of 20
South Indian Fish Curry, Meen Kulambu, Fish Pulusu
Main Ingredients: Fish, Rice, Jeera, Fenugreek Seeds, Chana Dal, Oil
South Indian Fish Curry, also known as Meen Kulambu or Fish Pulusu, is a delicious and tangy dish that features fish cooked in a flavorful and spicy tamarind-based gravy. This dish is a popular choice for seafood lovers and is best enjoyed with steamed rice. The key to making the perfect South Indian Fish Curry lies in using fresh fish and the right blend of spices.
Ingredients You Will Need
Chickpeas, Spices, and More
To make this easy South Indian chole, you will need chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, as the star ingredient. Other important spices and ingredients include onion, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, coriander powder, cumin powder, red chili powder, and garam masala. These spices give the chole its signature flavor and aroma. You can adjust the spice levels according to your preference, making this dish suitable for everyone.
Preparation Method
Soak and Cook the Chickpeas
The first step in making this easy South Indian chole is to soak the chickpeas overnight or for at least 8 hours. This will ensure that the beans are soft and cook evenly. Once soaked, drain the water and rinse the chickpeas before cooking them in a pressure cooker or on the stovetop. If using a pressure cooker, cook the chickpeas for about 15 minutes. For stovetop cooking, it may take around 45 minutes to an hour for the chickpeas to become tender.
Sauté the Onions, Garlic, and Ginger
While the chickpeas are cooking, heat some oil in a pan and sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until they turn golden brown. These ingredients add a depth of flavor to the dish and are a crucial step in making authentic South Indian chole.
Add Spices and Tomatoes
Next, add the coriander powder, cumin powder, and red chili powder to the pan and cook for a minute until the spices release their aroma. Then, add tomatoes and cook until they turn mushy. The tomatoes act as a natural thickener for the gravy, giving it a rich and luscious texture.
Add Cooked Chickpeas and Simmer
Once the chickpeas are cooked, add them to the pan with the onion and tomato mixture. Mix well and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. At this point, you can add more water to adjust the consistency of the gravy.
Serve and Enjoy
Your easy South Indian chole is now ready to be served! Garnish with some garam masala and fresh coriander leaves. This dish pairs well with rice, roti, or naan. It also tastes delicious with a side of raita or pickled onions. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Now that you have learned how to make an easy South Indian chole, it's time to put your culinary skills to the test. Impress your family and friends with this flavorful and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion.