How To Cook Chole Masala In Pressure Cooker

If you’re craving a delicious and authentic Indian dish, look no further than Chole Masala. This Punjabi dish is made from chickpeas simmered in a rich and spicy tomato-onion gravy. It’s packed with flavor and nutrition, making it a popular choice for vegetarians and meat eaters alike.

While traditionally Chole Masala takes hours to cook, using a pressure cooker can significantly reduce the cooking time without compromising on taste. With a few simple steps, you can easily whip up a batch of this mouthwatering dish in no time.

To begin, gather all the ingredients you’ll need for the recipe. This includes chickpeas (either canned or soaked overnight and boiled until tender), onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala, as well as cooking oil, salt, and water.

Once you have all the ingredients ready, start by heating the pressure cooker on medium heat. Add oil and sauté the onions until they turn golden brown. Next, add the ginger and garlic, and fry until fragrant.

Now it’s time to add the tomatoes and spices to the pressure cooker. Sprinkle in the cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala, and mix well. Cook the mixture until the tomatoes break down and release their juices.

At this stage, add the drained chickpeas into the pressure cooker along with some salt. Give it a good stir to ensure all the chickpeas are coated with the tomato-onion gravy. Finally, add enough water to cover the chickpeas, close the pressure cooker lid, and cook for about 10 minutes on high pressure.

Once the cooking time is up, carefully release the pressure from the cooker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Open the lid, and voila! Your delicious Chole Masala is ready to be served. Garnish it with fresh coriander leaves and serve it hot with rice, naan, or roti for a complete and satisfying meal.

So, why wait any longer? Grab your pressure cooker and get cooking this flavorful Chole Masala today. Your taste buds will thank you!

Ingredients for Chole Masala

Step-by-step Guide to Cooking Chole Masala in a Pressure Cooker

Chole masala, also known as chana masala, is a popular North Indian dish made with chickpeas, aromatic spices, and a tangy tomato-based gravy. Cooking chole masala in a pressure cooker can help to save time without compromising on the delicious flavors. Follow these steps to make a flavorful and hearty chole masala dish that will leave you craving for more.

1. Soak the chickpeas: Start by soaking the dry chickpeas in water overnight or for at least 6-8 hours. This process will help to soften the chickpeas and reduce the cooking time.
2. Prepare the ingredients: Gather all the necessary ingredients, including onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, spices like cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala. Finely chop the onions, tomatoes, ginger, and garlic.
3. Saute the onions: Heat some oil in the pressure cooker and add the chopped onions. Cook until the onions turn golden brown.
4. Add spices and ginger garlic paste: Add the ginger garlic paste and cook for another minute. Then, add the spices such as cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and red chili powder. Stir well to combine.
5. Tomato puree: Add the chopped tomatoes or tomato puree to the pressure cooker. Cook until the tomatoes become soft and mushy.
6. Add soaked chickpeas: Drain the soaked chickpeas and add them to the pressure cooker. Mix well to coat the chickpeas with the spices.
7. Add water: Pour enough water to cover the chickpeas in the pressure cooker. Close the lid and cook on high pressure for about 15-20 minutes or until the chickpeas are cooked through and tender.
8. Release the pressure: Once the cooking time is complete, carefully release the pressure from the pressure cooker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
9. Add garam masala: Open the pressure cooker and add the garam masala. Stir well to incorporate the flavors.
10. Garnish and serve: Garnish the chole masala with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with rice, naan, or roti.

With this step-by-step guide, you can easily make delicious chole masala in a pressure cooker. Enjoy the rich flavors and aromas of this classic Indian dish in the comfort of your own home.

Tips for Cooking Chole Masala in a Pressure Cooker

Cooking chole masala in a pressure cooker is an efficient and time-saving method. With the right technique, you can achieve tender and flavorful chole in no time. Here are some tips to help you cook chole masala perfectly in a pressure cooker:

1. Soak the chickpeas overnight: Before cooking, it is important to soak the chickpeas overnight or for at least 6-8 hours. This will ensure that the chickpeas cook evenly and become soft and tender.

2. Use the right amount of water: When cooking chole masala in a pressure cooker, it is important to use the right amount of water. Too much water can make the chole watery, while too little water can lead to undercooked chickpeas. A good rule of thumb is to add enough water to cover the chickpeas completely, plus an extra inch.

3. Add whole spices for flavor: To enhance the taste of chole masala, you can add whole spices like bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, and black cardamom to the pressure cooker. These spices infuse the chickpeas with a delicious aroma and flavor.

4. Cook on high pressure: Chole masala requires high pressure cooking for the chickpeas to become tender. Set your pressure cooker to high pressure and cook for around 20-25 minutes. This will ensure that the chickpeas are cooked to perfection.

5. Use natural pressure release: After cooking the chole masala in the pressure cooker, allow for a natural pressure release. This means letting the pressure release on its own without using any quick release methods. Natural pressure release helps to retain the moisture and flavors of the chole.

Following these tips will help you cook delicious and mouthwatering chole masala in a pressure cooker. Enjoy your homemade chole masala with rice or roti for a satisfying meal.

Health Benefits of Chole Masala

Chole masala, also known as chickpea curry, is a popular Indian dish that is not only delicious but also packs a punch when it comes to health benefits.

Rich in protein: Chole masala is made from chickpeas, which are an excellent source of plant-based protein. This makes it a great choice for vegetarians and vegans looking to include more protein in their diet.

High in fiber: The main ingredient in chole masala, chickpeas, are loaded with dietary fiber. Fiber helps regulate bowel movements, prevents constipation, and promotes a healthy digestive system.

Low in fat: Chole masala is a low-fat dish, especially when it is cooked with minimal oil. This makes it a healthy choice for those watching their fat intake or trying to maintain a healthy weight.

Packed with vitamins and minerals: Chickpeas are rich in essential vitamins and minerals such as folate, iron, phosphorus, and magnesium. These nutrients play a vital role in maintaining overall health and well-being.

Good for heart health: Chickpeas are known for their heart-healthy properties. They help lower LDL cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Boosts energy: Chole masala provides a good amount of carbohydrates, which are the body’s main source of energy. Adding it to your diet can help you feel more energized throughout the day.

May aid in weight management: The combination of protein, fiber, and low-fat content makes chole masala a filling and satisfying dish. It can help curb cravings, reduce overeating, and support weight loss or weight management goals.

Supports blood sugar control: Chickpeas have a low glycemic index, meaning they cause a slower rise in blood sugar levels. Including chole masala in your diet can help regulate blood sugar and prevent sudden spikes.

Overall, chole masala is not only a delicious addition to your menu but also offers a range of health benefits. Enjoying this flavorful dish can contribute to a well-rounded and nutritious diet.

Variations of Chole Masala

Chole masala is a popular Indian dish made with chickpeas cooked in a spicy tomato-based sauce. While the basic recipe for chole masala remains the same, there are several variations that you can try to add different flavors and textures to this classic dish:

1. Punjabi Chole Masala:

Punjabi chole masala is the most traditional and authentic version of this dish. It is made with a combination of spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and red chili powder. The addition of dry mango powder (amchur) gives it a tangy flavor. It is usually garnished with fresh coriander leaves and served with chapati or rice.

2. South Indian Chole Masala:

In South India, chole masala is often made with a coconut-based paste that adds a rich and creamy texture to the dish. The coconut paste is made by grinding coconut, cashews, and other spices together. This variation is often served with fluffy white rice or idli.

3. Jain Chole Masala:

Jain chole masala is a version of this dish that is prepared without using onion and garlic, as Jains do not consume them. Instead, this variation is made with a combination of spices like ginger, green chili, and asafoetida (hing) for flavor. It is often enjoyed with a side of puri or paratha.

4. Kashmiri Chole Masala:

Kashmiri chole masala has a unique blend of spices that gives it a distinct flavor. It usually includes ingredients like fennel seeds, ginger powder, and Kashmiri red chili powder. This variation is often served with steamed rice or Kashmiri pulao.

5. Smoky Chole Masala:

If you want to add a smoky flavor to your chole masala, you can try the smoky variation. In this version, the chickpeas are cooked in a charcoal-infused gravy, which gives it a distinct smoky taste. This variation is often served with hot and fluffy bhature.

These are just a few variations of chole masala that you can try to add new flavors to this classic Indian dish. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and spices to create your own unique version of chole masala!

Serving Suggestions for Chole Masala

Chole masala is a delicious and flavorful Indian dish that is best served with a variety of accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your chole masala meal:

1. Rice: Serve chole masala with steamed basmati rice for a classic combination. The fluffy and fragrant rice pairs perfectly with the rich and spicy chole masala.

2. Naan: Enjoy chole masala with fresh, hot naan bread. The soft and slightly chewy texture of the naan complements the hearty and aromatic chole masala.

3. Roti: If you prefer a healthier option, serve chole masala with whole wheat roti or chapati. These thin and unleavened Indian breads are perfect for scooping up the chole masala.

4. Bhature: For a special treat, serve chole masala with bhature, which are deep-fried breads made from refined flour. These puffy and crispy breads are an indulgent accompaniment to the spicy chole masala.

5. Salad: Balance the flavors of the spicy chole masala with a fresh and crunchy salad. A simple salad of cucumber, tomato, onion, and lemon juice adds a refreshing element to the meal.

6. Raita: Serve chole masala with a side of raita, which is a yogurt-based sauce or dip. The cool and creamy raita helps to cool down the spiciness of the chole masala.

7. Pickles: Add some tangy and spicy pickles as a condiment to your chole masala. The contrasting flavors of the pickles complement the flavors of the dish.

8. Lemon Wedges: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chole masala before serving. The acidity of the lemon juice adds a bright and citrusy flavor to the dish.

Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite way of serving chole masala. Regardless of which accompaniments you choose, the rich and flavorful chole masala is sure to be a hit!

FAQ

What is chole masala?

Chole masala is a popular Indian dish made with chickpeas, onions, tomatoes, and a blend of spices. It is a flavorful and spicy dish that is often served with rice or roti.

Can I cook chole masala in a pressure cooker?

Yes, you can definitely cook chole masala in a pressure cooker. Using a pressure cooker helps to cook the chickpeas faster and also infuses the flavors of the spices into the dish.