A wealthy, hearty chickpea dish that is bursting with North Indian flavors. The chickpeas are marinated in fragrant spices, slow-cooked till tender, and completed with a drizzle of ghee. Good for each on a regular basis meals and particular events, this dish brings genuine avenue meals style proper to your kitchen.
Pindi Chana will get its identify from Rawalpindi, the place this type of cooking chickpeas grew to become well-known. It’s completely different from common chole as a result of the gravy is drier and the spices are extra intense. I discovered this recipe from my grandmother, and it’s turn out to be my go-to consolation meals. The key lies within the lengthy marination and gradual cooking, which lets the chickpeas absorb all these fantastic spices.
In regards to the Recipe
This recipe stands out as a result of it makes use of dried pomegranate seeds, which add a novel tangy kick. The chickpeas are first soaked, then pressure-cooked, and at last slow-cooked with spices till they’re full of taste. The ultimate drizzle of sizzling ghee takes it to a different stage, creating that genuine avenue meals style you possibly can’t get every other manner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love how the chickpeas prove completely tender however nonetheless maintain their form. The mix of spices creates layers of taste – from the heat of cumin to the tang of pomegranate seeds. It’s naturally vegan (in case you skip the ghee), excessive in protein, and budget-friendly. Plus, many of the cooking time is hands-off, so you are able to do different issues whereas it cooks.

Pindi Chana
Cooking Ideas
– Soak the chickpeas in a single day – no shortcuts right here.
– Don’t skip the marination time – it makes an enormous distinction
– Cook dinner on low warmth for the ultimate half-hour to let flavors develop
– Avoid wasting cooking liquid – you would possibly want additional whereas simmering
– Contemporary ginger works higher than ginger paste on this recipe
Serving and Storing Strategies
Serves 4-6 individuals. Complete prep time: 4 hours plus in a single day soaking. Serve sizzling with naan, roti, or rice. Retailer leftovers in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water.
Nutrient Advantages
Chickpeas are full of protein and fiber. They’re nice for coronary heart well being and assist preserve regular blood sugar ranges. The spices used, particularly cumin and ginger, support digestion. This dish is of course gluten-free and might be made vegan by skipping the ghee.

Pindi Chana
A wealthy, hearty chickpea dish that is bursting with North Indian flavors. The chickpeas are marinated in fragrant spices, slow-cooked till tender, and completed with a drizzle of ghee. Good for each on a regular basis meals and particular events, this dish brings genuine avenue meals style proper to your kitchen.
Components
- 2 cups Chickpeas
- 1 tbsp Cumin Seeds
- 2 tsp Ginger (shredded)
- Salt as per style
- 1 Potato (boiled, peeled and cubed)
- 5 tsp Oil
- 1 tbsp Ghee
For Marinade:
- 1/2 tsp Garam Masala Powder
- 1 tbsp Coriander Powder
- 1 tsp Crimson Chilli Powder
- 1 1/2 tbsp Dried Pomegranate Seeds (coarsely floor)
- Salt as per style
For Garnish:
- 2 Inexperienced Chillies (slit and seeded)
- 1 Tomato (quartered)
- 1 Onion (lower into rings)
- 1 Lime (lower into wedges)
Directions
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Wash chickpeas and place in a bowl with 1 tsp salt.
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Add water to cowl and put aside to soak in a single day.
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Drain and rinse in water few occasions.
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Strain prepare dinner the peas with 1 litre of water for 45 minutes.
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When cool, drain the chickpeas and reserve the cooking liquid.
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Combine the marinade components.
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Add the cooled chickpeas to the marinade with cumin seeds, ginger, potato and oil.
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Combine nicely and preserve apart for 3 hours.
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Switch the contents to a frying pan over low warmth.
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Add 1 cup of the reserved chickpeas liquid.
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Simmer over low warmth for half-hour.
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Take away and switch to a serving bowl.
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Drizzle sizzling ghee on high.
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Garnish with chillies, tomato, onion and lime wedges.
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Serve.
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Regularly Requested Questions
Can I take advantage of canned chickpeas as a substitute of dried ones?
Whereas doable, dried chickpeas give higher texture and taste. They take in spices higher throughout cooking. If utilizing canned, skip the soaking and strain cooking steps, however don’t skip the marination.
What can I substitute for dried pomegranate seeds?
You should utilize lemon juice for tanginess, however begin with much less and modify to style. The flavour gained’t be precisely the identical, but it surely’ll nonetheless be tasty.
How spicy is that this dish?
The warmth stage is average however adjustable. Cut back or improve the purple chili powder to fit your style. The inexperienced chilies used for garnish might be skipped for a milder model.