Chole Poori

A Hearty and Flavourful North Indian Delight

Chole Poori is one of the most beloved North Indian breakfast or festive meals, known for its rich, spicy flavors and deep-fried, fluffy pooris. The combination of soft yet crispy pooris and spicy, tangy chole (chickpea curry) makes it a satisfying and indulgent dish, perfect for special occasions or weekend feasts.

In this blog, we’ll explore two different styles of preparing chole—one that mimics the market-style black chole and another home-style classic version. Let’s dive into the recipes!

Step 1: Preparing the Chole (Chickpeas)

Soaking and Boiling Chickpeas:

• Take Kabuli chana (chickpeas) and soak them overnight in enough water.
• In the morning, discard the water (as it contains sugar that can cause bloating) and rinse the chickpeas with fresh water before cooking.

Now, you can prepare chole in two different styles:

Method 1: Market-Style Black Chole

This version gives the rich, dark-colored chole that you often find in restaurants and dhabas.

Ingredients:

• Boiled Kabuli Chana – 2 cups
• Oil – 2 tbsp
• Onion – 1 large (chopped)
• Garlic (optional) – 4-5 cloves (finely chopped)
• Tomato – 1 large (chopped)
• Chana Masala Powder – 2 tsp
• Salt – as per taste
• Meetha Soda (Baking Soda, optional) – ¼ tsp

Preparation:

1. Heat oil in a pressure cooker.
2. Add chopped onions and garlic and sauté until they turn light brown.
3. Add chopped tomatoes and stir until they soften and break down.
4. Mix in chana masala powder and sauté until the mixture releases oil.
5. Add soaked chana, salt, and a pinch of meetha soda (optional, helps soften the chana).
6. Pour in enough water, close the lid, and pressure cook on medium flame for a few whistles.
7. Let the cooker cool naturally before opening. Your dark, flavorful market-style chole is ready!

Serving:

• Garnish with butter, sliced onions, green chilies, and pickle for an authentic dhaba-style experience.

Method 2: Home-Style Chole

This is a simpler, aromatic, and lightly spiced version of chole that is perfect for a homely meal.

Ingredients:

• Boiled Kabuli Chana – 2 cups
• Oil – 2 tbsp
• Onion – 1 large (chopped)
• Tomato – 1 large (chopped)
• Turmeric Powder (Haldi) – ½ tsp
• Coriander Powder (Dhaniya Powder) – 1 tsp
• Garam Masala – ½ tsp
• Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves) – ½ tsp
• Salt – as per taste
• Fresh Coriander Leaves – for garnishing

Preparation:

1. Boil the soaked chana in fresh drinking water until soft. Set aside.
2. Heat oil in a kadai (deep pan) and add chopped onions. Sauté until golden brown.
3. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft.
4. Mix in haldi, dhaniya powder, garam masala, and kasuri methi. Sauté well until the masala releases oil.
5. Add the boiled chana, salt, and some water. Let it simmer for a few minutes so the flavors blend.
6. Once the gravy thickens, turn off the flame.

Serving:

• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and butter. Serve with achaar, sliced onions, and green chilies.

Step 2: Making the Perfect Pooris

Ingredients for Poori Dough:

• Whole Wheat Flour (Atta) – 2 cups
• Semolina (Sooji, optional, for crispiness) – 2 tbsp
• Salt – a pinch
• Water – as needed
• Oil – 1 tsp (for kneading) + for deep frying
• Kasuri Methi (optional)

Preparation:

1. In a bowl, mix wheat flour, sooji, Kasuri Methi (dried fenugreek leaves-optional) and salt.
2. Add water gradually and knead into a firm dough.
3. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
4. Heat oil in a deep pan for frying.
5. Roll small portions of dough into small circles.
6. Deep fry the pooris one at a time, pressing them lightly with a spatula until they puff up and turn golden brown.
7. Remove and drain excess oil on paper towels.

Final Serving & Enjoying Chole Poori!

Best Accompaniments:

• Chole (market-style or home-style)
• Piping hot crispy pooris
• Sliced onions & green chilies
• Lemon wedges
• Mango pickle (Achar)
• A dollop of butter on top of the chole

This classic North Indian dish is an absolute treat for weekend brunches, special occasions, or whenever you crave something rich and flavourful. The combination of soft, puffy pooris with spicy, tangy chole is pure bliss!

Try this recipe and indulge in the authentic flavors of Chole Poori, a dish that never fails to satisfy! 😊