Authentic North Indian Flavors | Make This Restaurant-Style Recipe at Home

Craving a hearty, flavourful dish packed with protein, fiber, and aromatic spices? Try this Chole Paneer Masala recipe — a mouthwatering combination of tender chickpeas and creamy paneer (cottage cheese), simmered in a rich, spiced gravy. Perfect for dinner, special occasions, or weekend meals, this recipe brings authentic North Indian flavours right into your kitchen. Follow this easy, step-by-step guide to recreate a restaurant-style experience at home!

Ingredients for Chole Paneer Masala:

For Chole (Chickpeas):

• 2 cups soaked chickpeas (chole)
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1 cup tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2-inch cinnamon stick
• 1 black cardamom
• 1 tea bag (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 4 tablespoons coriander leaves (for garnish)

For Bhuna Masala (Roasted Spice Blend):

• 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
• 1.5 tablespoons coriander seeds
• 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
• 7-8 black peppercorns
• 1/4-inch nutmeg
• 2 green cardamoms
• 4 dry red chilies
• 1/4-inch mace
• 1/4-inch cinnamon stick

For Tadka (Tempering):

• 1 tablespoon ghee
• 1 tablespoon ginger, chopped
• 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped
• 1 tablespoon green chili, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Chole (Chickpeas)

1. Soak the chickpeas overnight in plenty of water. Drain and rinse them.
2. In a pressure cooker or large pot, boil the chickpeas until tender (about 4-5 whistles in a pressure cooker or 45 minutes in a pot).
3. In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil. Add cumin seeds, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, and black cardamom.
4. Once the spices sizzle, add chopped onions and ginger-garlic paste. Sauté until the onions turn golden brown.

Step 2: Add Tomato Paste & Spices

1. Add tomato paste, turmeric powder, and red chili powder to the pan. Cook for 5 minutes until the oil begins to separate from the mixture.
2. Add the boiled chickpeas to the pan, along with a tea bag (if using for color) and 2 cups of water.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.

Step 3: Prepare Bhuna Masala (Roasted Spice Blend)

1. In a dry skillet, roast the cumin seeds, coriander seeds, fennel seeds, black pepper, nutmeg, green cardamoms, dry red chilies, mace, and cinnamon stick until fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).
2. Grind the roasted spices into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.

Step 4: Add Bhuna Masala & Paneer

1. Add the freshly ground Bhuna Masala to the cooked chickpeas, along with salt to taste.
2. Gently stir in 1 cup of paneer cubes (fresh or store-bought) and let it simmer for 5 more minutes so the paneer absorbs the flavors.

Step 5: Tadka (Tempering)

1. Heat ghee in a small pan. Add chopped ginger, garlic, and green chilies. Fry for a minute until fragrant.
2. Pour this hot tadka over the chole paneer and stir gently to combine.

Health Benefits of Chole Paneer Masala:

• Protein & Fiber-Rich: Chickpeas (chole) and paneer provide a powerful combination of plant-based protein and fiber, making this dish filling and satisfying.
• Immunity-Boosting Ingredients: Turmeric, ginger, and garlic are renowned for their anti-inflammatory and immunity-boosting properties, helping to support overall health.
• Healthy Fats: Ghee adds rich flavor and healthy fats, promoting digestion and enhancing the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients.

Nutritional Information (Approximate, Per Serving):

• Calories: 400-500 (depending on portion size)
• Protein: 25-30g (from chickpeas and paneer)
• Fat: 20-25g (includes healthy fats from ghee)
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g (complex carbs from chickpeas)
• Fiber: 8-10g (supports digestive health)

Who Should Eat Chole Paneer Masala?

• Fitness Enthusiasts: High in protein and fiber, this dish is great for muscle recovery and satiety.
• Foodies: For those who crave bold, authentic North Indian flavors.
• Those Looking for a Flavorful Meal: Enjoy a wholesome, delicious meal that satisfies both hunger and taste buds.

Who Should Not Eat It?

• People with High Cholesterol or Heart Issues: Due to the higher fat content from ghee, individuals with heart concerns should consume in moderation.
• Vegans: To make this dish vegan-friendly, substitute paneer with tofu or another plant-based protein, and replace ghee with coconut oil or vegetable oil.

When to Eat Chole Paneer Masala?

• Special Occasions: Ideal for festive meals or celebrations.
• Dinner Parties: A great dish to serve at gatherings, offering a delicious and satisfying option for guests.
• Weekend Meals: Perfect for a hearty, comforting meal on a weekend.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is Bhuna Masala?
A: Bhuna Masala is a traditional North Indian spice blend made by dry-roasting whole spices like cumin, coriander, cardamom, and cinnamon. It is then ground into a powder and added to dishes for an intense, flavorful base.

Q: Can I use canned chickpeas instead of dried chickpeas?
A: Yes, canned chickpeas can be used for convenience. However, soaking and boiling dried chickpeas results in a fresher texture and deeper flavor.

Q: Can I make Chole Paneer Masala vegan?
A: Yes, you can easily make this dish vegan by substituting paneer with tofu or any plant-based protein, and replacing ghee with coconut oil or olive oil.

Q: How spicy is this recipe?
A: This recipe is medium-spicy, but you can adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of green chilies and red chili powder to suit your taste.