Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Soak Chole and Potato

   In a bowl, add 1 cup chole and soak overnight. Add 1 peeled and halved potato to the soaking chole.

2. 2.Pressure Cook Chole and Potato

   Next day, transfer the soaked chole with the potato into a pressure cooker. Add salt as per taste and enough water to cover. Close the lid and cook for 5 whistles.

3. 3.Prepare Chole and Potato Paste

   After the chole is cooked, take out about 1/2 cup of boiled chole and the boiled potato from the pressure cooker and let them cool. Transfer the cooled chole and potato to a blender. Add 1/3 cup curd and blend into a smooth paste. Keep this paste aside.

4. 4.Sauté Aromatics

   Heat 3-4 tablespoons of oil in a pan. Add 1 inch of chopped ginger and 2 chopped green chillies. Sauté for a few seconds. Add 2 medium finely chopped onions and cook until they turn golden brown.

5. 5.Cook the Gravy Base

   Now add the prepared chole and potato paste into the pan with the fried onions. Add salt as per taste, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon coriander powder, 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chilli powder, 1 teaspoon chole masala, and 1/2 teaspoon garam masala. Mix well and cook until the oil separates from the mixture, stirring occasionally.

6. 6.Combine with Boiled Chole and Simmer

   Add the remaining boiled chole along with their cooking water into the pan. Mix well and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes to allow the flavors to combine and the gravy to thicken slightly.

7. 7.Add Fresh Coriander

   Stir in 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped coriander leaves into the chole.

8. 8.Prepare and Add Tadka

   Heat 1 tablespoon of oil or ghee in a separate tadka pan. Add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds, 1 slit green chilli, and 1 inch of ginger cut into juliennes. Let them splutter until fragrant. Pour this hot tadka over the chole masala in the pan and mix thoroughly.

9. 9.Serve Chikkar Chhole

   The Chikkar Chhole is done. Turn off the flame. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves if desired. Enjoy it hot with fluffy bhature, puri, or steamed rice.