Punjabi Chickpeas with Potato (Chole or Chana Masala)

The freshly mixed masala spice blend in this recipe was wonderful. I absolutely love full-flavored vegetarian meals like this traditional dish- and this is such a delicious version. It was heavenly and rich served with a dollop of whole milk Greek yogurt on top.

This recipe was adapted from Milk Street: The New Home Cooking by Christopher Kimball. (another successful dish!) We ate it with brown Basmati rice and warm naan.

Yield: Serves 4

• 1 large red onion
• 4 T sunflower, canola, grapeseed or other neutral oil, divided
• 1 1/2 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground cardamom
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
• coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 3/4 pound russet potatoes (about 2 medium potatoes), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 T finely grated fresh ginger
• 3 garlic cloves, finely grated
• 1 T tomato paste
• 1 1/2 cups water
• two 15 1/2 oz cans chickpeas, drained
• 1 T lime juice, plus lime wedges, to serve
• 1/4 cup coarsely chopped cilantro leaves, plus more to garnish
• chopped fresh tomatoes, thinly sliced Serrano chilies, and whole-milk Greek-style yogurt, for serving, as desired

1. Using a food processor or the large holes of a box grater, grate the onion, then transfer to a mesh strain and drain.
2. In a small bowl, stir together 1 tablespoon of the oil with the coriander, cardamom, paprika, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cayenne, 1 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
3. In a 12-inch skillet over medium-high, heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of oil. Add the cumin seeds and cook, shaking the pan, until the seeds are fragrant and darken, 30 to 60 seconds.
4. Add the drained onion and cook, stirring frequently, until the moisture has evaporated, 1 to 3 minutes.
5. Add the potatoes, reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring frequently, until the onions begin to brown and a fond forms on the bottom of the pan, 6 to 8 minutes.
6. Add the ginger, garlic, and tomato paste, then cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
7. Clear the center of the pan, then add the spice paste tot he clearing and cook, mashing and stirring until fragrant, about 15 seconds.
8. Stir in the vegetables.
9. Add the water and bring to a boil, scraping up all of the browned bits.
10. Add the chickpeas and return to a boil, then cover, reduce heat to low and cook until the potatoes are tender and the oil separates from the sauce at the edges of the pan, 13 to 15 minutes.
11. Off the heat, stir in the lime juice and cilantro.
12. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
13. Serve with lime wedges, chopped tomatoes, chiles, and yogurt, as desired.

About Josette@thebrookcook

I live in Stony Brook, New York on Long Island. I love garlic and baking. My hobby (and love) is to try new recipes. My favorite recipe resources include The New York Times, Food and Wine, Bon Appetit, and Martha Stewart Living. Enjoy!

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