Methi Chole was a spin off on the usual Chole and the chickpeas lover in me had to make it the moment i read this on Neha’s blog. Made this with slight changes, and as we love both fenugreek and Chole equally, this was very well received. The little one also had this despite the slightly bitter taste from the methi leaves. See Notes at the end of this recipe for more variations.
This week we have 3 sides and 3 mains as part of month long Protein Rich Mega Blogging Marathon.
So far the journey has been great, and hope you have enjoyed these dishes too!
| Day 1 | Beetroot Hummus |
| Day 2 | Vegan Almond Basil Pesto |
| Day 3 | Ram Ladoo (Gulgule) |
| Day 4 | Cream of Peas Soup |
| Day 5 | Morappam |
| Day 6 | Baked Peas Kachori |
| Day 7 | Khatta Dhokla |
| Day 8 | Paneer Tikka Manchurian |
| Day 9 | Cheddar and Burnt Garlic Cauliflower soup |
| Day 10 | Red Rice Idly |
| Day 11 | Kanjeevaram Idli |
| Day 12 | Whole Moong Chaat |
| Day 13 | Vegetarian Shammi Kebabs |
| Day 14 | Baked Onion Pakora |
So, lets get to make Methi Chole – a GF , Proteinicious, Vegan side dish to Rotis / Naan / Kulchas or even plain steamed rice. As this recipe is easily scaleable, your parties could get a lot better and healthier with this wonderful dish. Lets get cracking !
Prep time : 15 mins (with Cooked Chickpeas) | Cook time : 15 mins | Serves : 4
You would need:
- Cooked Chickpeas – 2 cups (If using Canned, drain, rinse and use, If using Raw Chickpeas, soak overnight and pressure cook with little salt till soft but not mushy)
- Chopped Fresh Methi / fenugreek leaves – 1 cup (packed) – you may use frozen too
- Salt – to taste
- Turmeric – 1/2 tsp
- Chole / channa Masala powder – 2 tsp
- Red chilly powder – 1 tsp
- Amchur / Dry Mango Powder – 1/2 tsp
- Garam Masala – 1 TBSP
- Dry coriander powder – 1 tsp
- Kasuri Methi (crushed) – 1 tsp
- Oil – 2 TBSP
Saute and grind to a Paste:
- Onions – 1 large
- Tomato – 2 large
- Cashewnuts (soaked in warm water for 15 mins) – 8 to 10 {can omit for any nut allergy}
- Ginger – 1 tsp
- Garlic – 1 tsp (chopped)
Method:
- Saute the ingredients except cashew nuts for paste first in 1 tsp oil for 2-3 mins. Cool, add cashew nuts, grind and keep aside.
- In the same pan, add 1 tsp more oil, saute fenugreek leaves on very low flame for 3-4 mins till they slightly shrivel and keep aside. Do not add any salt.
- In a thick bottomed pan, add the remaining oil, add the paste and saute on low flame till any residual raw smell disappears. Add salt, turmeric, and all the dry spice powders, saute till oil separates.
- Now add the chickpeas, 1 cup of water and simmer for 4-5 mins. Finally add the fenugreek leaves and let it thicken a bit. Finish with Crushed Kasuri Methi.
- Serve hot or warm with Rotis / Phulkas or any bread
Notes:
- Onions and garlic are optional. so you can make it with just the tomato puree (increase the quantity though)
- Add a pinch of sugar while sauteeing the methi leaves so they remain green and fresh. For the same reason, the leaves are added at the end of the curry so that the dish doesnt get too bitter or the leaves turn dark and dull.
- If using frozen fenugreek, thaw the required quantity and saute with a little more oil (1/2 tsp extra).
- If using Ghee, this dish would taste more delicious !
Check out the Blogging Marathon page for the other Blogging Marathoners doing BM# 80
Very interesting combination kalyani..I haven't used fresh methi with chana..will try sometime!
Delicious methi chole.. I love the methi flavour in any sabzi
Methi and Chole looks divine.. The Cashews added in the masala makes it so rich.. Must be really yummy and delicious!!
This definitely is a very very interesting combo , looks delicious and a green with channa ! We make Paalak channa , Methi would be such a wonderful change . Beautiful !
Including methi in chole is such a great idea. A different flavor and variation to chole. Love it.
This has two of my favourite ingredients…methi and chole. Yum…have to try this asap!
Definitely a new version of chole for me, adding methi in chole is quite an interesting one. Will definitely make some soon.
I make it a point to add methi leaves in most of my dishes as we love the flavour a lot. The combination of methi and chole seems so divine. I will try it next time I make chole.
This is definitely a delicious idea. I love the combo can imagine the flavours and if LO ate then its definitely something delicious.
This is an amazing combination and I love the colour of your dish. Something similar is coming on my space soon.
this is a nice twist. Must try. So eager to know how the little bit bitterness of the methi blended with chole – Anlet Prince ( http://www.Annslittlecorner.com )
A nice twist to the whole preparation. I love methi and wouldn't mind having a bowl of this chole.
I love chana with spinach… amazing combo with rice.
This is one interesting combination,must be a flavorful curry.
I love method in curries. Cashews in the paste is a wonderful idea too. All in all that curry looks fabulous!
Addition of cashewnuts has made the gravy rich and thick. Nice combo of spinach and chana.