Chole Chawal, a beloved dish in Indian cuisine, is known for its hearty, flavorful combination of spicy chickpeas (chole) and rice (chawal). This iconic dish is often enjoyed at homes, dhabas, and restaurants, and is a go-to comfort food. When paired with ADF’s range of pickles and chutneys, Chole Chawal transforms into a vibrant and delightful meal. The spicy, tangy, and savory flavors from the pickles and chutneys elevate the richness of the chole, making each bite more satisfying. Whether it’s a regular meal or a special occasion, Chole Chawal with ADF’s pickles and chutneys offers a perfect balance of taste and nutrition.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through the steps to prepare Chole Chawal and how ADF’s finest pickles and chutneys can enhance the dish’s flavor.
Step by Step Preparation
Ingredients for Chole Chawal
For Chole (Chickpeas):
- 1 cup dried chickpeas (or 2 cups canned chickpeas)
- 5 cups water (for soaking and cooking)
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 tomatoes (finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 green chili (optional)
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
- 1 teaspoon tea leaves (optional, to color the chole)
For Chawal (Rice):
- 1 cup Basmati Rice (or preferred rice variety)
- 2 cups water
- Salt to taste
For Chutney Accompaniments:
- Mango Pickle
- Lime Pickle
- Green Chili Chutney
Method to Prepare Chole Chawal
Step 1: Cook the Chole
- Soak dried chickpeas in water overnight, or for at least 6-8 hours. Drain the water.
- In a pressure cooker, add the soaked chickpeas, 5 cups of water, and tea leaves (for color). Cook for 3-4 whistles or until the chickpeas are soft. Discard the tea leaves.
- In a separate pan, heat oil, add cumin seeds, and bay leaf. Once they splutter, add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté until fragrant. Then, add chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften.
- Add the turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt. Stir well to combine.
- Add the cooked chickpeas to the pan and simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
- Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch.
- In a saucepan, add the rice, water, and a pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil.
- Lower the heat, cover the pan, and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and fluffy.
Step 3: Serve the Chole Chawal
- Serve the flavorful chole hot, accompanied by freshly cooked rice.
- Pair it with ADF’s tangy pickles, like Mango Pickle, Lime Pickle, or Green Chili Chutney, to add an extra kick and burst of flavor.
Tips for Perfect Chole Chawal
- If using canned chickpeas, rinse them thoroughly before cooking to remove excess sodium.
- For a deeper flavor, you can add a cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and cloves while cooking the chole.
- If you prefer a spicier version, increase the number of green chilies or add red chili powder.
- Add a dollop of ghee on top of the rice for extra richness.
- You can also include vegetables like spinach or bell peppers in the chole for added nutrition.
The Perfect Accompaniments: ADF Pickles and Chutneys
Pairing Chole Chawal with ADF’s pickles and chutneys enhances the dish in ways you won’t forget. ADF’s pickles, such as Mango Pickle and Lime Pickle, offer a tangy, spicy contrast to the flavorful chole, while ADF’s chutneys—whether sweet or sour—add a refreshing twist to the meal. The combination of bold flavors from the pickles and chutneys with the savory chole and rice creates a perfect harmony of tastes.
Generic Ingredients for ADF Pickles:
- Main Ingredients: Mango, lime, garlic, green chili, raw mango, red chili.
- Oils: Extra virgin olive oil.
- Seasonings & Spices: Edible common salt, mustard seeds, cumin powder, turmeric powder, chili powder, fenugreek, aniseed, coriander powder, black pepper, compounded asafoetida.
Generic Ingredients for ADF Chutneys:
- Main Ingredients: Garlic, ginger, mint leaves, green chili, raw mango, lemon juice, and water.
- Oils: Extra virgin olive oil, edible sunflower oil.
- Spices & Seasonings: Edible common salt, black salt, coriander powder, cumin powder, mustard seeds, fenugreek, turmeric powder, black pepper.
- Sweeteners & Acidity Regulators: Sugar, vinegar.
- Preservatives: Sodium Benzoate.
Why ADF Pickles and Chutneys Make a Difference
While Chole Chawal on its own is a flavorful and satisfying meal, ADF’s pickles and chutneys bring a new dimension to the taste. The bold, tangy, and spicy notes from the pickles contrast beautifully with the rich, savory flavors of the chole, while the chutneys add a delightful balance of sweet and sour to the overall meal. The pickles and chutneys not only enhance the taste of the dish but also complement the textures, making the meal even more enjoyable.
Health Benefits of Chole Chawal
Chickpeas, the star ingredient in chole, are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. They help regulate blood sugar levels, improve digestion, and are rich in folate, iron, and antioxidants. Rice provides carbohydrates that offer long-lasting energy, making this combination a perfect choice for a well-rounded meal.
Adding ADF’s pickles and chutneys further boosts the health benefits. The spices used in the pickles—like cumin, mustard seeds, and turmeric—have anti-inflammatory properties that promote good digestion and metabolism, while the fresh ingredients in the chutneys help with hydration and overall health.
Final Thoughts
Chole Chawal with ADF Pickles and Chutneys is a delicious, wholesome, and satisfying meal that never fails to impress. The combination of chickpeas, rice, and the burst of flavors from ADF’s pickles and chutneys makes this dish a must-try. Whether for a casual lunch or a festive dinner, this meal is sure to bring joy and flavor to your table.
Try making this easy and tasty recipe at home, and see how ADF’s pickles and chutneys can transform a simple dish into a flavorful feast!
