076 India – Pindi Chana

Pindi Chana

Of the world dishes I have made this is one of my top 5 favorites. Very spicy, very complex flavors working together here. This maybe too spicy for most. I would suggest reducing or omitting the red chili powder if your not a fan of heat.

Ingredients

Chickpeas (kabuli chana) soaked overnight 1 1/2 cups

Dried pomegranate seeds(anardana) 1 tablespoon

Black Tea bags 2

Salt to taste

Coriander seeds 2 teaspoons

Turmeric powder 1/2 teaspoon

Red chili powder 1 1/2 teaspoons

Dry mango powder (amchur) 1/2 teaspoon

Ghee 4 tablespoons

Cumin seeds 1 1/2 teaspoon

Onions chopped 2 medium

Ginger paste 1 tablespoon

Garlic paste 1 tablespoon

Cumin powder 2 tablespoons

Coriander powder 2 tablespoons

Tomatoes quartered 2 medium

Green chillies  4 cut into strips

Garam masala powder 1 teaspoon

Method

step 1

Put soaked chick peas (chana) in a deep pan. Add tea bags and salt and cook till soft. Once cooked remove the tea bags.

step 2

Dry roast dried pomegranate seeds (anardana), coriander seeds, half the turmeric powder, half the red chili powder, dry mango powder(amchur) and grind to a powder. This is the chole masala.

step 3

Heat three tablespoons ghee in a large pan or iron kadai if you have one.  Add one teaspoon cumin seeds and sauté till it it changes color. Add onions and sauté till golden.

step 4

Add ginger paste, garlic paste, red chili powder, remaining turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder and continue to sauté.

step 5

Add boiled chick peas (chana), salt and some cooking liquid  and mix. Meanwhile heat one tablespoon ghee in a pan, add the remaining cumin seeds and tomatoes. Add green chillies and a little salt and toss.

step 6

Stir and press the tomatoes lightly. Add a little water and cook for two minutes. Add to the chickpeas (chana) along with chole masala (step 2) and garam masala.

step 7

Stir to mix well and cook for fifteen to twenty minutes on low heat. Serve hot.

Original recipe found here:

http://www.sanjeevkapoor.com/Recipe/Chana-Pindi.html#