Pakistan, India, Bangladesh – Traditional Chikar Choley (Boiled Chickpeas with Gravy)

by Usama Tariq

Introduction about Chikar Cholay

Chikar cholay is an Urdu language word, the word chikar means ‘mud’ or mash, while choley or channe means chickpeas. This dish is also known as “Chikar Channe”. In Pakistan, it is common as breakfast, but desi people eat it with paratha (oily chapati), but many of these people eat it with Nan (made with sourdough). This dish is very rich in nutritional diets as well as healthy diets. It has many benefits for any sick people or also for whom which have many diseases like diarrhea etc. It is a traditional Punjabi dish. You can make it on your own instead of going to buy from the hotel. This dish is available at many restaurants either local or famous, many hotels, dhabas, etc. For making chikar choley at best quality and flavor, soak the chickpeas overnight and then boiled it at early in the morning because of this it takes much taste and aroma and much softer than before.

Value of this dish in Pakistan

When we talk about the value and importance of this dish, it is very popular in Pakistan as well as all across Asia. People of Pakistan love breakfast with this delicious dish. Its taste, aroma, and fragrance are very mouthwatering. This dish has many branches scattered all across Pakistan for example in Punjab this dish is the main root in Punjab as compared to other provinces. Every province has their own taste like many people love to eat spicy foods that are why they made it spicy. It is the most common morning breakfast in Pakistan. This dish is available at many famous hotels as well as at local hotels too.

Breakfast in Lahore City

As we know that Lahore is an ancient city of Pakistan. It is very famous about local cuisine and famous breakfasts. Many breakfasts come from Lahore. Anderson Lahore is the special and ancient place of Lahore where these types of breakfasts are available. So, chikar choley is also the part of their breakfasts.

Origin and history of this dish

 This dish is originated from the Indian Subcontinent. Chikar Choley is one of the famous and tasty dishes of Indian Mughlai. Indian Mughlai invents this dish for the first time. Further, it is famous in north India Punjab. Now, this dish is popular all across the world but it is more popular in Asian cuisine.

Serving

When we talk about its serving, it is the first priority and depends upon you that which thing you serve with Chikara Choley. Serve it to your family, friends gathering, loved ones, etc. now you can be served It with Boiled rice, Wheat made chapatti, Sourdough (Nan), etc. But people love to eat it with nan as a breakfast, but some people eat a whole day or any time can eat.

Ingredients

•  (Chickpeas) boiled ½ Cup
•  (Potato) peeled & boiled 1 small
• Cooking oil ½ Cup
• (Red chili powder) ½ tbs or to taste
• (Turmeric powder) ½ tsp
•  (Coriander powder) 1 tbs
• (Salt) ½ tsp or to taste
• (Cumin powder) 1 tsp
• (Black peppercorns) 8-10
• (Green cardamom) 2
•  (Yogurt) 3-4 tbs
• (Ginger garlic paste) 1 tbs
•  (Chickpeas) boiled 2 & ½ Cups
•  (Water) 1 cup or as required
• (Red chili) crushed 1 tsp
•  (Water) 2 tbs
• (Dried mango powder) 1 tbs
• (Black pepper powder) ½ tsp
• (Fresh coriander)
•  (Ginger) julienne

Cooking Procedure

• First, we take a bowl add boiled chickpeas, 1 small peeled and boiled potato in that bowl.
• Then mash it well with a hand masher and set it aside.

• Now take a wok put it on the stove at the medium-low flame.

• Add oil and heat it for 1 minute.
• Then add red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, salt to taste, cumin powder, 8 to 10 black peppercorns, and 2 green cardamoms in it.
•   Mix it well on low flame.

• Then add yogurt and ginger garlic paste and mix it well and cook it for approximately 2 to 3 minutes on medium-low flame.

• Now add mashed potato and chickpeas mixture into the wok.
• Mix well and continuously cook for 8 to 10 minutes approximately.

• Now add remaining boiled chickpeas into it and mix it well.

• Let’s add some water or as required then mix it well.
• Then add crushed red chili into it.

• Now cover the wok and continue to cook on a medium flame for approximately 6 to 8 minutes.
• After that time uncover it and mix it with a spoon.
• Now take a deep spoon add some water then add dried mango powder, black pepper powder into the deep spoon.
• Mix it well and add it into the wok and again mix well.

• Add fresh coriander, ginger julienne into it for garnishing.

• Your special Chikar Choley (Mash Chickpeas) is ready to serve.
• Serve hot to your family and your loved ones.
• You can serve it with chapatti, Nan (sourdough), boiled rice, etc.
• Enjoy the meal.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Proteins: 8.9g
• Fats: 6g

Time Required

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time:  15 minutes
• Total Time: Minimum 35 minutes required

Additional Information

• Serving: 3 to 4 Persons
• Origin: Indian Subcontinent
• Cuisine: Pakistan, Indian (Mughlai)
• Taste: salty and spicy