Pickle-spiced chickpeas (aachari chole)

Pickle-Spiced Chickpeas (Aachari Chole)

Pickle-Spiced Chickpeas, or Aachari Chole, is a delightful Indian dish that combines the tangy and spicy flavors of traditional Indian pickles with the hearty texture of chickpeas. This dish is perfect for those who love bold flavors and is a great way to add some excitement to your meal. The unique blend of spices used in this recipe makes it truly special and a must-try for any spice enthusiast.

Serving Size and Yield

This recipe serves approximately 4 people.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tablespoon pickle masala (available at Indian grocery stores)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Let them sizzle for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Sauté the chopped onion until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for another 2 minutes.
5. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften, about 5 minutes.
6. Mix in the pickle masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook for 2 minutes to let the spices bloom.
7. Add the chickpeas to the pan and stir well to coat them with the spice mixture.
8. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chickpeas are heated through and the flavors meld together.
9. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Additional Notes

If you can’t find pickle masala, you can substitute with a mix of ground fenugreek, mustard seeds, and fennel seeds. Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red chili powder according to your preference. This dish pairs well with rice or Indian bread like naan or roti.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Approximately 200 calories, 8g protein, 25g carbohydrates, 8g fat, 6g fiber.

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