Dhaba Style Chole Masala 2026 🧆 Less Oil Punjabi Veg Curry 😍
Hello friends! And Welcome to My Site Zomof.com – Best Indian Recipes 2026
Craving that classic Punjabi dhaba chole with bold flavors, thick gravy, and chickpeas bursting with masala – but lighter on oil? This Dhaba Style Chole Masala is your perfect fix: authentic roadside taste using minimal oil, pressure-cooked chickpeas, slow-bhuno masala, and a final tadka for that smoky punch. High in protein and fiber, ready in 45 minutes (including soaking), serves 4-5. Best with bhatura, kulcha, naan, roti, or jeera rice – pure Punjabi comfort!
Here are some tempting visuals of less-oil dhaba style chole masala – rich dark gravy, soft chickpeas, garnished with onion rings, lemon, and coriander!
Ingredients – Less Oil Dhaba Style
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kabuli Chana (Chickpeas) | 2 cups dry (soaked overnight) | Or 4-5 cups cooked |
| Oil | 3-4 tbsp | Less oil version – use mustard oil for dhaba flavor |
| Onions | 3 large, finely chopped | |
| Tomatoes | 4 medium, pureed | Ripe for tang |
| Ginger-Garlic Paste | 2 tbsp | |
| Green Chillies | 2-3, slit | Adjust spice |
| Tea bag or dried tea leaves | 1 bag / 1 tsp | For dark color (optional but dhaba secret) |
| Bay Leaf | 2 | |
| Black Cardamom | 2 | |
| Cinnamon Stick | 1-inch | |
| Cloves | 4-5 | |
| Turmeric Powder | ½ tsp | |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1½-2 tsp | Kashmiri for color |
| Coriander Powder | 2-3 tsp | |
| Chole Masala Powder | 2-3 tsp | Homemade or store-bought (Everest/MDH) |
| Garam Masala | 1 tsp | |
| Kasuri Methi (crushed) | 1 tbsp | |
| Salt | To taste | |
| Water | As needed | For gravy |
| Fresh Coriander | ¼ cup chopped | Garnish |
| Onion rings, lemon wedges | For serving | Classic dhaba touch |
Pro Tip: Soak chickpeas with a pinch of soda for softer texture – dhaba style!
Close-up of the thick, flavorful gravy with plump chickpeas – less oil but full dhaba taste!
Step-by-Step Recipe
Step 1: Cook Chickpeas
Soak 2 cups dry chana overnight (8-10 hrs). Drain. Pressure cook with 4-5 cups water, 1 tea bag (or 1 tsp tea leaves tied in muslin), bay leaf, black cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Give 4-5 whistles on medium flame until soft but not mushy. Discard tea bag/spices. Reserve cooking liquid.
Step 2: Make Masala Base
Heat 3-4 tbsp oil in a heavy kadhai on medium. Add chopped onions; fry until deep golden brown (8-10 mins). Add ginger-garlic paste + green chillies; sauté 1-2 mins until raw smell goes.
Step 3: Bhuno the Masala
Add tomato puree, turmeric, red chilli powder, coriander powder, chole masala, salt. Cook on medium-low, stirring often, until oil separates and masala thickens (10-12 mins) – this slow bhuno is key for dhaba depth!
Step 4: Add Chole
Add cooked chickpeas with 1-1½ cups reserved liquid. Mix well. Simmer on low for 15-20 mins – mash a few chickpeas for thicker gravy. Adjust consistency with more water if needed.
Step 5: Final Tadka & Finish
Sprinkle garam masala + crushed kasuri methi. Simmer 2-3 mins. Turn off heat. For extra dhaba smokiness: Optional dhungar – place hot coal in small bowl inside kadhai, add 1 tsp ghee, cover 2 mins.
Garnish with fresh coriander, onion rings, lemon wedges. Serve hot!
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving – Less Oil Focus)
- Calories: ~220-260 kcal
- Protein: 10-12g (from chickpeas)
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 8-10g (reduced oil)
- Fibre: 10g+
Healthy, filling, and guilt-free dhaba indulgence!
Pro Tips for 2026 Dhaba Taste with Less Oil
- Dark color: Tea bag trick gives that signature blackish-brown hue without extra oil.
- Smoky boost: Dhungar is must for roadside feel.
- Thicker gravy: Mash some chole or simmer longer.
- Variations: Add boiled potato cubes for Punjabi chole aloo style.
- Storage: Fridge 3-4 days; reheat with splash of water.
Quick Q&A
Q: Chole not soft?
A: Soak longer or add soda pinch while boiling.
Q: Less spicy?
A: Reduce red chilli to 1 tsp – still flavorful.
Q: No tea bag?
A: Use dark chole masala or anardana for color/tang.
Q: Best with what?
A: Bhature, kulcha, naan, or rice – add pickle and onion salad!
King, this less-oil Dhaba Style Chole Masala captures that Punjabi road trip vibe perfectly – try it soon and let me know how the bhuna masala turned out 😍
Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. Adjust spices to taste. Cook safely and check for allergies.
Happy Cooking! 🧆🍲🔥
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