Chole Palak Recipe: Make Chole Palak with a Special Twist – The Easy Way

Chole Palak, a delightful fusion of chickpeas (chole) and spinach (palak), is a dish that brings together the hearty texture of chickpeas and the nutritious goodness of spinach. With a few simple ingredients and a special twist, you can prepare this flavorful and healthy dish in no time. If you’re craving a healthy yet delicious vegetarian meal, Chole Palak is the way to go!

Ingredients:

To make Chole Palak with a twist, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• For the Chole (Chickpeas):
  • 1 ½ cups dried chickpeas (or 2 cans of cooked chickpeas)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2-3 cloves
  • 1-inch cinnamon stick
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, pureed
  • 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1-2 green chilies, chopped
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tbsp chole masala (or amchur powder for extra tang)
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tbsp oil or ghee
• For the Palak (Spinach):
  • 2-3 cups fresh spinach leaves, washed and chopped
  • 1 tbsp ginger, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional for an added texture)
  • 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1 tbsp ghee or oil
  • A pinch of hing (asafoetida)
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (for a fresh twist)
• Special Twist – Adding Coconut Milk:
  • 1/4 cup coconut milk for a creamy texture and extra flavor

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Chole (Chickpeas)

1. Soak and Cook the Chickpeas: If you’re using dried chickpeas, soak them in water for 6-8 hours or overnight. Drain the water and cook them in a pressure cooker with enough water, bay leaf, cloves, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt for 3-4 whistles. If you’re using canned chickpeas, simply rinse and drain them.
2. Sauté the Spices: In a pan, heat oil or ghee over medium heat. Add cumin seeds, and once they splutter, add chopped onions. Sauté until golden brown.
3. Prepare the Masala: Add ginger-garlic paste and chopped green chilies. Cook for a minute, then add pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil starts separating from the masala. Stir in coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric, and chole masala. Cook the spices for 2-3 minutes.
4. Combine Chickpeas: Add the cooked chickpeas to the masala. Mix well, and cook for 5-7 minutes to allow the chickpeas to absorb the flavors. Add water if you prefer a gravy-like consistency. Let it simmer.

Step 2: Prepare the Palak (Spinach)

1. Blanch the Spinach: Blanch the spinach leaves by briefly immersing them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then transferring them to an ice bath. This preserves the vibrant green color. Puree the spinach in a blender to make a smooth paste.
2. Cook the Spinach: In another pan, heat oil or ghee and add mustard seeds. Once they splutter, add finely chopped onions (optional) and sauté for a minute. Add ginger and garlic, and cook until fragrant.
3. Spice it up: Stir in red chili powder, hing, and salt. Then add the pureed spinach and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the spinach to cook down and thicken.
4. Add Coconut Milk: For the special twist, add the coconut milk to the spinach mixture. This will make the dish creamy and rich while balancing the spices. Stir well and let it cook for 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Combine the Chole and Palak

1. Mix the Chole and Palak: Once the chickpeas and spinach are both cooked, combine the two in one pan. Stir gently to mix the flavors. Simmer for another 5 minutes to let them meld together.
2. Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker or more gravy-like consistency, adjust with a bit more water as needed.
3. Add Lemon Juice: To give your Chole Palak a refreshing twist, squeeze some fresh lemon juice on top right before serving. This will add a zesty note that complements the creamy spinach and hearty chickpeas.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with roti, naan, or steamed rice. You can also add a dollop of yogurt on the side for a creamy contrast. Enjoy your Chole Palak with a special coconut milk twist!

Tips for the Perfect Chole Palak:

• Chickpeas: If you have the time, using dried chickpeas will give you the best texture and flavor. Canned chickpeas work well in a pinch but may need a little extra seasoning.
• Spinach: Fresh spinach is key for the vibrant green color. Frozen spinach can be used but may change the texture slightly.
• Coconut Milk Twist: The coconut milk not only adds a unique creaminess but also gives a mild sweetness that balances the spices. For a dairy-free version, this is a great option!

Conclusion:

Chole Palak is a simple yet satisfying dish that combines protein-rich chickpeas with the nutritional powerhouse of spinach. Adding coconut milk gives it a special creamy twist that elevates the dish to a whole new level. Whether you’re serving it for lunch, dinner, or even as a part of a festive meal, Chole Palak will surely be a hit. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can create a comforting, healthy meal in no time!