Best Easy Chole Palak Recipe

Enjoy the bold, tangy flavors of Chole Palak, a traditional Indian chickpea preparation rich in protein. This vegetarian dish is DASH-friendly, supports calorie deficit goals, and is a family favorite.

Cook 40 min Difficulty NORMAL 265 kcal
#vegetarian #DASH #mediterranean #diabetic friendly
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • chickpeas (cooked) 3 cups
  • fresh spinach 4 cups
  • yellow onion 1 pieces
  • tomato 2 pieces
  • garlic cloves 3 cloves
  • fresh ginger 1 tbsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • vegetable oil 2 tbsp
  • ground cumin 1 tsp
  • ground coriander 1 tsp
  • turmeric 0.5 tsp
  • garam masala 1 tsp
  • salt 0.75 tsp
  • lemon juice 1 tbsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 35 g 52%
Protein 11 g 17%
Fat 7 g 24%
Serving size 280g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Heat vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat for 90 seconds, then add chopped onions and sauté until golden and fragrant, about 4–5 minutes.

  2. 2

    Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the onions, stirring continuously for 1 minute to release their aroma and prevent burning.

  3. 3

    Stir in chopped tomatoes, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and salt, cooking over medium heat until tomatoes soften and the mixture thickens, approximately 5–6 minutes.

  4. 4

    Fold in the cooked chickpeas and chopped spinach, cover the pan, and cook on medium-low heat for 7–8 minutes until spinach is wilted and chickpeas are heated through.

  5. 5

    Finish with garam masala and lemon juice, simmer uncovered for 2–3 minutes to blend flavors, then adjust seasoning and serve hot.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The core ingredients in Chole Palak are chickpeas and fresh spinach. Chickpeas provide the dish's hearty texture and protein content, while spinach enriches it with vibrant color and earthy flavor. Their combination creates the characteristic taste and nutritional value of this vegetarian favorite.
Q. How should I control the heat while cooking Chole Palak?
Begin by sautéing onions in vegetable oil over medium heat, ensuring a golden color without burning. When adding garlic and ginger, lower the heat to prevent scorching and maintain fragrance. Cooking tomatoes and spices over medium heat helps develop the sauce, while simmering the chickpeas and spinach on medium-low preserves moisture and prevents overcooking.
Q. How can I prevent the chickpeas from getting mushy or undercooked?
Use fully cooked, tender chickpeas and fold them in gently with spinach. Covering the pan while cooking keeps the dish moist and ensures the chickpeas absorb flavor without drying out. Avoid overcooking after adding spinach; just 7–8 minutes is enough for both components to meld without losing their texture.
Q. How many calories and what is the protein-to-carb ratio per serving?
Each 280g serving of Chole Palak contains approximately 265 kcal, with 11g protein (17% of calories) and 35g carbohydrates (52% of calories). This balanced nutrition profile makes it suitable for DASH, calorie deficit, and vegetarian diets, while keeping fat and calories moderate.
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