Chhole - Indian Chickpeas Curry

Chhole Bhature is my husbands favorite sunday breakfast and he can have it every sunday without even getting bored. HUH!! . He says this is my signature dish. But the method of preparation somewhat dates back to my in-laws ancestral way of preparation. You will see that the way of presentation is so unique which not only adds to the looks but also enhances the taste.
Recently i had  made this for a play date at my house. My friends loved it so much and so wanted the recipe.This recipe is dedicated to one of my friends.

Ingredients:
Kabuli Chana       1 Cup
Onion                   1 Big, chopped fine
Tomatoes              2 small, pureed
Ginger paste          1 tsp (i use fresh)
Garlic paste           1 tsp (i use fresh)
Green chilli              2 small
Kasuri Methi           2 tsp
Coriander leaves     2 tsp
Turmeric powder    1/2 tsp
Coriander powder    1 tsp
Red chilly powder        1/4 tsp
Cumin Seeds                   1 tsp
Chana Masala powder         1 tbsp
Garam Masala powder    1/2 tsp
Roasted Cumin powder   1tsp
Salt                                 to taste
Oil                                  1 tbsp

For Garnishing:
Tamarind                        1 tbsp
Water                             2 tbsp
Sugar                              4 tbsp
Black Salt                       2 tsp
Roasted cumin Powder    1 tsp
Curd                                1/4 cup

Method
1. Soak Chana overnight for a minimum of 8 hrs with 1/2 tsp cumin and 1 tsp oil.

2.Pressure Cook the Chana  with enough water ( about 2 1/2 cups) and salt till soft or for about 6-7 whistles.
3.In a pan heat oil. Add Cumin seeds. When the seeds starts to crackle add the onion.

4. Saute for about a min till golden. Then add the ginger and garlic paste.

5. Saute for a while and add the tomato puree(I pureed the tomatoes along with 2 green chilies)

6. Add Red chilli powder,coriander powder,turmeric powder and chana masala.
7.Add little water (about 1/2 cup), cover and cook on medium flame ( for about 5 min)

8. Uncover to add the roasted cumin powder and mix.
9. Cover and cook again for another 5 mins till the oil leaves the masala.

10.Add the cooked chana to this and mix well. Add in water till you reach the desired consistency.

11.Crush the kasuri methi using both your palms and add to the chhole.
12. Add in Coriander leaves (optional) and mix everything well.
13. Cook for about another 5-7 mins.Add Garam masala powder and mix and switch off the flame.

 Garnishing:
1.Soak the tamarind in enough water for about 10 min till mushy.
2.Drain the seeds so that we get thick tamarind paste. Add little water if  too thick.
3.Add 1 tsp black salt,sugar, and 1/2 tsp roasted cumin powder.
4. Churn the curd with a spoon and add 1 tsp black salt,1/2 tsp roasted cumin powder.

Presentation
Just before serving take chole in a bowl. Add 2 tsp tamarind water and 1 tsp curd on top.

Serve with hot Batures.

Note: For Bhature recipe please click here.