Amritsari Chole Recipe – Authentic, Spicy & Dhaba-Style

If you’ve ever tasted rich, dark, flavorful chole at a Punjabi dhaba, you already know why the Amritsari chole recipe is so iconic. Unlike regular chana masala, Amritsari chole has deeper color, bolder spices, and that unmistakable tangy, smoky punch. In this guide, you’ll get a step-by-step Amritsari chole recipe, a detailed ingredients table, Hebbars Kitchen–style variation, an Instant Pot version, and pro tips to help you achieve restaurant-level perfection at home.

Whether you’re making it for bhature, puri, kulcha, or steamed rice—this is one recipe you’ll want to bookmark.

Amritsari Chole Recipe – Ingredients Table

Below is a complete, easy-to-follow table for authentic chole.

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Kabuli chana (white chickpeas)	1 cup (soaked overnight)
Tea bags (or loose tea tied in cloth)	1–2
Bay leaf	1
Black cardamom	1
Cloves	3–4
Cinnamon stick	1 small
Salt	To taste

For Masala Gravy

Ingredient	Quantity
Onions (finely chopped)	2 medium
Tomatoes (pureed)	2 large
Ginger-garlic paste	1 tbsp
Green chillies	2
Oil or ghee	3 tbsp
Cumin seeds	1 tsp
Hing	1 pinch

Spices

Spice	Quantity
Turmeric powder	½ tsp
Red chilli powder	1 tsp
Coriander powder	1 tsp
Cumin powder	1 tsp
Chole masala	2 tbsp
Amchur (dry mango powder)	½ tsp
Anardana powder (optional but authentic)	1 tsp
Kasuri methi	1 tsp
Garam masala	½ tsp

How to Make Amritsari Chole Recipe (Step-by-Step Guide)

Step 1 – Cook Chickpeas to Perfection

1. Soak the chickpeas for 8–10 hours.
2. Add them to a pressure cooker with:
   • Tea bag(s)
   • Bay leaf
   • Cinnamon
   • Cloves
   • Salt
3. Pressure cook for 6–8 whistles until soft.

Why tea?
It gives the chole its signature dark, earthy color.

Step 2 – Prepare the Masala Base

1. Heat oil and add cumin seeds + hing.
2. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
3. Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies; cook until fragrant.
4. Add tomato puree and cook until oil separates.

Step 3 – Add Spice Mix

Stir in:

• Turmeric
• Red chilli powder
• Coriander powder
• Cumin powder
• Chole masala
• Anardana powder

Cook this on low flame for 2–3 minutes for a rich, dhaba-style flavor.

Step 4 – Combine Chickpeas & Masala

1. Add the cooked chickpeas with their water.
2. Mix gently and simmer for 10–15 minutes.
3. Add:
   • Garam masala
   • Kasuri methi (crushed)
   • Amchur powder

Simmer until gravy thickens and reaches a deep brown color.

Amritsari Chole Recipe Dhaba Style (How to Make It Even Better)

To make it taste exactly like roadside Punjabi dhabas:

• Add 1 tbsp black tea water before simmering.
• Add a pinch of roasted ajwain.
• Mash 2 tbsp chickpeas for thicker gravy.
• Add a small piece of coal (dhungar technique) for smoky flavor.

Amritsari Chole Recipe Hebbars Kitchen Style

Hebbars Kitchen is known for simple, quick recipes. To match that style:

• Use onion-tomato paste instead of chopping separately.
• Add ½ tsp fennel powder for aroma.
• Add ½ tsp black salt for balance.
• Use pressure cooker for both masala and chole, making it a one-pot recipe.

Perfect for beginners!

Amritsari Chole Recipe Instant Pot Version

If you prefer Instant Pot cooking, here’s the simplest method:

Instant Pot Steps

1. Sauté mode → Heat oil → Add cumin, hing, onions.
2. Add ginger-garlic paste, tomato puree, and spices.
3. Add soaked chickpeas + 3 cups water + tea bag.
4. Pressure Cook (Manual) → 35 minutes.
5. Natural release for 10 minutes.

Your Instant Pot Amritsari chole is ready—soft, deeply flavored, and perfect for meal prep.

Pro Tips for the Best Amritsari Chole Recipe

• Use dark chole masala (MDH, Catch, or homemade).
• Always add anardana powder for authentic tanginess.
• Use black cardamom instead of green for earthy flavor.
• Slow simmering for 15–20 minutes enhances taste.
• For extra richness, add 1 tbsp ghee before serving.

What to Serve with Amritsari Chole?

• Amritsari kulcha
• Bhature
• Jeera rice
• Tandoori roti
• Plain paratha

Add sliced onions, green chutney, and lemon for a complete Punjabi platter.

FAQs – Amritsari Chole Recipe

1. Why is my chole not dark like dhabas?

Add tea bags and simmer longer. Also use chole masala with dark spices.

2. Can I skip tomatoes?

Yes, use yogurt or amchur for tanginess.

3. Which chana is best for Amritsari chole?

Large, white kabuli chana works best.

4. How to thicken chole gravy?

Mash some cooked chickpeas and simmer.

5. Can I make Amritsari chole without onion and garlic?

Yes, replace with tomato + ginger + whole spices.

6. Can I freeze the chole?

Yes, it stores well for up to a month in airtight containers.

Conclusion

This authentic Amritsari chole recipe is rich, bold, and full of traditional Punjabi flavors. Whether you prefer the dhaba-style version, Instant Pot method, or Hebbars Kitchen–inspired shortcut, each variation brings out a unique charm. Bookmark this recipe, try the pro tips, and enjoy restaurant-quality chole at home.