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Madhu Savara’s No-Oil, No-Ginger, No-Garlic Chole • Authentic North Indian Chana Masala A
Oil-free chole served in a white bowl garnished with coriander and chickpeas

curry

📘 Table of Contents

  1. Preface

  2. Introduction to No‑Oil Chole

  3. Significance & Origin of Chana Masala

  4. Utensils Required for Oil‑Free Indian Curry

  5. Standard Ingredients for Making Healthy Chana Masala

  6. Detailed Recipe Method

  7. Nutritional Value of No‑Oil Chole

  8. Prep & Cooking Time

  9. Serving Tips

  10. Things to Avoid in No‑Ginger No‑Garlic Chole

  11. Storage Instructions

  12. Variations & Serving Options

  13. FAQs About This Oil‑Free Indian Curry

  14. Strong Conclusion

  15. Allergens

1. Preface

Madhu Savara invites you to savour an authentic Madhu Savara chole recipe that turns traditional North Indian chana masala into a nutritious, no-oil chole delight. This version skips ginger and garlic, making it a mindful, easy-to-digest, and vegan-friendly dish.

2. Introduction to No‑Oil Chole

If you’re searching for a healthy chana masala that’s both flavorful and clean, this oil-free Indian curry is your answer. Perfect for wellness goals or vrat (fasting) diets, this no-ginger no-garlic chole is hearty, traditional, and guilt-free.

3. Significance & Origin of Chana Masala

Chana masala (chole) originated in Northern India and Pakistan, rising to popularity through Mughal cuisine. Chickpeas have been cultivated in the Indian subcontinent for over 7,000 years. This dish has always been a staple in Punjabi households, traditionally served with deep-fried bhaturas, though our version offers a lighter, no-oil option.

Servings

4

Preparation Time:

10 min + overnight soak

Cooking Time:

30–35 min (incl. pressure)

Calories

290

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried chickpeas (kabuli chana), soaked overnight

  • 2 large tomatoes, pureed

  • 2 green chilies, slit

  • 1 tsp cumin seeds

  • 1 tsp coriander powder

  • ½ tsp turmeric powder

  • 1 tsp red chilli powder (adjust per taste)

  • 1 tsp chole masala or garam masala

  • 1 tsp dried mango powder (amchur)

  • Salt, to taste

  • Fresh coriander leaves, chopped

  • 2 cups water or chickpea-soak water

Equipment Needed

  • Pressure cooker or Instant Pot

  • Heavy-bottomed pot or kadhai

  • Mixing spoon & garlic-free spice sieve (optional)

  • Measuring cups & spoons

Nutrition Information

(per serving)

  • Calories: ~290kcal Protein: ~15–16g nutritionix.com+4menus.princeton.edu+4eatthismuch.com+4

  • Fat: Minimal (zero from added oil)

  • Carbs: ~40g

  • Fibre, potassium, folate, iron, and magnesium—rich!

Step by Step Instructions

A. Prep Chickpeas

  1. Soak chickpeas overnight (~8 hours).

  2. Drain, then pressure-cook with 2 cups water and ½ tsp salt: stove 3–4 whistles or Instant Pot 15 min on manual.

  3. Let pressure release naturally; reserve liquid.

B. Build Flavour (Oil-Free)

  1. In a heavy pot, dry-roast cumin seeds until fragrant.

  2. Add slit green chilies, sauté briefly in reserved liquid.

  3. Mix in tomato puree, turmeric, chilli powder, and coriander powder. Cook until an oil-like layer appears on top.

C. Combine & Simmer

  1. Add cooked chickpeas and ½ cup reserved liquid.

  2. Stir in chole masala, dried mango powder, and salt.

  3. Simmer 10 min, mashing some chickpeas for a thicker gravy.

  4. Garnish with chopped coriander and adjust seasoning.

Tips and Variations

  • Serve hot with steamed rice, roti, kulcha, or freshly made bhatura.

  • Accent with chopped onions, lemon wedges, and mint-coriander chutney.

  • For a creamy twist, add a swirl of yoghurt.

Q: Can I use canned chickpeas?
A: Yes—drain and simmer in spice mix for 10–12 minutes.

Q: No oil results in a bland taste?
A: Not at all—long cooking of spices in tomato base builds deep flavour even without oil.

Q: Spice substitutes?
A: Use garam masala instead of chole masala; pinch of asafoetida (hing) if digestively sensitive.

Q: Freezer-friendly?
A: Yes. Store in freezer-safe containers, defrost in the fridge overnight.

Allergen Information

  • Contains legumes (chickpeas)—may trigger legume/pulse allergies

  • Gluten-free if served with rice or roti

  • Vegan, dairy-free

Other Essentials

Things to Avoid

  • Don’t skip pressure-cooking—key to creamy chickpeas.

  • Avoid high heat, leads to a burnt, bitter masala.

  • Skip ginger/garlic? Dry roast spices longer for aroma boost.

11. Storage Instructions

  • Refrigerate in an airtight container: up to 4 days.

  • Freeze portions: 2–3 months.

  • Reheat on simmer with a splash of water; garnish fresh.

12. Variations & Serving Options

  • With simmered spinach for a nutrition boost.

  • Dry chole: Cook down until nearly no gravy.

  • Kadhchi chole: Add potatoes during cooking.

  • Aloo-chole pulao: Mix with cooked rice & chole.

Conclusion

Madhu Savara’s recipe combines the authentic flavour of North Indian chole with a healthy, oil-free twist—perfect for modern, mindful eaters. From its ancient roots to your contemporary kitchen, this chole delivers comfort, nutrition, and a celebration of tradition in every bite.

Disclaimer

Important Notice: Read Before Proceeding

The recipes, preparation methods, nutritional details, and related content published on Madhu Savara’s website, social media, and associated platforms are intended solely for general informational and educational purposes. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and reliability, we make no guarantees regarding the results, safety, or accuracy of any recipe presented here.

We are not licensed nutritionists, dieticians, or medical professionals. The nutritional values provided are estimates only, calculated using third-party tools, and should not be used for medical diagnosis, dietary treatment, or allergy management. If you have any medical conditions, dietary restrictions, or food allergies, please consult your doctor or certified dietitian before attempting any recipe.

Cooking inherently involves sharp tools, high heat, and the risk of injury or fire. You assume full responsibility for your kitchen practices. Madhu Savara, the website, and all contributors shall not be held liable for any damage, injury, loss, or adverse outcome resulting directly or indirectly from the preparation, consumption, or interpretation of any content herein.

By using this website and attempting any recipe, you agree to hold harmless and indemnify Madhu Savara and her team from any liability, legal claim, or damages arising from the use of this content. You are encouraged to exercise independent judgment and take full responsibility for your health, kitchen safety, and actions.