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No Oil No Garlic No Onion Chole Recipe by Madhu Savara | Sattvic Chole | Oil Free Chana Masala
No onion, no garlic chole served in a rustic bowl with puffed pooris, green chutney, pickle, raita, fresh salad, and lemon on a wooden table,

Author’s Note

Namaste, dear friends. I am Madhu Savara, the author and owner of madhusavara.com.

In my kitchen, this No Oil No Garlic No Onion Chole Recipe is made very often. When we crave something tasty yet light, I prepare this Oil Free Chole and everyone at home simply loves it. No oil, no garlic, no onion, but the curry still turns out so aromatic and satisfying.

I have been cooking this Sattvic Chole for many years, and it has become my family’s favourite Healthy Chole Recipe. If you want a genuine oil-free chana masala, no garlic, no onion chole, or garlic-onion-free chana masala, then do try this recipe from my home kitchen.

Description of Recipe

This No Oil No Garlic No Onion Chole Recipe is a simple homestyle Indian chickpea curry made without any oil, garlic or onion. Slow-cooked with ripe tomatoes, ginger and everyday spices, this Oil Free Chana Masala gets beautiful flavour and thickness naturally.

As a pure Sattvic Chole, it feels light on the stomach and is very easy to digest. This Healthy Chole Recipe is perfect for daily meals, vrat days, and family get-togethers. Once you try this No Garlic No Onion Chole, it will become a regular in your kitchen too.

Origin

Chole has always been a much-loved dish in North Indian homes. While many restaurants add onion and garlic, traditional homes have long made this No Garlic No Onion Chole for religious occasions and sattvic meals. My No Oil No Garlic No Onion Chole Recipe follows the same pure home-style method.

Significance: This Sattvic Chole holds a special place during fasting days, poojas, and when we want simple, pure food. This Oil Free Chana Masala brings the same comfort as regular chole but in a much lighter and healthier form. It is my favourite Healthy Chole Recipe because it suits everyone in the family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Rich and tasty No Oil No Garlic No Onion Chole Recipe made without any shortcuts.
  • Truly light and wholesome Oil Free Chole and Sattvic Chole
  • Perfect Oil Free Chana Masala that even beginners can make easily
  • A genuine Healthy Chole Recipe suitable for weight watching and daily meals
  • Authentic No Garlic No Onion Chole and Garlic Onion Free Chana Masala for religious days
  • My family’s most requested Madhu Savara Chole Recipe

Table of Contents

  • Author’s Note
  • Description
  • Origin & Significance
  • Why You’ll Love This Recipe
  • Nutritional Value
  • Recipe Card
  • Ingredients
  • Equipment Needed
  • Preparation & Cooking Time
  • Step-by-Step Instructions
  • Madhu Savara’s Tips
  • Variations
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Things to Avoid
  • Storage & Reheating
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  • Allergen Information
  • Final Thoughts
  • About the Author

Servings

4

Preparation Time:

10 Minutes plus overnight soak

Cooking Time:

35  Minutes

Calories

290

Ingredients

    • 1 cup dried chickpeas (kabuli chana), soaked overnight
    • 2 large tomatoes, pureed
    • 2 green chillies, slit lengthwise
    • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
    • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
    • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
    • 1 teaspoon red chilli powder (adjust to taste)
    • 1 teaspoon chole masala or garam masala
    • 1 teaspoon dried mango powder (amchur)
    • Salt, to taste
    • 2 cups water or reserved chickpea soaking water
    • Fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped (for garnish)

Equipment Needed

    • Pressure Cooker or Instant Pot
    • Heavy-Bottomed Kadhai or cooking pot
    • Wooden Spoon or heat-resistant spatula
    • Measuring Cups and Measuring Spoons
    • Mixer Grinder or blender (for tomato puree, if required) (Optional)

Nutrition Information

Nutrient Approximate Amount (Per Serving)
Calories ~290 kcal
Protein ~15–16 g
Total Fat Minimal (No Added Oil)
Carbohydrates ~40 g
Dietary Fibre Rich Source
Potassium Rich Source
Folate (Vitamin B9) Rich Source
Iron Rich Source
Magnesium Rich Source

Step by Step Instructions

  1. Soak the Chickpeas: Wash 1 cup dried kabuli chana (chickpeas) thoroughly 2-3 times. Soak them in enough water overnight or for at least 8 hours.
  2. Cook the Chickpeas:s Drain the soaked chickpeas. Add them to a pressure cooker with 2 cups fresh water and ½ teaspoon salt.
    • Stovetop Pressure Cooker: Cook for 3–4 whistles on medium flame.
    • Instant Pot: Cook on Manual / Pressure Cook mode for 15 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally. Reserve the cooking liquid (this will be used for the gravy).
  3. Prepare Tomato Puree: Blend 2 large ripe tomatoes into a smooth puree and set aside.
  4. Dry Roast the Spices: Heat a heavy-bottomed kadhai or pan on medium flame. Add 1 teaspoon cumin seeds and dry roast until they become fragrant.
  5. Cook the Masal: Add 2 slit green chillies and stir for 20–30 seconds. Pour in the tomato puree. Add ½ teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon red chilli powder (adjust to taste), and 1 teaspoon coriander powder. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the masala thickens and the raw smell of tomatoes disappears. Add a splash of reserved chickpea water if needed.
  6. Add Chickpeas & Simmer: Add the cooked chickpeas along with ½ to ¾ cup of the reserved cooking liquid. Mix well.
  7. Add Final Spices Stir in 1 teaspoon chole masala (or garam masala), 1 teaspoon dry mango powder (amchur), and salt to taste.
  8. Final Simmer: Simmer on low to medium flame for 10–12 minutes so the flavours blend well. Gently mash a few chickpeas with the back of the spoon to thicken the gravy naturally.
  9. Garnish &Serve.e Turn off the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.

Tips and Variations

    • Serve this No Oil No Garlic No Onion Chole Recipe hot with steamed rice, roti, kulcha, or freshly made Puri.
    • Garnish with fresh coriander, lemon wedges, and mint-coriander chutney for an extra burst of flavour.
    • For a richer variation, add a small swirl of yoghurt, onion and Lemon while serving (optional).

Allergen Information

    • Contains legumes: Chickpeas (kabuli chana) may not be suitable for individuals with legume or pulse allergies.
    • Gluten-free option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free when served with rice or gluten-free accompaniments.
    • Vegan and dairy-free: This No Oil No Garlic No Onion Chole Recipe contains no dairy products and is suitable for a vegan diet.
Other Essentials

Things to Avoid

  • Do not skip soaking and pressure-cooking the chickpeas: Proper cooking is essential for soft, creamy chickpeas and the right texture of chole.
  • Avoid cooking the tomato masala on high heat: Since this recipe is oil-free, gentle cooking helps develop flavour and prevents the spices from becoming bitter.
  • Do not rush the spice cooking process: Allow the tomato and spice mixture to cook slowly so the flavours blend naturally.
  • For this No Oil No Garlic No Onion Chole Recipe: Dry roasting spices properly helps enhance their aroma and adds depth to the final dish.

Storage Instructions

  • Store leftover Oil Free Chole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2–3 months.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on low heat with a splash of water. Add fresh coriander before serving.

Variations & Serving Options

  • Spinach Chole: Add cooked spinach to the chole for extra nutrition and a different flavour profile.
  • Dry Chole: Simmer longer until most of the gravy reduces for a dry-style chole preparation.
  • Aloo Chole: Add boiled potatoes while simmering for a comforting potato and chickpea combination.
  • Aloo Chole Pulao: Mix the prepared chole with cooked rice to create a wholesome one-pot meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use canned chickpeas for this recipe?
A: Yes. Drain and rinse canned chickpeas, then simmer them with the prepared spice mixture for 10–12 minutes so they absorb the flavours.

Q: Will chole taste bland without oil?
A: Not at all. Slow cooking the tomato base with spices allows the flavours to develop beautifully, giving this Oil Free Chole a rich and satisfying taste even without added oil.

Q: Can I substitute the spices?
A: Yes. You can use garam masala instead of chole masala. A small pinch of hing (asafoetida) can also be added if it suits your digestion.

Q: Is this chole freezer-friendly?
A: Yes. Store the cooled chole in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.

Call to Action (CTA)

If you enjoyed this No Oil No Garlic No Onion Chole Recipe, I would love to know how it turned out in your kitchen. Share your experience in the comments and let me know how you served this Oil Free Chole—with rice, roti, or your favourite accompaniment.

For more traditional Indian recipes, healthy home-style meals, and forgotten regional flavours, continue exploring madhusavara.com.

Final Thought

This No Oil No Garlic No Onion Chole Recipe proves that you don’t need oil, garlic or onion to enjoy delicious chole. My Sattvic Chole and Oil Free Chana Masala is simple, healthy and full of real homely flavour. Once you try this Healthy Chole Recipe, I am sure it will become a regular in your home just like it is in mine.

Author’s Bio

Madhu Savara is the author and owner of madhusavara.com. She loves sharing simple, healthy and traditional Indian recipes from her kitchen. Her special focus is on sattvic, no onion no garlic, and oil-free recipes that bring taste and health together. Thousands of readers trust her No Oil No Garlic No Onion Chole Recipe and other homestyle dishes for their daily cooking.

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.

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No onion, no garlic chole served in a rustic bowl with puffed pooris, green chutney, pickle, raita, fresh salad, and lemon on a wooden table,
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No Oil No Garlic No Onion Chole Recipe by Madhu Savara | Sattvic Chole | Oil Free Chana Masala

This No Oil No Garlic No Onion Chole Recipe is a simple homestyle Indian chickpea curry made without any oil, garlic or onion. Slow-cooked with ripe tomatoes, ginger and everyday spices, this Oil Free Chana Masala gets beautiful flavour and thickness naturally.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian, North India
Keyword no oil no garlic no onion chole recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Over Night Soaking 12 hours
Total Time 12 hours 45 minutes
Servings 4 People
Calories 290kcal
Author Madhu Savara

Equipment

  • Pressure Cooker or Instant PotHeavy-Bottomed Kadhai or cooking potWooden Spoon or heat-resistant spatulaMeasuring Cups and Measuring SpoonsMixer Grinder or blender (for tomato puree, if required) (Optional)

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried chickpeas kabuli chana, soaked overnight
  • 2 large tomatoes pureed
  • 2 green chillies slit lengthwise
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon red chilli powder adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon chole masala or garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon dried mango powder amchur
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 cups water or reserved chickpea soaking water
  • Fresh coriander leaves finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  • Soak the Chickpeas: Wash 1 cup dried kabuli chana (chickpeas) thoroughly 2-3 times. Soak them in enough water overnight or for at least 8 hours.
  • Cook the Chickpeas:s Drain the soaked chickpeas. Add them to a pressure cooker with 2 cups fresh water and ½ teaspoon salt.
  • Stovetop Pressure Cooker: Cook for 3–4 whistles on medium flame.
  • Instant Pot: Cook on Manual / Pressure Cook mode for 15 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally. Reserve the cooking liquid (this will be used for the gravy).
  • Prepare Tomato Puree: Blend 2 large ripe tomatoes into a smooth puree and set aside.
  • Dry Roast the Spices: Heat a heavy-bottomed kadhai or pan on medium flame. Add 1 teaspoon cumin seeds and dry roast until they become fragrant.
  • Cook the Masal: Add 2 slit green chillies and stir for 20–30 seconds. Pour in the tomato puree. Add ½ teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon red chilli powder (adjust to taste), and 1 teaspoon coriander powder. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the masala thickens and the raw smell of tomatoes disappears. Add a splash of reserved chickpea water if needed.
  • Add Chickpeas & Simmer: Add the cooked chickpeas along with ½ to ¾ cup of the reserved cooking liquid. Mix well.
  • Add Final Spices Stir in 1 teaspoon chole masala (or garam masala), 1 teaspoon dry mango powder (amchur), and salt to taste.
  • Final Simmer: Simmer on low to medium flame for 10–12 minutes so the flavours blend well. Gently mash a few chickpeas with the back of the spoon to thicken the gravy naturally.
  • Garnish &Serve.e Turn off the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.

Notes

Tips and Variations
 
    • Serve this No Oil No Garlic No Onion Chole Recipe hot with steamed rice, roti, kulcha, or freshly made Puri.
    • Garnish with fresh coriander, lemon wedges, and mint-coriander chutney for an extra burst of flavour.
    • For a richer variation, add a small swirl of yoghurt, onion and Lemon while serving (optional).