Lahori Chanay Recipe | Lahori Cholay Recipe | Chana Chana Masala

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of making Lahori Chanay, a delicious and aromatic chickpea dish that embodies the flavors of Lahore, Pakistan. This recipe is perfect for breakfast or as a hearty snack, and it can be prepared in a restaurant-style setting right at home.

Step 1: Gather Ingredients

Before starting to cook, ensure you have all the required ingredients. Here’s what you will need:

• 1 cup dried chickpeas (chana), soaked overnight
• 3 cups water
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 2-3 green chilies, chopped
• 1 tablespoon Lahori chana masala (or garam masala)
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander for garnish
• Lemon wedges for serving
• 2 tablespoons oil for cooking

Step 2: Prepare Chickpeas

1. Soak Chickpeas: Ensure the dried chickpeas are soaked in water overnight, which helps them soften and cook faster.
2. Cook Chickpeas: In a pot, add soaked chickpeas and 3 cups of fresh water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until tender, about 1 to 1.5 hours. Alternatively, use a pressure cooker for quicker results.

Step 3: Cook the Masala

1. Heat Oil: In a separate pan, heat the oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté Onions: Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
3. Add Ginger-Garlic Paste: Mix in the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Incorporate Tomatoes: Add chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook until they soften and the oil begins to separate.
5. Spice it Up: Stir in turmeric powder, red chili powder, and Lahori chana masala. Cook for a few minutes to allow the spices to blend well.

Step 4: Combine Chickpeas and Masala

1. Mix: Once the chickpeas are cooked, drain them and add them to the masala mixture in the pan.
2. Simmer: Stir well to coat the chickpeas with the spices. Add salt to taste. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a little water to reach your desired consistency.
3. Cook: Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: Once cooked, garnish with fresh coriander.
2. Serve: Serve hot with lemon wedges and your choice of naan or rice.

Conclusion

You’ve now mastered the art of making Lahori Chanay, a flavorful chickpea dish that’s perfect for any meal. Enjoy it fresh and hot, and feel free to experiment with adjustments to suit your taste. Pair it with naan or rice for a complete meal, and impress your friends and family with this restaurant-style recipe!