Rustic Rainbow Chole is a culinary celebration that brings the traditional chickpea curry to life with a twist of vibrant vegetables and a melody of spices that dance on the palate. This dish is a visual feast, with the rich colors of red bell peppers, green spinach, and golden chickpeas creating a tapestry of hues. The aroma of toasted spices, garlic, and onions fills the kitchen, promising a dish that's both comforting and exhilarating. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of flavors - the earthiness of chickpeas, the sweetness of tomatoes, and a hint of heat, all mellowed by a creamy sauce. This is a dish that not only nourishes the body but also delights the senses.

Ingredients

Serving Size

• Serves 4

From Your Pantry

• 2 cups Chickpeas (soaked overnight and drained)
• 1 large Onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 inch Ginger (grated)
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds
• 1 teaspoon Ground Turmeric
• 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
• 1 teaspoon Garam Masala
• Salt to taste

Additional Grocery Items Needed

• 1 Red Bell Pepper (chopped)
• 1 cup Spinach (roughly chopped)
• 1 can (14 oz) Diced Tomatoes
• 1 can (14 oz) Coconut Milk
• 1 Lemon (for juice)
• Fresh Cilantro (for garnish)

Preparation

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
2. Add the onions, garlic, and ginger to the pot and sauté until the onions are translucent.
3. Stir in the ground turmeric, chili powder, and garam masala, cooking for another minute until the spices are fragrant.
4. Add the soaked chickpeas to the pot along with the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and enough water to cover the chickpeas by an inch. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the chickpeas are tender.
5. Once the chickpeas are cooked, add the red bell pepper, spinach, and coconut milk to the pot. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and the flavors to meld.
6. Season with salt to taste and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
7. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.

Expert Tips

• For a richer flavor, consider sautéing a teaspoon of tomato paste with the spices before adding the chickpeas.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, mash some of the chickpeas with the back of a spoon before adding the vegetables and coconut milk.
• This dish can easily be made vegan by ensuring all your ingredients, including the garam masala, do not contain any animal products.

Serving Suggestions

To complement the Rustic Rainbow Chole, serve it alongside a fluffy basmati rice or freshly baked naan bread. A side of cucumber raita or a simple green salad can add a refreshing contrast to the warm spices of the dish. For a truly memorable meal, pair it with a chilled mango lassi to balance the richness of the curry.

Nutrition Facts per Serving

• Calories: 345
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 12g
• Allergens: Coconut Milk

We hope you enjoy making and savoring this Rustic Rainbow Chole. It's a dish that invites creativity, so feel free to experiment with different vegetables or add a twist with your favorite spices. Share your unique takes and experiences with friends and family, and don't hesitate to make it your own. Happy cooking!