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As soon as you add these things in the cooker, chickpeas will become even more tasty, colour, aroma and flavor will double…
Samira Vishwas | June 8, 2026 8:25 PM CST

Lifestyle Desk – Chole is a dish in Indian kitchen which is liked by everyone from children to elders. Be it a special weekend lunch or the menu of any special occasion, the mouth starts watering as soon as the name of Chole-Bhatura and Chole-Kulcha comes. However, while making chickpeas at home, many people complain that their taste does not resemble that of the market or the color and aroma of the chickpeas remains dull. If this happens to you too, then next time while boiling chickpeas, try adding some simple things in the cooker. With this, the color, aroma and flavor of chickpeas will improve. Let us know about it in detail.

Tea leaf

First of all let’s talk about tea leaves. Tea leaves have been used for a long time in making Punjabi style chole. While boiling chickpeas, tie tea leaves in a small bundle and put them in the cooker. This gives the chickpeas a dark brown color and their taste also becomes richer. After cooking this bundle should be removed.

Bay leaf

Apart from this, adding one or two bay leaves while boiling chickpeas is also a good option. Bay leaves are known for their distinct aroma and add a mild spicy aroma to the chickpeas. When chickpeas are cooked in spices, the aroma of bay leaves enhances the taste of the entire dish.

cinnamon

A small piece of cinnamon can also make the flavor of chickpeas special. This spice adds a mild sweetness and heat to the chickpeas, making the gravy taste more balanced and restaurant-like. Keep in mind that its quantity should not be too much, otherwise the taste may dominate.

cloves and black cardamom

If you want the chickpeas to be more aromatic, you can also add some whole spices like cloves and black cardamom in the cooker. These spices impart their flavor to the chickpeas while boiling and give a different depth to the finished dish. Especially the smoky aroma of black cardamom further enhances the taste of chickpeas.

It is beneficial to add a small piece of ginger while boiling chickpeas. It not only enhances the taste but also helps in digesting chickpeas. Some people also add a pinch of celery to it, so that one does not feel heavy after eating chickpeas.

add salt while soaking

Another easy tip is to add a little salt and baking soda to the water while soaking chickpeas. With this the chickpeas get cooked quickly and well. However, keep the amount of baking soda very less, as excess quantity can affect the taste and texture.

The real pleasure of eating comes only when taste, aroma and color are present in it. Therefore, next time when you prepare to make chickpeas, definitely follow these easy kitchen tips. Even without any expensive or fancy ingredients, you can prepare such chickpeas at home, whose taste and aroma will be liked by everyone. These small changes can make your ordinary chickpeas spectacular and memorable.


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