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Spices & seasonings · Spice blends

Chole masala

Dark, tangy Punjabi spice blend for chickpea curry, with amchur, anardana and black cardamom.

Also called: chana masala powder

A kind of spices

Make it yourself: Chole masala

What it is

Chole (chana) masala is a ground blend for Punjabi chickpea curry, typically coriander, cumin, chilli, black cardamom, cloves, amchur, anardana, dried ginger and kasuri methi. It is darker and sourer than garam masala, and some versions include black salt.

How it’s used

  • Chole and chana masala
  • Spiced chickpea and potato snacks
  • Rajma and other bean curries

Characteristics

Taste
Tangy, warm, slightly smoky.
Sold as
ground
Cooking uses
Mainly a seasoning

Storage

Cool, dry and dark. Airtight jar away from light.

Diet, allergens and safety

No major allergens in typical versions.

  • Vegetarian
  • Vegan
  • Dairy-free
  • Egg-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Nut-free
  • Soy-free
  • Caffeine-free

Nutrition per 100 g

Energy
325 kcal
Protein
14.29 g
Carbohydrate
55.83 g
Fat
14.01 g
Fibre
53.2 g
Sugars
2.76 g

USDA FoodData Central: Spices, curry powder (a close stand-in).

Substitutes

Optional — what works if you don’t have it, and how it changes the dish.

  • Garam masala — With ½ tsp amchur per tablespoon to add tang.

Related ingredients

Recipes with chole masala

No recipe in the catalogue uses it yet.

More spice blends