Chole (Tangy Chickpeas With Tomatoes and Black Tea)

Preparation

1. Step 1

   In a small bowl, combine the methi, coriander, chile powder, cumin, amchur, fennel seeds, cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon hing, cloves and cayenne, if using.

2. Step 2

   Warm ¼ cup oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onion, season with 1 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring often, until the onion is translucent and starting to brown, 10 minutes.

3. Step 3

   Reduce the heat to medium, add the ginger and garlic pastes and the green chiles, and stir to combine. Add the spice mixture and stir to combine into a fragrant paste, about 1 minute. Increase the heat to medium-high, add the tea and scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Add the chickpeas and tomato sauce. Let the mixture come to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a very low simmer and cook, uncovered, for 15 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has reduced and slightly darkened in color and the flavors have mellowed slightly.

4. Step 4

   In a small saucepan or skillet, warm the remaining 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat. Add the julienned ginger and a generous pinch of hing, and cook, swirling the pan, until the ginger sizzles and the mixture is fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir the mixture into the chickpeas. Taste and add more salt if necessary. Top with cilantro and serve with flatbreads.