Chole Dhania Masala

INGREDIENTS:

Chickpeas (kabuli chana) - 3/4 cup
Split Bengal gram (chana dal) - 1/4 cup
Fresh coriander leaves, small - 1 bunch
Salt - to taste
Cinnamon - 1/2 inch piece
Cumin seeds - 1 1/2 teaspoons
Coriander seeds - 1 1/2 teaspoons
Black cardamom - 1
Clove - 4-5
Green chillies - 2
Ghee - 4 tablespoons
Onion , sliced - 12 medium
Ginger paste - 1 teaspoon
Garlic paste - 1 teaspoon
Dry mango powder (amchur) - 1/2 tablespoon
Garam masala powder - 1/2 teaspoon
Black salt (kala namak) - to taste
Red chilli powder - 1/4 teaspoon

METHOD:

Soak the chickpeas and the Bengal gram separately for four to six hours. Drain and mix. Add three cups of water and a little salt and pressure-cook till the pressure is released five or six times (five or six whistles).Lightly roast and powder the cinnamon, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, black cardamom and cloves. Grind the fresh coriander and green chillies to a smooth paste. Heat three tablespoons of ghee in a non stick kadai; add the onion and sauté for three or four minutes till golden brown. Add the ginger paste and garlic paste and continue to sauté for another minute. Add the roasted spice powder, dried mango powder, garam masala powder, black salt and coriander-green chilli paste and sauté for two or three minutes, or till the ghee separates from the masala. Add the chickpeas and Bengal gram, and mix. Add half a cup of water if the mixture is too dry. Adjust the salt and bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for four or five minutes. Heat the remaining ghee in a small pan; take it off the heat and add the chilli powder. Pour immediately over the chana and cover the pan. Leave to stand for five minutes. Serve hot with puri.