Firstly, put 1½ cups chole, 4 cups water, 1 tsp salt, and a pinch of baking soda in a pressure cooker.

Pressure cook for 5 whistles or until the chole is cooked well. Keep aside.

To prepare the masala paste, heat 2 tbsp oil in a pan. Add 1 tsp fennel, 1 black cardamom, 1 inch cinnamon, 1 tsp pepper, and 1 tsp cloves.

Saute on a low flame till the spices turn aromatic.

Add 1 onion, 1 inch ginger, 3 clove garlic and saute well.

Also, add 1 tomato and cook till the tomato softens.

Further add 1 cup of coconut and cook till the coconut turns golden brown.

Cool completely, and transfer to the mixer jar. Add 1 ladleful of boiled chole and water.

Blend to a smooth paste. Keep aside.

In a large kadai, heat 2 tbsp oil and saute 1 tsp cumin.

Saute 1 onion till it turns golden brown.

Keeping the flame on low, add ½ tsp turmeric, 1 tbsp chilli powder, 2 tbsp chana masala and saute till the masala turns aromatic.

Further add 1 tomato and saute well.

Now add prepared masala paste and cook well till the oil separates.

Also add boiled chole, 1 tsp salt and mix well, adjusting the consistency.

Simmer for 10 minutes, or until the chole absorbs all the flavour.

Add in 2 tbsp coriander, ½ lemon and mix well.

Finally, enjoy Chana Kurma Recipe with poori and roti.