Goan Chole Recipe | Traditional Chickpea Curry with Coconut

📝 About the Recipe

Goan Chole is a delicious and comforting chickpea curry prepared with roasted coconut, aromatic spices, and a rich homemade masala. Unlike the North Indian version of chole, this traditional Goan recipe has a unique coastal flavour thanks to freshly grated coconut and tamarind, giving it a mildly spicy and tangy taste.

This wholesome curry is often prepared during family gatherings, religious functions, festive occasions, and celebrations in Goa. It is traditionally served with poori, bhature, or Goan pav, making it a filling and satisfying meal.


🌴 A Traditional Goan Favourite

Goan cuisine beautifully blends Indian spices with fresh local ingredients. In this recipe, roasted coconut, coriander, and tamarind create a rich, flavourful gravy that makes this chickpea curry different from the classic Punjabi chole. It's a comforting vegetarian dish enjoyed by people of all ages.








Author: Puja raghuvir naik
Recipe Servings: 3 people
Prep Time: 3 hrs
Cook Time: 1 hr

INGRIDIENTS
  1. 1 cup chole or chickpeas
  2. freshly grated coconut
  3. 1 onion
  4. 1 tomato
  5. 1tsp red chilly powder or kashmiri chilly 3-4
  6. 1tsp coriander powder or coriander seeds
  7. 1 piece cinnamon(thikki)
  8. 1tsp turmeric powder
  9. small ball tamarind
  10. 1tsp garam masala
  11. 1tsp chole masala optional
  12. 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
  13. 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
  14. 1tsp oil
  15. 1 spring curry leaves optional
  16. salt as per taste
  17. 1tsp butter.
INSTRUCTION
  1. Soak chickpeas/chole overnight
  2. Next day pressure cook chole with salt and water
for gravy
  1. put pan on gas, fry onion till golden brown ,add coriander seed. keep aside.
  2.  Add grated coconut to same pan fry till coconut become crispy, add chilly.
  3. grind all the fried ingridient with tamarind and turmeric powder with water. make paste.
  4. keep pan on gas, heat it .add 1 tsp oil ,add mustard with cumin seed, cinnamon piece. add spring curry leaves allow to sputter .
  5. add grinded gravy in it with garam masala . make it boil .
  6. Add cut pieces of tomatoes  and chole masala (optional) in it. 
  7. add cooked chole/chickpeas in it. 
  8. while surving add 1 tsp butter on

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve Goan Chole with:

  • Bhature
  • Poori
  • Goan pav
  • Chapati
  • Steamed rice
  • Jeera rice

Add sliced onions, lemon wedges, and pickle for a complete meal.


💡 Home-Cooked Tips

  • Overnight soaking helps the chickpeas cook faster and become softer.
  • Roasting the coconut until golden gives the curry a rich flavour.
  • Kashmiri chillies provide a vibrant colour without making the curry overly spicy.
  • Simmer the curry for a few extra minutes to allow the flavours to develop.
  • A small spoon of butter before serving gives the curry a rich homemade taste.

🌿 Health Benefits of Chickpeas

Chickpeas are naturally rich in:

  • Plant-based protein
  • Dietary fibre
  • Iron
  • Folate
  • Magnesium
  • Complex carbohydrates

They make a nutritious and filling meal that supports a balanced diet.


❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned chickpeas?

Yes. Drain and rinse canned chickpeas before adding them to the curry. Reduce the cooking time accordingly.

What makes Goan Chole different from Punjabi Chole?

Goan Chole uses freshly roasted coconut and tamarind, giving it a distinctive coastal flavour compared to the darker, spice-forward Punjabi version.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes. Simply omit the butter or use a plant-based butter alternative.

Can I prepare this curry in advance?

Yes. The flavours improve after a few hours, making it ideal for meal preparation. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze Goan Chole?

Yes. Allow it to cool completely and freeze in an airtight container for up to one month.


❤️ A Comforting Goan Classic

Rich, aromatic, and packed with traditional flavours, Goan Chole is a comforting vegetarian dish that brings together the goodness of chickpeas and freshly roasted coconut. Whether served with fluffy bhature, crispy pooris, or warm Goan pav, this authentic recipe is perfect for festive occasions, family lunches, or everyday meals.

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