Here's how to make Old Delhi-Style Chole at home.

Boil the Chickpeas, pressure cook soaked chickpeas with baking soda, salt, and a tea bag or tamarind paste for a rich, dark color. remove the tea bag after cooking.

Prepare the Masala, heat oil in a pan, add cumin, bay leaf, cloves, and cinnamon, then saute onions until golden brown.

Cook the Tomato Base, add ginger-garlic paste, cook for a minute, then mix in tomato puree and spices. cook until oil separates.

Blend in Chole Masala, stir in chole masala and mix well to enhance the deep, tangy flavors.

Add Chickpeas & Simmer, pour in the boiled chickpeas along with some reserved water, mix well, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Mash for Thickness, lightly mash some chickpeas with the back of a spoon to thicken the gravy.

Garnish & Serve, add fresh coriander, ginger juliennes, and serve hot with bhature, puri, or rice.