Charming Chick Peas (Chatpate Chhole)

When I reach home this evening, I will have about an hour to put together a meal for friends who are visiting us from Canada.  They are 3 families, and then there's our family too.  So , what can I make in under an hour for 4 families that constitutes a complete meal?

Here is what I have in mind - Chhole (or Curried Chick Peas), Naan (store bought in this case) and Rice, accompanied by salad and/or yogurt relish, and pickled onions.

Curried Chick Peas  (this recipe serves 2 people)

1 can chick peas or garbanzo beans (16 oz)
2 bay leaves
1 finely chopped onion
1 can tomato sauce (8 oz)
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp cumin seeds
2 tsp ginger paste
1 tbsp garlic paste
1 tsp garam masala powder
2 tsp coriander powder
4-6 slit green chillies (optional)
1 tsp red chilli powder (optional)
1 tsp lemon juice
salt to taste
2 tbsp oil
1 tbsp finely chopped cilantro

Wash and drain chickpeas and keep aside.

Heat oil in a pan,add cumin seeds and bay leaves, allow cumin seeds to roast until slightly dark.  Add the slit green chillies and ginger-garlic paste, followed by onions, stirring as you go.  Saute until onions are pinkish brown.  Now add the spices and cook for a couple of minutes.

Add tomato sauce and chick peas and mix contents.  Pressure cook for 10 minutes (this lets the flavor of the spices seep into the chick peas; alternatively, cook covered in a sauce pan on sim for 20 minutes) .

Top with lemon juice and garnish with coriander leaves.

The chick peas may be served hot with rice and flatbread. 

Variations include adding kale or potato to the chick peas.