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In the kitchen, leftover food frequently presents a fun challenge especially if you don’t like eating the same old dish and hate food waste in any and all forms. But, if you are creative and ingenious enough, then cooking up delicious new dishes with leftovers can be a great creative process with yummy results at the end. If you have leftover chole (chickpea curry) or even boiled chickpeas for example, you're in for a treat.
Wondering why? Because transforming leftover chole into protein-packed, nutritious and yet delicious dishes is the easiest thing in the world. Check out these seven dishes you can whip up with leftover chole right now.
1. Chole Paratha
Chole that has been leftover can be easily mashed and used as a flavourful stuffing for whole wheat or atta parathas. In fact, mashing up chole for a paratha filling means you won’t even have to add any seasonings or extra spices because the dish itself is good to go. Fill the rolled out dough with the chole mixture, seal and roll it out again, and then cook the paratha with a drizzle of oil on a hot griddle. The end result is a filling breakfast or lunch option that is bursting with Indian flavors.
2. Chole Tacos
Chole tacos are a delicious way to use up any leftover chole. Warm up some corn or whole wheat tortillas, spoon the chole onto each, and then top with chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, onions, and some Greek yogurt or sour cream. Add a sprinkle of cheese and a dash of hot sauce for an exciting fusion of flavors.
3. Chole Salad
Make a chole salad for a healthier meal alternative. Mix the leftover chole with fresh cucumber, bell peppers, red onions, and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with a zesty lemon vinaigrette or a yoghurt-based dressing for a refreshing and nutritious salad that's perfect for a quick lunch or a side dish.
4. Chole and Rice Pulao
Leftover chole can be a star ingredient in a comforting and easy pulao. Layer cooked rice and the chole in a baking dish, sprinkle with grated cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden. This chole and rice pulao is a comforting and satisfying one-dish meal that's perfect for a family dinner.
5. Chole Quesadillas
Quesadillas are a versatile canvas for creative cooking, especially if you have both leftover rotis and chole. Spread the leftover chole on one half of a roti, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and fold it over. Cook on a hot griddle until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted. Slice into wedges, and you have chole quesadillas, a fusion of Indian and Mexican flavors that's sure to please.
6. Chole-Stuffed Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes are a classic comfort food, and they pair wonderfully with leftover chole.
You can bake some russet potatoes until they become tender. Then scoop out the potato, combine it with the leftover chole and refill the potato skins with this flavorful mixture, sprinkle with cheese, and bake until they get golden and the cheese starts to bubble. Chole-stuffed baked potatoes are a filling and satisfying meal that's easy to prepare.
7. Chole Pizza
Last but not the least, you can also become creative with a chole pizza. By using naan or whole wheat pizza dough as your base, spreading a layer of leftover chole over the crust, adding diced bell peppers, onions, and a generous sprinkling of shredded cheese, you can make a unique protein-licious pizza. Bake the pizza until the crust gets golden brown and the cheese melts and starts to bubble. Then at last you can top the pizza with fresh basil leaves or coriander or parsley and also add a drizzle of any yogurt based sauce of your choice. This will give you a delicious, unique and protein-packed homemade pizza.
There are several useful ways in which you can utilize leftover chole in making delicious treats. These treats will go beyond the benchmark of the usual regular food you eat. These dishes, from chole-stuffed parathas to chole tacos, salads, pulao, quesadillas, stuffed baked potatoes, and even chole pizza, there are many various ways to give a new spin to your leftover chickpea curry or plain chickpeas.
These creative ideas not only decrease food wastage but also make you incorporate new and exciting flavors and textures to your meals. So, the next time you have leftover chole, don't hesitate to embark on a culinary adventure and turn them into mouth watering dishes that will leave you craving leftovers.
