Low Calorie Lahori Cholay Recipe For Weight Loss

Lahori cholay recipe, which is a beloved dish known for its rich and robust flavors, often includes ingredients and cooking methods that contribute to higher calorie and fat content. However, I’ve developed a low-calorie version of chikkar cholay (268 calories compared to the usual 400-500 calories) that retains all the deliciousness while being significantly healthier.

What You Need To Make Lahori Cholay Recipe

Vegetable Oil: 1/8 cup (or 2 tbsp)
Onion, 1 small: 57g

Cinnamon Stick: 1 small stick (<1g)
Black Pepper corn: 2
Black Pepper Cloves: 2

Cardamom: 3
Ginger Garlic Paste: 23g
Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (or more to taste)

Kashmiri Red Chili Powder: 1/2 teaspoon (2g)
Crushed Red Peppers: 1/2 teaspoon (<1g)
Turmeric: 1/2 teaspoon (2g)

Zeera: 1 teaspoon (2g)
Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
Mango Powder: 1/2 teaspoon

Dhanya Powder: 1.5 teaspoons
Dashi Chicken Powder: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) (Optional)
Boiled Chickpeas: 400g

Low Fat Yogurt: 1/4 cup (73g)
Dried fenugreek leaves (Kasoori Methi): 1/2 teaspoon (<1g)
Fresh Coriander Leaves: Handful, chopped

1 tablespoon lemon juice
Green Chili: 1, 3g, chopped

Lahore Cholay Recipe Instructions

1. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over low heat to prevent burning the spices.

2. Add chopped onions, cinnamon stick, black pepper cloves, black peppercorns, and green cardamom. Add ginger garlic paste. Sauté until the onions turn slightly golden brown.

3. Lower the flame and stir in salt, Kashmiri red chili powder, crushed red peppers, turmeric, crushed roasted cumin, black pepper, mango powder, and coriander powder. Cook the spices for a minute to release their flavors.

4. Remove 1/4 heaping cup of boiled chickpeas from the 400g boiled chickpeas and make a paste with some water. Add this paste to the pan and bhuno (cook while stirring) well to incorporate with the spices. Add water during this process as needed for bhunai (cooking).

5. Add whisked yogurt while stirring continuously.

6. Add the remaining boiled chickpeas along with some of the water used for boiling. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Add water depending on the thickness required.

7. Crush kasuri methi and add it to the pan along with chopped fresh coriander leaves, lemon juice and green chilies. Stir well and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.

8. Divide into 4 servings. Serve hot with rice or naan

Cholay Recipe Nutrition Information

All nutrition information is calculated using the USDA Food Central database or specific brand labels (where specific brands are used) and manually checked. This means the nutrition information is highly accurate compared to what you’d find in most places.

Calories: 268

Carbs: 36g
Protein: 11g
Fat: 10g

This low calorie version offers a healthier alternative with less fat while maintaining the authentic flavors of chikkar cholay.

Health and Nutritional Benefits of This Recipe:

Lower Calorie Content:
- This recipe has 268 calories per serving, significantly lower than traditional recipes, which can range from 400 to 500 calories per serving.

Reduced Fat:
- Using only 1/8 cup of oil (2 tablespoons) versus the traditional 1/4 to 1/2 cup reduces the overall fat content, making this recipe much lighter.
Use of Low-Fat Yogurt:
- Incorporating low-fat yogurt instead of full-fat yogurt or cream cuts down on saturated fats and calories without sacrificing creaminess and flavor.
Spice Proportions:
- This recipe uses smaller quantities of high-calorie spices and seasonings, maintaining robust flavors while keeping the dish lighter and healthier.

Nutrient-Dense Ingredients:
- The use of fresh spices, chickpeas, and low-fat yogurt ensures that the dish is packed with essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.
High Fiber Content:
- Chickpeas are high in fiber, aiding digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness, which can help with weight management.
Balanced Carbohydrates:
- With 36.5g of carbs per serving, this recipe provides a balanced source of energy without overloading on carbs, as some traditional recipes might.

Conclusion:

This recipe offers a healthier alternative to traditional chikkar cholay or Lahori cholay recipes. By reducing the amount of oil, using low-fat yogurt, and maintaining a balanced spice profile, this recipe provides a delicious and nutritious meal with fewer calories and less fat, making it suitable for those looking to enjoy traditional flavors while adhering to a healthier diet.

If you liked this recipe, check out my collection of low calorie pakistani recipes here.