Asha's Lahori Chole

So named, because this recipe is courtesy Asha. She had used fennel powder in this Chole recipe and that caught my interest. I haven't yet seen any "Chole" dish that uses powdered fennel. True to her words, this dish was remarkable - so much so that K wanted third and fourth helpings :). Thanks Asha, for this wonderful recipe.
I did not have ginger and cardamom, but nevertheless, the taste was spectacular. The tangy Pomegranate powder complimented the fresh, minty taste of the fennel.

1 cup dry garbanzo beans, soaked overnight in warm water. Drain and keep aside
2 medium beefsteak tomatoes, chopped
1 potato, peeled and cubed
2 red onions, finely chopped
1 large clove garlic, minced
1 tsp chilli powder
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp freshly ground fennel powder
1 tbsp coriander powder
1 tsp cumin powder
1/2 tsp garam masala powder
1 1/2 tsp anar dana (pomegranate) powder
Salt to taste
2 tbsp oil
Chopped coriander leaves, to garnish

Heat oil in a pressure cooker and add the onions. Cook till the onions begin to turn brown. Add the garlic and cook for a minute. Add the chopped tomato + turmeric powder + red chilli powder + salt and cook till the tomato is cooked and oil separates.
Now add the garbanzo beans + cubed potato + 1 1/2 cup water. Cook till 3 whistles. Remove from heat and keep aside.
When the cooker has cooled, remove cover and with the back of a wooden spatula, mash a handful of the garbanzo beans. Add the anar dana powder + fennel powder + garam masala powder. Mix well and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with Naan and Raita. Enjoy !!