Mashoor Lahori Murgh Cholay-Authentic Lahori Murgh Cholay Recipe-لاہوری مرغ چھولے -Chef M Afzal-

Here’s an **authentic Lahori Murgh Cholay** recipe — rich, spicy, and bursting with street-food vibes! Let’s make it just like they do in Lahore! 🌟

---

🍲 **Mashoor Lahori Murgh Cholay (لاہوری مرغ چھولے)**

✨ **Ingredients:**

**For the Chicken Curry:**
- 1 kg chicken (karahi cut)
- 1/2 cup oil or ghee
- 2 onions (finely sliced)
- 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 3 tomatoes (finely chopped)
- 1 cup yogurt (whisked)
- 1 tsp cumin seeds (zeera)
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp garam masala powder
- 2-3 green chilies (slit)
- Fresh coriander and julienned ginger for garnish

---

**For the Cholay (Chickpeas):**
- 2 cups white chickpeas (soaked overnight)
- 1 tsp baking soda (for boiling)
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cloves
- 1 black cardamom
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp salt

---

✨ **Method:**

1️⃣ **Boil the Cholay:**
- In a large pot, boil the soaked chickpeas with baking soda, bay leaf, cloves, black cardamom, black peppercorns, and salt.
- Cook until tender (about 1 hour). Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of the boiling water.

---

2️⃣ **Cook the Chicken Curry:**
- Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot.
- Add cumin seeds and sliced onions. Fry until golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
- Add chicken and fry on high heat until it changes color and the oil separates (about 10-12 minutes).

---

3️⃣ **Add Tomatoes & Spices:**
- Stir in chopped tomatoes, red chili powder, turmeric, coriander powder, and salt.
- Cook on medium heat until the tomatoes break down and the masala thickens (about 15 minutes).
- Add whisked yogurt, mix well, and cook until the oil separates.

---

4️⃣ **Combine Cholay & Chicken:**
- Add the boiled chickpeas to the chicken masala.
- Pour in the reserved chickpea water for a rich, thick gravy.
- Mix well, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes on low heat.
- Sprinkle garam masala, slit green chilies, and a touch of ghee for authentic Lahori flavor.

---

5️⃣ **Garnish & Serve:**
- Garnish with fresh coriander, julienned ginger, and lemon wedges.
- Serve hot with naan, kulcha, or tandoori roti!

---

✨ **Pro Tips:**
✅ Boiling chickpeas with whole spices gives them that iconic Lahori aroma.
✅ Letting the chicken and cholay simmer together enhances the depth of flavor.
✅ For true Lahori street-food authenticity, finish with a drizzle of desi ghee!

---

Are you making this for a special occasion or just craving that iconic Lahore taste? I can suggest a side of mint raita or a sweet dish to round out the meal! 🌙🍽️