In a grinder or blender take 1 medium sized chopped onion, 2 medium sized chopped tomatoes, 1 inch chopped ginger, 4 to 5 garlic cloves and 1 chopped green chili.
Grind or blend to a fine paste.
No need to add water while making the paste as the juice of the tomatoes will help in making the paste.
Keep the paste aside.
Heat 2 to 3 tablespoons oil in a pan or kadai/wok.
Add the whole garam masala (spices) – 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, 1 large tej patta, 2 inch cinnamon, 2 to 3 cloves, 2 green cardamom and 2 to 3 black peppercorns.
Fry the whole garam masala mentioned above till the oil become fragrant. But don’t burn them.
Add the ground paste and saute till the oil starts to leave the sides of the masala paste.
Keep stirring often. Sauté for 8 to 10 minutes or more till the oil starts to leave the sides of the masala paste and the paste thickens and becomes glossy.Stir while sautéing so that the paste does not stick to the pan. Next add all the dry spice powders – ½ teaspoon turmeric powder (haldi), ¼ teaspoon red chili powder, 1 teaspoon coriander powder (dhania powder), 1 pinch asafoetida (optional) and ½ or 1 teaspoon dry mango powder (amchur).
Mix very well and saute for a minute or two. Now add the cooked chickpeas and stir.
Add 1 to 1.5 cups water or add as required. Also add salt as per taste and mix well.
Simmer the gravy on a low or medium flame for 12 to 15 minutes or till the curry thickens. Don't cover the pan. Stir occasionally.
Mash a few chickpeas with the back of spoon. This helps in thickening the gravy.
Lastly add 1 slit green chili and 1 teaspoon garam masala powder or chole masala powder. Mix well and simmer for a minute or two.
Check the seasoning and add more salt or spice powders if required. Garnish the curry with coriander leaves.
You can also garnish with some slit green chilies and ginger julienne.
Serve chickpea curry with onion slices, lemon wedges along with bhatura. Enjoy the chickpea curry with bhature.