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Per 1 katori (150g)
250kcal
Protein
11g
18% of energy
Carbs
32g
52% of energy
Fat
8g
30% of energy
Indian food · dals

Chole / Chana Masala

Serving
1 katori · 150g
Macro lead
Carb-forward
Region
north
Fiber / serving
8 g

Macros

Per-100g values are scaled from the serving weight in our food database.

Chole / Chana Masala nutrition
NutrientPer serving (150g)Per 100g
Calories250 kcal167 kcal
Protein11 g7.3 g
Carbs32 g21.3 g
Fat8 g5.3 g
Fiber8 g5.3 g
Energy shares above use standard 4/4/9 kcal-per-gram factors. Home recipes vary — oil and ghee change these most.

How Indian lifters use Chole / Chana Masala

Dal is the backbone of Indian vegetarian protein — but 1 cup gives you roughly 12–18g of protein, not 30. Portion it in cups (not katoris) if you want a realistic macro count. Carb-forward — use it around training, dial it back on rest days if you're cutting. The dish is most common in north kitchens, but works anywhere in India — the ingredients are pantry-standard.
Where it fits in your day
Best consumed pre and post workout when insulin sensitivity is highest. On rest days, keep the portion smaller and pair with protein and fibre to slow the glycemic response.
Cost & convenience
Moderate protein density (7.3g/100g). Not the cheapest protein per gram, but it doubles as a source of carbs and micronutrients — so it earns its rupee spend twice.
Common myth
"Dal has enough protein for a bodybuilder" is the biggest Indian nutrition myth. It doesn't — you'll need paneer, curd, tofu, eggs, or whey layered on top to hit 1.6–2.2g/kg bodyweight.

Swaps & pairings

Similar dals

Sambar 130 kcal · 6g protein per servingBlack Chana (Kala Chana) 220 kcal · 12g protein per servingToor Dal 160 kcal · 9g protein per servingMoong Dal 145 kcal · 10g protein per servingMasoor Dal 155 kcal · 10g protein per servingChana Dal 200 kcal · 11g protein per serving

Build a plate around Chole / Chana Masala

Puri 100 kcal · 2g protein per servingBhatura 290 kcal · 6g protein per servingVeg Pulao 280 kcal · 6g protein per servingVeg Biryani 420 kcal · 10g protein per servingChicken Biryani 540 kcal · 28g protein per servingLemon Rice 260 kcal · 5g protein per serving

Plans that fit

Meal plans that use Chole / Chana Masala

Muscle Gain ideas — Vegetarian
Goal × diet day of food ideas
Fat Loss ideas — Vegan
Goal × diet day of food ideas
~2200 kcal Vegan — Muscle Gain
Curated vegan bulk plan

Train while you eat this

4-Day Upper/Lower — Recomp
Balanced program with core accessories
3-Day Full Body — Fat Loss
Compound-heavy, core baked in

Frequently asked

Is Chole / Chana Masala good for weight loss?
Yes if it fits your calorie budget — no food causes or prevents weight loss on its own. One 1 katori costs you 250 kcal; slot it into a daily deficit and it works fine.
How much Chole / Chana Masala should I eat per day?
Depends on your goal and total calorie target. A lifter cutting on 1800–2000 kcal typically uses 1–2 servings; someone bulking on 2800+ can comfortably fit 3+. Weigh, don't eyeball.
Is Chole / Chana Masala high in protein?
Not really — 7.3g per 100g. Treat it as a carb source and pair it with a dedicated protein anchor.
Can I eat Chole / Chana Masala pre or post workout?
Yes — carb-forward foods like this one are ideal 60–90 minutes before and immediately after training.

Fit this into your daily targets

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