Wash and soak chola in water for at least 8 hours or overnight.
When you are ready to make chana masala drain the water out and put chola/chana in pressure cooker.
Add bay leaf, tea bags and some salt (add only little salt or what is sufficient for chola. We will also be adding some salt later in masala).
Now add water (water should be 2” above the chola). Mix everything and take 6-7 whistles or till chola is properly cooked.
In a meanwhile take a pan in which you want to make chola. Heat it at medium low heat and add dry red chilly, cloves, black pepper, big cardamom, cinnamon sticks and anardana.
Sauté the spices at low heat or till they are crisp and aromatic. Once spices are nicely roasted transfer it in a plate and let them cool down for some time.
Once spices are cold enough put them in a mixy (grinder) jar and add ginger, garlic and some water.
Grind it to a paste and keep it aside.Now heat the pan again at medium heat and add oil to it.
Once oil is hot add chopped onions and cook till onions are brown in color and loses oil.
Once onions are brown add ground masala paste and cook again till it separates oil.
In a meanwhile open the chole/chana cooker and take tea bags and bay leaf out.
Add these boiled chole in masala and cook it for some time. Break some of the chole with your laddle.
Now add amchur powder or fresh lime juice and mix well. Now add 2-3 glasses of water and boil chole for 10-15 minutes.
Chole/chana masala is ready to serve. Serve these delicious street style chana masala with pooris, kulchas or naan.