Boil the Chickpeas: Add baking soda and salt to the chickpeas and boil them until they become completely soft. Do not discard the water.
Masala Bhunain: Heat oil in a separate pan and fry the onions until golden brown. Then, add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté well.
Spices & Yogurt: Add all the dry spices and yogurt, and sauté well until the oil separates from the masala.
The Texture: Take a small portion of the boiled chickpeas and mash (crush) them using your hands or a spoon. This is the exact secret that makes the gravy thick and creamy like "Chikar" style
Final Touch: Add the mashed chickpeas and the rest of the boiled chickpeas into the masala. Pour in a little of the reserved chickpea boiling water and let it simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes.
Garnish: Garnish with freshly chopped coriander, green chilies, and a sprinkle of garam masala. Serve piping-hot with puris or naan.