Black chickpeas are low-fat and high-fibre foods that can be utilised as a main course or snack. (Photo: Shutterstock)
With these healthy and tasty recipes, you can reap the benefits of kala chana while also enjoying your meal.
While fasting on festivals, the traditional feast often includes a dish of black chickpeas or kala chana thus highlighting its nutritional value. This Indian food is a storehouse of protein and aids in gut, skin and cardiovascular health. Black chickpeas are low-fat and high-fibre foods that can be utilised as a main course or snack. It is also high in vitamins and minerals and therefore a must-include food in your lifestyle.
With these healthy and tasty recipes, you can reap the benefits of kala chana while also enjoying your meal:
Kala Chana Kebabs
If you’re looking for an easy appetiser, Kala Chana kebabs are a perfect choice. They are crispy on the exterior and soft and tender on the inside. Furthermore, these kebabs are made with pantry basics and seasoned with our traditional spices. The best part is that they may be served as kebabs, wrapped in a tortilla or roti, or layered inside a bun and enjoyed like a burger. You can enjoy this recipe by creating a thick paste with kala chana and giving it a shallow fry with the ingredients of your choice.
Kala Chana Chaat
Kala Chana Chaat is a refreshing and tangy dish made with black chickpeas, onion, and tomatoes, seasoned with spices. This simple salad makes an excellent snack or lunch and it is oil-free, vegan, and gluten-free. For this kala chana chaat, you will need to soak them overnight before boiling for 25 minutes under high pressure. However, if you forget to soak them, it is recommended to boil for 40 minutes at high pressure.
Kala Chana and Spinach Curry
If you’re looking for a comfort dish after a long day then this is the right choice. This substantial, nourishing, and delicious black chana curry may also be served as a soup, Wash and soak black chickpeas for about 8 hours, using enough water to cover the beans. Then drain and pressure cook with one cup of water for 30 minutes. Once the kala chana is prepared, add the spices, including ginger, garlic, turmeric, cumin, coriander powder, and others, with the roughly chopped spinach to make this delectable dish.
Kerala Kadala Curry
Kadala Curry (also known as Kadala Kari) is a tasty and flavourful curry made from black chickpeas, onions, herbs, coconut, and a variety of warming spices. This delicious curry is traditionally served with Puttu or Appam for breakfast in Kerala. This spicy Kadala curry is quite versatile and can be eaten with idiyappam, steamed rice, chapati, or poori, depending on your choice.
