Want to have a wholesome satisfying north Indian meal? Then Kala Chana is the one bold, tangy and flavorful dish that is right for you. These black chickpeas are perfect when slow cooked in mustard oil. It is the most comforting, nutritionally packed with protein and fibre food perfect option for lunch and dinner. Please find the recipe below –
Ingredients -
Kala Chana (Black Chickpeas)
1 cup dried kala chana
1 cup kala chana (soaked overnight)
Shiva Organic’s Yellow Mustard Oil
1 large onion (sliced)
2 large and chopped tomatoes
1 tbsp ginger paste
1 tbsp garlic paste
1-2 green chillies
1 tsp cumin seeds
½ tsp mustard seeds
¼ tsp hing (asafoedita)
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp red chilli powder
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp cumin powder
1-2 tsp dried mango powder
Salt as taste
Fresh chopped coriander leaves
Water as required
Method –
Step 1- Rinse black chana thoroughly and soak in water overnight (8-10) hours. You can add a pinch of baking soda to soften the chana.
Step 2 - Strain the soaked chana and cook it in a pressure cooker with enough water and a pinch of salt. and, pressure cook it for 4-5 whistles.
Step 3 - Then, take a pan for tadka, place it on flame, heat yellow mustard oil, add some hing, cumin seeds, mustard seeds. Let them pop.
Step 4 - Then add chopped onion, tomatoes, green chillies, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder, cumin powder and saute them evenly until they leave oil and turn golden brown.
Step 6 - Add the cooked kala chana into the prepared mixture and cook for more 5-7 minutes until you get the desired consistency.
Step 7 - Sprinkle some dried mango powder over the prepared kala chana or squeeze some fresh lemon juice to get that tangy zest and sprinkle some fresh coriander leaves and cover with a lid for some time and let it sit.
Step 8 - Serve the deliciously hot, tangy and spicy North Indian Kala Chnana steamed rice, jeera rice Indian bread (roti) along with some pickle and sliced onion.
Health benefits of Kala chana -
· Rich in protein, fiber and iron
· Support digestive system and keeps you full
· The mustard oil in it contains healthy fat good for the heart.
· it enhances metabolism with natural antioxidants
· The organic spices in it like turmeric are anti-inflammatory, cumin seeds aid digestion, and coriander good for gut health.
Conclusively, The amalgamation of all these makes the dish both delicious and nourishing perfect for everyone. North Indian Kala Chana is a classic and simple dish with satisfying flavour. Learn the cooking method with this video.
