Chana Kala Recipe | Black Chickpea Curry | Foodess (2024)

Chana Kala Recipe | Black Chickpea Curry | Foodess (1)

Table of Contents hide

1Recipe of Kala Chana

2Vij’s Black Chickpea Curry

3How to cook kala chana

4Kala chana recipe ingredients

5What to serve with this kana chala recipe

6Kala Chana Recipe (Black Chickpea Curry)

7You’ll Also Love These

Recipe of Kala Chana

This recipe is for black chickpeas, aka black chana or kala chana, which you can find in any Indian grocery store, and many bulk stores.

Kala chana have thicker skins than regular chickpeas, and don’t get quite as soft.

I like that they maintain their structure and flavour in the curry, however, regular chickpeas (dried or canned) can be used in this recipe and are equally delicious. I have made it at least a dozen times with convenient canned garbanzos.

Vij’s Black Chickpea Curry

This particular recipe is so well loved that it has become barely legible from it’s dwelling in Vij’s cookbook, Elegant & Inspired Indian Cuisine. Vikram Vij is a something of a legend in this neck of the woods – he is the chef at a self-named Indian restaurant, which has a huge following in Vancouver.

His dishes use authentic Indian techniques and ingredients to create an exciting, original take on the cuisine. Absolutely everything I have made from his cookbook has been exceptional, especially this black chana recipe.

How to cook kala chana

Dried kala chana are usually soaked prior to cooking. The quick way to do it is to bring the beans to a rolling boil for 2 minutes in a generous amount of water, then turn off the heat and allow them to soak for 1 hour, covered.

You can alternatively soak them overnight at room temperature. Either way, you want to discard the soaking water and start fresh for cooking.

A lot of the indigestible carbohydrate (that which makes beans… erm… musical…) is leached out in the soaking water, so for the digestive comfort of your diners, you definitely want to get rid of it.

Kala chana recipe ingredients

This curry is not hot, but start with less cayenne if you like things very mild.

The nutty flavour of the chickpeas is deliciously complemented by the richness of butter and slow cooked onions, and the aroma of toasty cumin and warm garam masala.

What to serve with this kana chala recipe

Serve kana chala with this soft, wonderful homemade butter naan, or simple boiled basmati rice.

Chana Kala Recipe | Black Chickpea Curry | Foodess (2)

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Kala Chana Recipe (Black Chickpea Curry)

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Servings 6

Side Dish

Indian

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried black or regular chickpeas or 1-15ounce can
  • ½ cup ghee I use 1/4 cup butter and 1/4 cup canola oil
  • 1 ½ tbsp cumin seeds not ground
  • 2 medium onions 1 pound, chopped
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped garlic about 6 large cloves
  • 1 large juicy tomato finely chopped (or about 1 cup of canned, diced tomatoes)
  • 1 large jalapeno pepper finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp garam masala
  • ½ tbsp mango powder I omitted this because I didn’t have it on hand. Use it if you can find it, but it is delicious without it otherwise
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp ground fenugreek seeds
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup water (if using canned chickpeas only)
  • ½ cup chopped cilantro

Instructions

  • If using dried chickpeas, rinse in a colander then soak overnight or with the 1 hour quick soak method outlined above. Place soaked, drained chickpeas in 9 cups of salted water. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer and cook for 1 hour. Reserve 1 cup of cooking liquid and drain.

  • Meanwhile, in a separate large pot, heat ghee (or butter/oil) on medium high for 1 minute. Add cumin seeds and allow them to sizzle for about 30 seconds. Add onions and cook until golden brown, about 10 minutes. Add garlic and saute 2-3 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, then add jalapeno pepper, garam masala, mango powder, turmeric, fenugreek, salt and cayenne. Reduce heat to medium and cook until oil glistens on top (about 5-8 minutes). Stir in reseved chickpea water or 1 cup fresh water if using canned chickpeas.

  • Add boiled, drained chickpeas (or canned chickpeas, drained). Bring to a boil on medium-high heat, then reduce to low and simmer for 20 minutes or until thickened. Stir in cilantro.

Nutrition

Calories: 292kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 8gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 39mgSodium: 401mgPotassium: 408mgFiber: 7gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 258IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 3mg

Last Updated on February 28, 2023 by Jennifer Pallian BSc, RD

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Chana Kala Recipe | Black Chickpea Curry | Foodess (8)

Sarah

3 years ago

Chana Kala Recipe | Black Chickpea Curry | Foodess (9)
Loved this recipe! I’ve tried many different chana masala recipes (and curries in general), and this is hands down the top curry recipe I’ve stumbled across. Using ghee as a base augmented the spices, and the addition of the jalapeno added a bit of a buzz to each taste without being overly hot.

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Chana Kala Recipe | Black Chickpea Curry | Foodess (2024)

FAQs

Is kala chana the same as chickpeas? ›

Kala chana is the Hindi word for “Black Chickpeas”. In Hindi, the word “Kala” means “Black” and “Chana” means “Chickpea”. Hence the name kala chana, meaning black chickpeas. These are native to India so they are also called as Desi chana or desi chickpeas, where desi means native.

Is kala chana good for health? ›

Yes, black chana is rich in minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. These components help maintain strong and healthy bones, and regular consumption can help prevent bone-related disorders. Disclaimer: This is a general guide on the health benefits of black chana or kala chana.

Why add baking soda to chana masala? ›

Adding a small amount of baking powder (or even baking soda) makes the chickpeas extra tender. You can either marinate the chickpeas in it or add it directly to the curry as I have.

Are black chickpeas better than white chickpeas? ›

Surprisingly, this is something most people don't know but both the chickpeas have same nutrients present in them, but the amount of nutrients differ in both of them. Black chickpeas are slightly higher in protein and fibre than white chickpeas, and they also contain more iron, folate, and antioxidants.

What if I forgot to soak kala chana overnight? ›

Just soak it in boiling water for an hour before cooking. It will give the same effect!

What is the English name for kala chana? ›

Kala Chana also known as Bengal Gram, Black Chickpeas, Brown Chickpeas. It is used to make curries or sprouted and consumed in salads.

Who should not eat black chana? ›

Though Kala Chana comes with numerable health and nutritional benefits, it is advised to consume it in moderate amounts. The high fiber content may cause diarrhoea, flatulence, cramps and bloating. It is not recommended for those suffering from severe legume allergy.

Is it OK to eat chana everyday? ›

Yes, we can eat roasted chana daily in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Roasted chana (chickpeas) is a good protein, fibre, and essential nutrients source. However, like any food, it's important not to overconsume. Variety in your diet is key to getting a wide range of nutrients from different sources.

Can I eat chickpeas daily? ›

You can eat at least one serving (28 grams) of chickpeas per day. However, don't eat more than 70 grams a day since that can cause adverse side effects. If you consume too many chickpeas, some side effects you may get include bloating, nausea, and gas. It's important to remember that chickpeas should not be eaten raw.

Why boil chickpeas with baking soda? ›

By adding baking soda, you are increasing the pH of the water and making it more alkaline. This helps break down the pectin in the chickpeas which softens their skins better and faster. This is especially important when you are making hummus and want the creamiest consistency possible.

How to reduce bitterness in chana masala? ›

Easy Ways to Reduce Bitter Taste in Any Food
  1. 1 Balance out bitterness with some fat.
  2. 2 Cover the flavor with sweetness.
  3. 3 Sprinkle some salt over your food.
  4. 4 Try a pinch of baking soda.
  5. 5 Squeeze in some vinegar or lemon juice.
  6. 6 Add some spice to your foods.
  7. 7 Cook with herbs to cut through the bitter taste.
Apr 10, 2024

Why is tea added to chana masala? ›

For this Chana Masala, Hari recommends cooking the chickpeas in tea. 'Unusual I know' she says, 'but it adds such warm earthiness and gives the chickpeas a darker colour adding depth to the masala.

Does kala chana cause gas? ›

Black chana is rich in fibre. Eating black chana in excess may cause problems like stomach pain and gas. Therefore, you are advised to eat black chana in moderation.

What is the English name for chana? ›

The chickpea or chick pea (Cicer arietinum) is an annual legume of the family Fabaceae, subfamily Faboideae. Its different types are variously known as gram or Bengal gram, chhola, chhana, chana, or channa, garbanzo or garbanzo bean, or Egyptian pea. Chickpea seeds are high in protein.

Which is better, Kabuli chana or black chana? ›

Both Kala Chana and Kabuli Chana are good sources of protein, with 7-8 grams of protein per 100 grams of Kala Chana and 10–11 grams per 100 grams of Kabuli Chana. However, Kabuli Chana is the superior option for protein intake.

Are chickpea and chana the same? ›

Chana Dal Peas, also known as "Bengal gram," are pulses derived from the desi chickpea, a small, dark legume that is cultivated mostly in the Middle East. It is different from the typical chickpea or garbanzo bean in that it is hulled and split, younger, smaller and sweeter.

What are chickpeas called in India? ›

Chickpea popularly known as "BengalGram" or “Chana” or “Gram” in India. It is one of the oldest pulse cash crops cultivated across India.

Which is better, chickpeas or black gram? ›

Black gram is notably rich in iron, supplying about 7.6 milligrams per cup. Chickpeas, while still a source of iron, provide a slightly lower amount at approximately 4.7 milligrams per cup. Individuals with a focus on iron intake may find black gram more suitable.

What is another name for a chickpea? ›

Other names for chickpeas are gram, Bengal gram, garbanzo, garbanzo bean, and Egyptian pea.

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