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Kala Chana

A spicy and comforting Indian dish made from black chickpeas, perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 cup of dried Kala Chana black chickpeas
  • 2 tablespoons of cooking oil like vegetable or coconut
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 2 tomatoes chopped
  • 1 tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon of coriander powder
  • 1 teaspoon of cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon of garam masala
  • 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
  • 1-2 green chilies slit (adjust to taste)
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 cups of water for cooking
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing

Equipment

  • Large pot or pressure cooker
  • Stirring spoon
  • Curry pot or skillet
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Chopping board and knife

Method
 

  1. Soak 1 cup of dried Kala Chana in enough water for at least 8 hours or overnight.
  2. Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas under cold water to remove impurities.
  3. Place the soaked chickpeas in a pot or pressure cooker, add 2 cups of water, and cook until tender. If using a pressure cooker, cook on high pressure for 20-25 minutes; if using a pot, simmer on medium heat for about 40 minutes.
  4. Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat; add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  5. Add 1 medium finely chopped onion and sauté until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
  6. Stir in 1 tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.
  7. Add 2 chopped tomatoes, 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon of coriander powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin powder, 1 teaspoon of garam masala, salt to taste, and 1-2 slit green chilies; cook until the tomatoes soften and the oil begins to separate, about 5-6 minutes.
  8. Add the cooked chickpeas with their cooking liquid to the masala, stir gently to combine, and simmer for 5-10 minutes to meld the flavors.
  9. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.

Notes

For best flavor, allow the Kala Chana to rest for a few hours or overnight; store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.