Kala Chana Recipe: Easy Black Chickpeas Curry with Amazing Health Benefits

Kala Chana Recipe: Easy Black Chickpeas Curry with Amazing Health Benefits

Kala Chana recipe is one of my favorite comfort foods. It is a healthy dish, and it tastes great too. When I need a quick, filling, and healthy meal, I make kala chana curry at home.

This Kala Chana recipe is a simple recipe, and it does not require any complicated Indian spices. However, the recipe has a great taste. Kala Chana is a great source of protein, fiber, and other nutrients. It is a great recipe to have as a meal.

In the following article, I will provide you that:

• What is black chickpeas
• What are the ingredients in black chana?
• How to make black chana at home?
• What nutrients does kala chana have?
• black chickpeas benefits

In addition to the recipe, you will also find the nutrition facts, health benefits, and some personal tips to make the recipe perfect every time. And this blog will help you make the perfect kala chana curry recipe.

Also Read: Easy Pasta Recipe | Types of Pasta, Calories & Cooking Tips

Black chickpeas, referred to as kala chana, are small, dark brown legumes with a gentle, nutty flavor. The texture of kala chana is firm compared to the white variety. The combination of the flavor and texture of kala chana gives it a unique taste. 

Kala chana is used to make kala chana curry, kala chana masala, salads, and other snacks. From a nutritional point of view, kala chana is a powerful legume. It is rich in protein, fiber, iron, and other essential vitamins. 

Many people include kala chana in their meals to provide fullness. To make kala chana easy to digest, it is soaked overnight.

What are the ingredients in black chana?

These are the basic kala chana ingredients commonly used to prepare a simple and tasty homemade dish.

• Oil – 3/4 tsp
• 2 medium size onion
• 2 medium size tomato
• 5/6 Green chilli
• Ginger & Garlic
• 250 g Kaale Chane (Black Chickpeas)
• Coriander Leaves
• 1 pinch Asafoetida (Hing)
• ¼ tsp Turmeric powder
• ¼ tsp Red chilli powder
• ¼ tsp Coriander Powder
• ¼ tsp Cumin Powder
• ¼ tsp Garam Masala
• ¼ tsp Cumin Seeds
• Salt
• 1/2 Dry Red Chilli
• 1 Bay Leaves
• 1 Black Ilaychi

How to make black chana at home? (Step by Step)

Firstly, the kala chana is kept in a bowl and soaked in water overnight so that it is soft and easy to cook.

First of all, add kala chane (black chickpeas), 1 black cardamom (black ilaychi), and a small stick of cinnamon (daal chini) in the pressure cooker and add enough water. Now close the lid and cook for 6-7 whistles until the chickpeas become almost soft but still a little firm.

Meanwhile, heat oil in the kadhai and add cumin seeds, dry red chili, and bay leaves. When the mixture begins to smell, also add turmeric and red chili powder.

Now add the onion paste and coriander powder and sauté the mixture until the masala becomes golden and fragrant.

Now add the tomato & green chilli paste and salt and sauté the mixture until the curry becomes thick and tasty.

Add the boiled kala chane and mix the curry properly until the chickpeas become coated in the masala. Now add a little chana water and let the curry simmer for 2 minutes.

At last, add garam masala and coriander leaves for more flavor in the curry.

Now Kala chana curry is ready. Enjoy the curry with steamed rice or roti/poori for a healthy and delicious meal.

What nutrients does kala chana have?

Kala chana is one of the healthiest legumes you can include in your diet. There is kala chana nutrition Content per 100g:

• Calories: 360 kcal
• Protein: 19g
• Fiber: 17g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Iron and Magnesium: in high quantities

Kala chana is a good source of protein and fiber and hence can keep you full for a longer time.

Black Chickpeas Benefits

Here are a few outstanding benefits of black chickpeas that make this dish both delicious and healthy.

1. Protein Powerhouse: Kala chana is a good source of plant-based protein, which is a boon for vegetarians.

2. Aids Digestion: The fiber content of black chickpeas ensures a smooth flow of digestion.

3. Helps in Weight Management: The combination of fiber and protein in black chickpeas makes you feel full for a longer period.

4. Provides Steady Energy: The energy provided by black chickpeas is sufficient to get through a long day at work.

5. Heart Health: Eating black chickpeas on a regular basis is beneficial for heart health, as it helps manage cholesterol levels.

Black Chickpeas Calories​

Many are interested to know the kala chana calories per 100g.

• Dry black chickpeas contain about 360 kcal per 100g.
• Cooked kala chana contains about 160-180 kcal per 100g.
• Kala chana is considered a healthy source of calories due to their high nutrient and fiber content.

My personal tips

A few simple things that I always follow when making my kala chana curry are:

• I soak the kala chana because it will cook faster, and it will also be easier to digest.
• I cook the chana so that it is tender but still holds its shape, so the curry has a good texture.
• I make sure the masala cooks well so that the oil begins to separate, as it will have the maximum flavor.
• I add a little of the chana water to the gravy, which will add more to the curry and enhance the flavor.
• I add coriander leaves at the end so that it gives a burst of freshness.
• I like to add more green chilies than red chili powder, as it will have a natural flavor.
• Using turmeric powder and red chili powder with hot oil will add more color and flavor to the curry.

My personal experience

I still recall the first time I made kala chana curry for my family. To be honest, it was not too good the first time. However, after a few attempts with my mom’s guidance and assistance, I slowly learned to do it the right way. And before I knew it, the curry was turning out really well, and everyone at home was looking forward to eating it.

The first time, I did not use any whole spices in the curry. However, on subsequent occasions, I made sure to include black cardamom, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and black peppercorns in the curry. And to be honest, the addition of spices really made a big difference to the curry and its smell.

Kala Chana is one of my favorite curries now. And to be honest, I just love having it with rice. Every time I cook kala chana at home, I make sure to have a plate of rice and curry, even though I do not prefer making rotis.

This is one curry that is special to me because it is easy to make, affordable, and healthy and nutritious too.

Also Read: Perfect Veg Maggi Recipe | Ingredients, Nutrition, Calories & Cooking Tips

Conclusion

This kala chana recipe is one of the easiest and healthiest Indian recipe you can make at home. With simple ingredients and spices, you can make a delicious black chickpeas curry with kala chana protein, fiber, and nutrients.

If you are looking for a cozy, nutritious, and delicious meal, you should definitely try out the kala chana curry recipe.

FAQ’s 

1. Is kala chana good for weight loss?

Yes, kala chana can promote weight loss. The fiber and protein content allows for extended fullness.

2. Does kala chana have protein?

Yes, kala chana contains many grams of protein. You can obtain between 18 and 19 grams of protein from each 100 grams of chickpea.

3. Is chana good for heart patients?

Yes, using chana has many benefits to your heart as it has both nutrients and fiber, both of which aid in cholesterol management.

4. What is the best way to eat kala chana?

The best way to eat your kala chana is to soak it and cook it properly. You can eat it as a salad, curry, or boiled.

5. Is chana high in potassium?

Yes, chana contains potassium, and potassium is good for your heart, as it aids in maintaining your normal blood pressure level.