Sookha Kala Chana is a traditional Indian dish made with black chickpeas, known for its high nutritional value and rich flavour. This dry version of the Sookha Kala Chana Recipe is typically cooked with aromatic spices like cumin, turmeric, coriander, and garam masala, resulting in a savoury and mildly spicy dish that can be enjoyed as a snack, side dish, or even a light meal. It’s a popular recipe during festivals like Navratri, it’s often paired with puri or halwa as part of a celebratory meal.
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Essential Ingredients for Sookha Kala Chana Recipe
Kala Chana (Black Chickpeas):
The star of the dish, kala chana is soaked overnight and boiled until tender. It provides protein, fibre, and essential nutrients.
Oil or Ghee:
Used for sautéing the spices and enhancing the flavour, it adds richness, while oil keeps it light.
Cumin Seeds (Jeera):
These seeds are tempered in oil or ghee to release their earthy aroma and flavour, forming the base of the dish.
Green Chilies:
Adds a spicy kick to the dish. The quantity can be adjusted based on your spice preference.
Ginger:
This adds flavour and aroma, enhancing the spiciness and adding warmth to the dish.
Turmeric Powder (Haldi):
Gives a vibrant yellow colour and mild earthiness, along with anti-inflammatory benefits.
Coriander Powder:
Ground coriander adds a citrusy, mild spice to the dish, balancing the heat and giving the kala chana a rounded flavour.
Garam Masala:
This spice blend is added towards the end for a warm, aromatic finish. It brings together all the flavours.
Salt:
It brings out the flavours of the spices.
Fresh Coriander Leaves:
Chopped coriander leaves are used as a garnish for freshness and colour.
Amchoor (Optional):
Adds a tangy brightness at the end, balancing the spice.
How To Make Sookha Kala Chana Recipe
- Soak 1 cup of kala chana in water overnight (6-8 hours). Drain the water and rinse the chickpeas well.
- Add 1 cup of water and 1 teaspoon salt to the pressure cooker and cook the chana until done. I cooked for one whistle on high heat, then reduced the heat to low for 10 minutes.
- Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a pan. Once the oil is hot, add 1 tsp cumin seeds and let it crackle.
- Add 2-3 Green chilli and 1 tsp ginger and saute them for a minute.
- Add 1 tsp coriander powder, 1/2 tsp Kashmiri red chilli powder, 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, and fry for a few seconds.
- Add chana along with the water in the pan.
- Add salt to taste, 1/2 tsp garam masala, 1/4 tsp black pepper powder, and 1 tsp dry mango powder(Amchoor powder) and mix them well.
- Cook on medium heat for 3-4 minutes or until all the water is absorbed.
- Garnish with fresh coriander.
- Serve hot with sooji ka halwa and poori.
Pro Tips
- Soak the Chickpeas Well:
Always soak the kala chana for at least 6-8 hours or overnight. This softens the chickpeas and ensures they cook evenly and quickly while improving digestibility. - Use Fresh Spices:
Always use fresh spices for the best flavour. Toasting whole cumin or coriander seeds before grinding them will add a deeper flavour. - Simmer for Better Flavor:
After adding the kala chana to the masala, allow it to simmer on low heat for a few minutes. This will help the chickpeas absorb the spices, resulting in a more flavorful dish. - Customize the Spice Level:
Adjust the green chillies and garam masala according to your spice preference. - Don’t Skip the Garnish:
Freshly chopped coriander leaves add a pop of colour to the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Soaking kala chana is important to soften them for cooking. If you’re short on time, you can use the quick soak method: Boil the chickpeas for 5 minutes, then let them sit covered for 1 hour before cooking.
Yes, you can store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just reheat before serving.
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Serving Suggestions for Sookha Kala Chana
- Serve kala chana as a healthy, protein-packed snack.
- Pair sookha kala chana with soft rotis or parathas for a wholesome and filling meal. It makes for a perfect lunch or dinner option.
- Serve as a side dish with dal, rice, and vegetable curry for a complete Indian meal.
Storage Suggestions
After the dry kala chana has cooled to room temperature, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Reheat before serving by warming it in a pan or microwave.
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Sookha Kala Chana Recipe
Materials
- 1 cup 200 grams Desi Chickpea
- 1 tbsp Coriander Powder
- 1/2 tsp Kashmiri Red Chilli
- 1/4 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1 tsp Dry Mango Powder
- 2 tbsp Oil
- 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
- 1 tsp Ginger Julienne
- 2-3 cut lengthwise- Green Chilli
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Garam Masala
- Coriander Leaves
- 1/2 tsp black pepper powder
Instructions
- Wash the kala chana and soak in enough water for 6-8 hours.
- Drain the water and add the kala chana to a pressure cooker.
- Add 1 cup of water and 1 teaspoon salt to the pressure cooker and cook the chana until done. I cooked for one whistle on high heat, then reduced the heat to low for 10 minutes.
- Remove the pressure cooker from heat and let the pressure release.
- Heat oil in a pan, once the oil is hot, add cumin seeds and let it crackle.
- Add Green chilli and ginger and saute them for a minute.
- Add coriander powder, Kashmiri red chilli powder, turmeric powder, and fry for a few seconds.
- Add chana along with the water in the pan and add salt to taste, garam masala, black pepper powder, and dry mango powder(Amchoor powder) and mix them well.
- Cook on medium heat for 3-4 minutes or until all the water is absorbed.
- Garnish with fresh coriander. Serve hot with sooji ka halwa and poori.
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Notes
Sookha Kala Chana serves it along with Poori and Sooji Halwa. This combination is an all-time favourite one! You can also serve Sookha Kala Chana as a side dish with everyday meals, or pack it in a Lunch Box with some Plain Tawa Paratha or Phulka. You can also have it on its own as a high-protein snack with your evening tea or coffee
Health Benefits of Sookha Kala Chana:
High in Protein:
Kala Chana (black chickpeas) is an excellent source of plant-based protein, making it ideal for vegetarians and vegans. Protein is essential for muscle growth, repair, and overall bodily functions.
Rich in Dietary Fiber:
Kala chana is loaded with dietary fibre, which promotes healthy digestion, prevents constipation, and helps maintain a healthy gut. Fiber also keeps you full for longer, aiding in weight management.
Helps Regulate Blood Sugar Levels:
Due to its low glycemic index (GI), kala chana helps blood sugar levels, making it a great option for people with diabetes or those looking to manage blood sugar fluctuations.
Supports Weight Loss:
The high fibre content and low-calorie profile make sookha kala chana a great snack. It provides a feeling of fullness, reducing the tendency to overeat.
Great Source of Energy:
The slow-digesting carbohydrates in kala chana provide sustained energy without causing spikes in blood sugar. This makes it an excellent food for athletes or individuals looking for long-lasting energy throughout the day.
Promotes Healthy Skin:
The high levels of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals in kala chana contribute to healthy, glowing skin by fighting off free radicals that can cause skin ageing.
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