KAALE CHANE

Black chickpeas or bengal gram or commonly known as Kala Chana, is one of the most popular legume in Indian subcontinent and Mediterranean cuisine. Although chickpeas are believed to have originated in Turkey and Iranian region, today the black gram is grown mostly in Indian subcontinent. This ranges in its size and colour. Basically smaller than the white chickpeas, the black gram is found in various colors like green, brown and dark brown which is almost like black, may be thats why the name black gram. It is also eaten in non-dried ripened form which is popularly known as chholiya in north India. This form is green and covered in its pods. In dry form, this is eaten whole or in the split husk free form. While the whole grain is known as kala chana, the husk free split form is the popular chane ki daal or split bengal gram.

Kala Chana has gained so much popularity and value that in Northern parts of India and Nepal, it is used in the offerings to the God. In the festival of navratri, when on the eighth or ninth day, the kanjak poojan is done, the black gram or kala chana is prepared along with semolina pudding or sooji halwa and is used as offering in the prayers or worshiping. It becomes the parrt of the Prasad or prasadam. At that time, the legume is prepared mostly in boiled form, sauteed with spices without using any onion or garlic.

Kala chana is a very good source of protein and carbohydrates. It is very low in sugar content which makes it a perfect food for controlling sugar levels in the body and also is helpful in providing fiber content thus helping in keeping digestive system also in good shape. For those suffering with high sugar levels, the black gram or kala chana is a super food. It provides essential carbohydrates and proteins but does not increases the sugar levels in the body. It is also good for those who intend to take protein rich diet like weight watchers, wrestlers, body builders etc.

It is very good for kids as it is a rich source of protein. This recipe is very simple and easy to make in your everyday life. For amateurs and beginners, this is a very simple, healthy and nutritious recipe which can be made with utter ease and can also help upgrade the cooking skills. The important part is to soak them for longer duration like 7-8 hours. This reduces the cooking time and increases the size of the grains. Mostly people soak it overnight for better results. So go ahead and try this recipe for a healthy, nutritious and delicious meal. They can be enjoyed best with boiled rice or roti.

Ingredients

for 3-4 persons

• Black chana 2 cups
• Onion chopped 1
• Ginger garlic 2 tbsp
• Green chilli chopped 1
• Tomatoes chopped 2
• Garam Masala 1 tsp
• Coriander powder 1 tsp
• Cumin seeds 1 tsp
• Turmeric powder 1 tbsp
• Oil as required for tadka
• Red chilli powder 2 tsp
• Salt to taste

Method

• Soak chane overnight and boil them in 7-8 cups of water in pressure cooker with turmeric, 1 tbsp ginger garlic and salt.
• Pressure cook till soft.
• Heat oil in pan and add cumin seeds.
• Saute for few seconds.
• Add chopped onion and saute till light brown.
• Add ginger garlic and saute for few seconds.
• Add Chopped tomatoes, mix well and cook till oil separates.
• Add powdered spices and mix well.
• Add boiled black chane with its water.
• Cover and cook chane for 10-15 minutes on simmer.
• Kaale chane is ready.
• Serve with Rice or Roti and lemon pickle.