Boiled chickpeas, also referred to as chana or chole, are the natural source of protein for vegans and vegetarians. The versatile ingredient can help you make the healthiest meals to kick-start your mornings. If you have boiled chickpeas in the refrigerator, you have a plethora of opportunities in the kitchen to cook up something new, delicious, wholesome, and unique.
Video Credit: Rainbow Plant Like/ YouTube
You can use boiled chickpeas to make a savoury or sweet dish. If nothing, you can simply make chaat out of it. If you are tired of having the same old recipes for breakfast or call yourself a cooking noob and looking to get your hands on easy recipes, the below-mentioned options are perfect for you. Hop on this culinary ride that will acquaint you with some unique and old recipes that will refuel your body with energy in the morning.
Chana Paratha
If you have chickpeas in the refrigerator, the first idea should be chana paratha. It is different from the traditional option, where you will make chickpea curry to pair with plain paratha. In this recipe, you will mash boiled chickpeas and add salt to taste, lemon juice, coriander leaves, and spices like coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and garam masala to make a spicy mixture. Roll it into wheat dough balls and make the crispiest paratha to enjoy for breakfast along with curd and chutney.
Chana Tikki
Though people in India prefer to have a chaat in the evening, no rule says you cannot relish tikki for breakfast. It’s not a punishable offence but will be a reward for your tummy and overall health. Mash boiled chickpeas roughly and add onions, coriander leaves, lemon juice, red chilli powder, coriander powder, amchur (mango) powder, cumin powder, garam masala, a pinch of turmeric powder, salt to taste, and chaat masala. Add some gram flour for crispiness and shallow fry tikki.
Chana Chaat
If you can have tikki in the morning, you can surely make chana chaat as well. You can call it chickpea salad or breakfast bowl as well. Take your boiled chickpeas in a bowl and add chopped onions, tomatoes, green chillies, and cucumbers. Add a drizzle of olive oil along with a generous squeeze of lemon juice. Enjoy it with a glass of smoothie along with a serving of boiled, poached, or sunny-side-up eggs.
Chana Rice
If you boiled chickpeas and leftover steamed rice from last night, you will only need 5-10 minutes to cook a sumptuous breakfast. Strain the chickpeas so that they do not contain any water. Meanwhile, in a heated pan, add mustard seeds, ginger garlic paste, chopped green chillies, and turmeric paste. After a couple of minutes, fold in chopped onions and curry leaves. Once the onions are translucent, add chopped tomatoes, beans, capsicums, and bell peppers. Add spices according to your taste and stir fry rice and chickpeas together.
Chana Sandwich
A grilled sandwich pairs impeccably with a cup of tea and coffee. If you have boiled chickpeas, mash them, and make a flavourful mixture with chopped onions and tomatoes. You can also add grated carrots, chopped coriander leaves, finely chopped bell peppers, and other vegetables of your choice. Add some homemade mayonnaise for binding and a generous scoop of this mixture between two slices of bread. Grill the sandwiches and savour them with your favourite beverage.
Chana Usal
Flavourful Maharashtrian usal is the best way to start your morning. Heat a kadha, and add oil to it. Now fold in some mustard seeds, curry leaves, and chopped green chillies. Add your chickpeas and grated coconut, and cook this mixture in the coconut milk and spices of your choice. This nutritious curry is best served with roasted pav along with chopped onions and lemon wedges on the side.