Chana is an exceptional protein-packed ingredient in the legume family! The western world refers to chana as chickpeas and garbanzo beans. These are among the earliest legumes ever. Although ancient samples have also been found in Greece, France, and other regions of Europe, as well as in Neolithic pottery in Turkey, the earliest evidence of its use and consumption dates back 7,500 years to the Middle East. The oldest literature on the use of chana appears in a mediaeval document called Capitulare de Villis, which provided guidelines for managing Emperor Charlemagne's royal estates during the last years of his reign. This text emerged around 800 AD, and in this document, Charlemagne describes the specific locations where chana was grown on each of his estates.
India, the world's biggest user, importer, and grower of chana, is where many of the best and most cherished chana dishes come from. There are only two types of chana—Kabuli chana, also known as garbanzo beans and chickpeas, and Kala chana, also known as Bengal gram and desi chickpeas—but they have a broad spectrum of nutritive and mouthwatering potential.
Let's examine the two types of chickpeas that are frequently found in local Indian marketplaces and available at the best prices.
Both Kala Chana and Kabuli Chana are good sources of protein, with 7-8 grams of protein per 100 grams of Kala Chana and 10–11 grams per 100 grams of Kabuli Chana. However, Kabuli Chana is the superior option for protein intake.
Kabuli Chana is better than Kala Chana for maintaining bone health and strength, as it is rich in iron and calcium. It also supports heart health due to its high levels of vitamins, minerals, potassium, magnesium, iron, and selenium. Kabuli Chana is effective in lowering cholesterol and reducing the risk of heart disease as it contains no cholesterol.
Common Recipes
With Chickpeas
Many recipes using white chickpeas are very popular in India such as chickpea curry with gravy (Chana Masala), chickpea bowls with cauliflower, chickpea soups, burgers and many more.0
With Black Gram
The most popular recipe using the black gram has the be the kala chana masala recipe, it is similar to chickpea curry but just with black gram. Apart from that, you make many salad bowls using kala chana, dry kala chana sabzi, black chana and coconut stew and many more.
Conclusion
Both varieties of chickpeas are nutritious and can be included in a balanced diet. The decision between black and white chickpeas is ultimately a matter of taste. When consuming black chickpeas, one should exercise caution because too much fibre can cause stomach problems. Overconsumption of chickpeas can also result in weight gain. As a result, paying attention to how much you eat is crucial.