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Legumes are one of the healthiest foods on earth. Packed with protein, fibre, and other essential nutrients, they are perfect to add to all three meals as well as snacks. The most popular types of legumes are lentils, peas, chickpeas, and beans. Besides these varieties, kala chana is another nutritious legume that is mostly underrated.
Also known as black chickpeas, kala chana is rich in vitamins B6 and C, folate, niacin, manganese, iron, and copper. According to Netmeds, kala chana helps boost immunity, regulate diabetes, and enhance skin and hair. Consuming black chickpeas daily can also lower blood cholesterol and contribute to weight management.
Here are six delicious recipes you can prepare with Kala chana:
Ghugni
This is a special dish from the land of Bihar that is perfect for lunch as well as dinner. It is basically a black chickpea stew that is made with tomatoes, onions, ginger-garlic paste, and flavourful spices like cumin seeds, garam masala, and bay leaves. Along with Bihar, it is also popular in Orissa, Jharkhand, Assam, and Bengal. Besides rice and roti, ghugni is also enjoyed with puffed rice.
Kala Chana Kebab
If you are planning a house party or a special family dinner, then this appetiser is perfect for your vegetarian guests. This kebab is crispy on the outside and soft and tender on the inside. Kala chana kebab is made with brown bread, kala chana, and a few spices and herbs like garam masala, garlic, and ginger.
Kadala Curry
This is a traditional dish of Kerala that is common in every Malayali household. Mainly served with puttu, appam, dosa, and idiyappam, kadala curry goes well with all three meals. This spicy, flavourful, and nutritious dish is made with kala chana, fresh coconut, tomatoes, garlic, onions, curry leaves, and spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and red chilli powder.
Kala Chana Chaat
If you are looking for a quick, filling, and delicious snack for untimely cravings, then this chaat is perfect for you. This refreshing delight has fresh, tangy, and spicy flavours that can be customised according to your preference. It is made with boiled black chickpeas, onions, tomatoes, chaat masala, lemon juice, and spices. To make it more delicious, you can also add chopped boiled potatoes to the recipe.
Sookha Kala Chana
This is a popular Indian dish that is prepared mainly during the festival of Navratri. It is vegan, gluten-free, and easy to make. During this festival, sookha kala chana is served with halwa, poori, and a vegetable salad. To prepare this dish, all you need to do is cook boiled kala chana with spices like cumin seeds, amchur, and coriander powder, and you are good to go.
Bachka
If you love having pakoras with your evening tea, then this delicacy is a must-try for you. Bachka is a very popular Bihari snack that is made with cooked kala chana and besan batter. This fritter is also flavoured with a few spices and herbs like curry leaves, mustard seeds, turmeric, and ginger. Along with tea, bachka also goes well with mint or any other green chutney.