Kala Chana Recipe | Ashtami Prasad Recipe
Kala Chana Recipe: As a passionate home cook and food critic, I have always been fond of exploring the diverse flavors of traditional Indian cuisine. Among the many dishes I have learned to master over the years, the Kala Chana recipe holds a special place in my heart. Fond memories of my mother preparing this delightful dish for Ashtami Prasad during Navratri celebrations fill my heart with warmth and nostalgia. The aroma of the spices, the rich taste of the chana, and the divine texture that lingers on my palate remind me of the love and dedication that goes into preparing this dish.
What is Kala Chana | Ashtami Prasad Recipe?
Kala Chana, also known as black chickpeas, is a popular legume that is widely used in Indian cuisine. The Kala Chana recipe is an exquisite dish that is prepared as Ashtami Prasad during the auspicious occasion of Navratri. This traditional Indian recipe boasts a perfect blend of spices, herbs, and nutritious black chickpeas, creating a scrumptious and wholesome meal that is enjoyed by people of all ages.
Variations of Kala Chana Recipe
There are several variations of the Kala Chana recipe that one can explore to suit their personal preferences and tastes. Here are a few popular ones:
Kala Chana Curry: This variation includes a rich and flavorsome tomato and onion-based gravy, making it a perfect accompaniment for rice or flatbreads like roti and paratha.
Kala Chana Chaat: This is a tangy and spicy snack that combines boiled Kala Chana with onions, tomatoes, green chilies, and a mix of spices, garnished with lemon juice and fresh coriander leaves.
Kala Chana Salad: A nutritious and refreshing salad that includes boiled Kala Chana, chopped vegetables like cucumber, tomatoes, and onions, mixed with lemon juice, salt, and pepper for a light yet satisfying meal.
Kala Chana Sundal: A South Indian version of the dish, where Kala Chana is tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and grated coconut, making it a delicious and healthy snack or side dish.
Nutritional Benefits of Kala Chana
Kala Chana is not only delicious but also packed with numerous health benefits, making it an ideal choice for a well-balanced meal. Some of the key nutritional benefits include:
- High Protein Content: Kala Chana is an excellent source of plant-based protein, essential for muscle growth, repair, and overall well-being.
- Rich in Fiber: The high fiber content in Kala Chana aids in digestion, helps in weight management, and promotes a healthy gut.
- Boosts Energy: Kala Chana is a rich source of complex carbohydrates that provide sustained energy, making it an ideal food choice for active individuals.
- Packed with Vitamins and Minerals: It is an excellent source of essential nutrients such as iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which contribute to overall health and well-being
- Lowers Cholesterol: The soluble fiber in Kala Chana helps lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, thus promoting heart health.
- Regulates Blood Sugar Levels: The low glycemic index of Kala Chana makes it suitable for diabetics, as it helps maintain steady blood sugar levels.
- Strengthens Immunity: Kala Chana is packed with antioxidants and essential nutrients that contribute to a strong immune system, helping the body fight against various infections and diseases.
Step by Step Kala Chana Recipe
Kala Chana Recipe | Ashtami Prasad Recipe
Ingredients
For Cooking Black Chickpeas
- 1 cup black chickpeas kala chana, soaked overnight
- 2 cups water
- Salt
For Tempering (Tadka)
- 1 tbsp ghee / clarified butter
- 1 tsp Cumin (Jeera)
- 1 inch ginger grated
- 1 tsp aamchur / dry mango powder
- 1/2 tsp Red Chilli Powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp Garam Masala
- 2 tbsp coriander leaves / cilantro chopped
Instructions
Pre-Cooking Preparation:
- Soak the kala chana in water for at least 8 hours or overnight. This will help in softening them and reducing the cooking time.
- Drain the soaked kala chana and rinse them well with fresh water. Set aside.
Cooking Steps:
To Cook Black Chickpeas (kala chana)
- In a pressure cooker, transfer soaked black chickpeas(kala chana) with water and salt. Pressure cook black chickpeas for about 6-7 whistles and turn off the flame. Let the pressure release naturally.
- Open the pressure cooker when pressure is released completely. Strain the water from chickpeas. Do not throw away the water, use it for your other curries or drink the water as it is full of vitamins and minerals.
For Tempering (Tadka)
- Heat the oil or ghee in a skillet or pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for about 30 seconds.
- Add the grated ginger and sauté for another 30 seconds or until the raw aroma of ginger disappears.
- Then, add red chili powder, coriander powder, amchur powder and garam masala to the skillet. Mix well.
- Quickly add the cooked kala chana in the spices and give a nice stir so that black chickpeas meld nicely with the spices. Let it simmer over low flame for 6-7 minutes.
- Check salt in the kala chana and if required, add accordingly. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
- Transfer to the serving bowl and offer to Goddess Durga along with Poori and Sooji Halwa on the day of Ashtami or Navami during Navratri.
- You can also enjoy this Sookha Kala Chana as weekend brunch or evening snack.
Equipment Used for This Recipe
Notes & Tips
- Adjust the spices according to your taste preferences.
- You can also use a regular pot to cook the kala chana, but it will take longer to cook. In that case, cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer on low heat until the chana is soft and fully cooked. Keep checking and stirring occasionally to avoid the chana sticking to the bottom of the pot. Add more water if required.
Nutrition Information (Note: Approximate)
FAQs – Kala Chana Recipe
What is the significance of Kala Chana in Ashtami Prasad?
Kala Chana is an integral part of Ashtami Prasad because it is a nutritious and satiating dish that is offered to the goddess Durga during the Navratri festival. As a symbol of devotion, the Kala Chana is later distributed among devotees as Prasad, and it is believed to bring blessings and good fortune.
Can I use canned Kala Chana instead of soaking them overnight?
Yes, you can use canned Kala Chana as a convenient alternative to soaking them overnight. However, make sure to rinse and drain them properly before using them in the recipe, as this will help remove any excess sodium or preservatives.
Is there a quicker way to cook Kala Chana without using a pressure cooker?
You can use an Instant Pot or any other electric pressure cooker to cook Kala Chana faster than traditional methods. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cooking times and water ratios, and your Kala Chana should be ready in a fraction of the time compared to stovetop cooking.
How can I make Kala Chana more flavorful?
To enhance the flavors of Kala Chana, you can experiment with adding different spices and herbs like garam masala, amchur (dry mango powder), or kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves). Adjust the spices according to your taste preferences, and feel free to get creative in the kitchen.
Can I add vegetables to the Kala Chana recipe?
Yes, you can add vegetables like tomatoes, bell peppers, or spinach to the Kala Chana recipe to make it more nutritious and colorful. Adding vegetables will not only boost the nutritional value of the dish but also add a variety of textures and flavors that complement the Kala Chana.
What can I serve Kala Chana with?
Kala Chana can be served with a variety of accompaniments like steamed rice, jeera rice, roti, paratha, or even a simple salad. It makes for a wholesome and satisfying meal when paired with your favorite side dishes.
Can I prepare Kala Chana in advance?
Yes, you can prepare Kala Chana in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave or a stovetop, making sure to add a little water if the consistency becomes too thick.
Is Kala Chana suitable for vegans and vegetarians?
Absolutely! Kala Chana is a vegan and vegetarian-friendly dish, as it does not contain any animal-derived ingredients. It’s a fantastic source of plant-based protein and nutrients, making it an excellent choice for those following a vegan or vegetarian diet.
How can I adjust the spice level in the Kala Chana recipe?
You can easily adjust the spice level in the Kala Chana recipe by reducing or increasing the amount of green chilies, red chili powder and so on.
Also See:
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