Authentic Kerala Chickpea Curry Recipe (Kala Chana Curry) & Health Benefits

Chickpea Curry Recipe

 Ingredients

Black Chickpeas (Kala Chana / Kadala): 1 cup (soaked overnight)

Water: 3 cups (for boiling) + 3 glasses (for gravy)

Onions: 2 (finely sliced)

Ginger-Garlic Paste: ½ teaspoon

Tomatoes: 2 (chopped)

Chili Powder: 1 tablespoon

Coriander Powder: 1 ½ tablespoons

Garam Masala: ¼ teaspoon + ¼ teaspoon (extra)

Turmeric Powder: ¼ teaspoon

Salt: As required (1 teaspoon for boiling)

Coconut Milk: ½ cup

Coconut Oil: 4–5 tablespoons

For Tempering (Tadka): Mustard seeds (¼ tsp), curry leaves, and 2 dry red chilies.

Chickpea Curry Recipe (Kala Chana Curry)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1.Soak the Chickpeas:Night Before.

Wash the black chickpeas thoroughly and soak them in water overnight

2.Boil the Chickpeas:

15-20 mins.Drain the water the next morning and transfer the chickpeas to a pressure cooker.

 Add 3 cups of water, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of turmeric powder. Cover and cook for 3 to 4 whistles, then turn off the heat.

Chickpea Curry Recipe (Kala Chana Curry)

3.Sauté Aromatics & Spices:

5 mins.Heat 4–5 tablespoons of coconut oil in a pan. Add ½ teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste and sauté. Add the sliced onions and cook until they turn golden brown. Stir in 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 ½ tablespoons of coriander powder, and ¼ teaspoon of garam masala. Sauté the spice mix for 2 minutes.

4.Combine & Simmer:

10 mins.Add the boiled chickpeas along with 3 glasses of water into the pan. Toss in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they are half-soft. Pour in ½ cup of coconut milk and stir well. Turn off the heat before the coconut milk starts to boil vigorously.

Chickpea Curry Recipe (Kala Chana Curry)

5.Add Tempering (Tadka):

2 mins.In a separate small pan, heat a little coconut oil. Add ¼ teaspoon of mustard seeds. Once they crackle, add curry leaves and 2 dry red chilies. Pour this tempering over the chickpea curry. Cover the pan with a lid for a few minutes to lock in the aroma.

Serve piping hot with traditional Kerala Puttu, Appam, Dosa, or Idli!

Health Benefits of Kerala Kadala Curry

Rich in Plant-Based Protein: Black chickpeas are loaded with high-quality protein, which supports cell growth, repair, and muscle strength.

High in Dietary Fiber: The dietary fiber promotes a healthy digestive system, prevents constipation, and keeps you feeling full longer to help manage body weight.

Low Glycemic Index: Because of its low glycemic index, it helps regulate blood sugar levels, making it a great choice for diabetics.

Lowers Cholesterol: The fiber and antioxidants present in black chickpeas help reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and improve heart health.

Boosts Energy & Prevents Anemia: Packed with complex carbohydrates and iron, this curry provides sustained energy and helps prevent anemia.