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Kala Channa (Black Chickpeas)
In many Indian households observing Ramadan, black chickpeas are eaten at sunset when the fast ends. Here's how to prepare kala channa at home.
👥 4 Servings👤 Asma Khan📖 epicurious
🥘 Ingredients
Check off ingredients as you prepare them:
🍳 Cookware
- ●bowl
- ●pot
- ●pan
📝 Preparation Steps
1
Wash the chickpeas under cold running water. Put them in a large bowl, cover with cold water, and leave to soak for at least ⏱️ 6 hours or preferably overnight. The chickpeas will double in volume so ensure you use a suitable bowl and add at least 6⅓ cups (1.5 liters) water.
⅓ cups (240g) dried black chickpeas1
2
Drain the chickpeas and put them in a pot, cover with fresh water, and bring to a boil. Add the dried red chiles, cover, and simmer for 1–1½ hours. Check after ⏱️ 1 hour—the chickpeas should be firm but soft inside (the outside will not soften). If the inside is still hard, continue to simmer until the chickpeas have a creamy consistency inside. Drain and set aside.
dried red chiles2
3
Meanwhile, dry roast the cumin seeds in a heavy-based pan over low heat, stirring until they turn a few shades darker. Tip them onto a plate and leave to cool. Grind to a powder, using a spice grinder or a mortar and pestle.
4
Heat the oil in a large pot over medium–high heat. Add the onion and fry for about ⏱️ 15 minutes until rich and brown. Add the garlic, ginger, and green chile and stir for a minute, then add the ground roasted cumin, coriander, and chile powder, followed by the tomato paste.
5
Add a generous 2 cups (500 ml) warm water and return the chickpeas and red chiles to the pot with the salt. Keep the liquid at a slow rolling boil until it has reduced to a thick clingy sauce. Add the garam masala and continue to cook until the oil comes to the surface and the chickpeas are glistening. Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
dried red chiles2
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