Kala chana masala or black chickpeas curry, is a popular dish from North Indian cuisine. Black chickpeas are simmered in an onion, tomato base sauce and some aromatic Indian spices. Enjoy this flavorful, excellent protein rich curry over steamed white rice or some naan. This recipe is VEGAN, GLUTEN-FREE
Soak the dried chana overnight or a minimum of 4 hours.
Chop all the veggies – onion, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, keep it aside.
INSTANT POT KALA CHANA
Drain the water from the soaked black chickpeas, rinse and keep it aside.
Turn on SAUTE (more). When the pot displays “HOT”, add oil. Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, whole green cardamom, and chopped onions. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, or the onions are translucent.
Add chopped garlic, and sauté for 30 seconds.
Add chopped tomato, ginger, and green chili. Dry spices – coriander powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder, dried mango powder. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, or the tomatoes are soft.
Note: Add garam masala after pressure cooking the beans.
Add beans, baking soda, water, and salt to taste. Close the lid with a vent in sealing position.
Turn on PRESSURE COOK (high) for 30 minutes. Let pressure release naturally, around 10 minutes. Release the remaining pressure manually.
Open the Instant pot, and check if the beans are soft and cooked. If required, add a few minutes of pressure cooking.
Turn on SAUTE (more), and add garam masala, and lemon juice.
Note: Simmer for a few minutes or to the desired thickness. The sauce thickens as it cools.
Garnish with some fresh coriander. Serve hot with steamed rice, roti, or paratha.
STOVETOP PRESSURE COOKER KALA CHANA
Follow the recipe as discussed. Close the pressure cooker, after the first whistle, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 30 minutes. Let pressure release naturally. The rest of the recipe is the same as Instant pot.
Notes
My homemade bhuna masala (Indian curry sauce) makes preparing lobia incredibly simple. I combine the ¾ cup of bhuna masala with lobia, add salt and water, and pressure cook for an easy and delicious meal.Please refer to the post earlier for the following:
Tips For The Best Kala Chana
Frequently Asked Questions
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Kala Chana Masala ( Black chickpeas curry)
Amount per Serving
Calories
260
% Daily Value*
Fat
10
g
15
%
Saturated Fat
1
g
6
%
Trans Fat
0.03
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
5
g
Sodium
104
mg
5
%
Potassium
595
mg
17
%
Carbohydrates
35
g
12
%
Fiber
4
g
17
%
Sugar
3
g
3
%
Protein
9
g
18
%
Vitamin A
732
IU
15
%
Vitamin C
14
mg
17
%
Calcium
125
mg
13
%
Iron
3
mg
17
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Disclaimer
Nutrition values are my best estimates. If you rely on them for your diet, use your preferred nutrition calculator.