Soak kala chana / black chickpea in water overnight or at least for 4-5 hours.
Once soaked overnight, drain the water and wash the chana / chickpeas under running tap water.
Add 3 cups of water to the soaked chickpeas and pressure cook till 7-8 whistle.They should be perfectly cooked and tender.
Keep aside the water in which chana / chickpeas were cooked. We will need it to make the gravy.
How to make kala chana curry - black chickpea curry
In a kadai / saucepan heat oil. Add mustard seeds and let them crackle. Add hing (asafoetida).
Add finely chopped onions. Saute the onions till they are golden brown.
Once onions are cooked, add coriander powder, garam masala powder, turmeric powder,red chilli powder and mix well.
Add the cooked kala chana/chickpeas along with salt, and sugar.
Mix all the ingredients.
Add water in which the chickpeas were boiled (adjust the water as per the consistency you require).
Cover the pan with a lid and let the chana/chickpeas simmer for 3-4 minutes. Lastly, add finely chopped coriander leaves.
Kala Chana Masala is ready.
Garnish with coriander leaves and squeeze lemon over it. Serve hot with flatbread or rice.
This curry also goes well with a loaf of bread.
Video
Notes
Instead of black chickpeas, you may also use the normal garbanzo peas for this recipe.I have not used tomatoes in this recipe, if you like, you can add finely chopped tomatoes along with onion and cook the masala till the tomatoes are tender.I personally like to have a semi-dry version of this chana masala when serving with flatbread. If you want to make a semi-dry version just add 1/2 glass of water and you are good to go.Tip: You can soak and boil chickpeas beforehand and store them in an airtight container and refrigerate them. They stay good for a week. Use them within a week when needed.
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