Dry Chana Recipe: A Nutritious and Flavorful Dish

Chana, also known as chickpeas or garbanzo beans, is a versatile legume that is packed with nutrients and offers a delicious taste. One popular way to prepare chana is by making a dry chana dish, which can be enjoyed as a snack or a side dish. In this blog post, we will explore a simple and flavorful dry chana recipe that you can easily make at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dry chana (chickpeas)
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Soak the dry chana in water overnight or for at least 6-8 hours. This will help soften the chana and reduce the cooking time.
2. Drain the soaked chana and rinse them thoroughly.
3. In a pressure cooker, add the rinsed chana along with enough water to cover them. Cook the chana for about 15-20 minutes or until they are tender. If you don’t have a pressure cooker, you can also cook the chana in a regular pot, but it may take longer.
4. Once the chana is cooked, drain any excess water and set them aside.
5. In a large pan, heat the oil over medium heat.
6. Add the cumin seeds and let them splutter.
7. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
8. Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute.
9. Add the finely chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
10. Now, add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and garam masala. Mix well to combine all the spices.
11. Add the cooked chana to the pan and mix them with the spices.
12. Cook the chana on low heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, so that the flavors can meld together.
13. Season with salt according to your taste.
14. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
15. Your delicious dry chana dish is now ready to be served!

Serving Suggestions:

Dry chana can be enjoyed in various ways. It can be served as a snack on its own or as a side dish with roti, naan, or rice. You can also pair it with yogurt or raita to balance out the flavors. Additionally, you can garnish it with some lemon juice or chaat masala for an extra tangy kick.

Health Benefits of Chana:

Chana is not only delicious but also highly nutritious. It is an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Including chana in your diet can provide several health benefits, such as:

• Improved digestion: The high fiber content in chana helps promote a healthy digestive system and prevents constipation.
• Weight management: Chana is low in calories and high in fiber, which can help you feel full for longer and aid in weight management.
• Heart health: The soluble fiber in chana can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Blood sugar control: Chana has a low glycemic index, which means it does not cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. It can be a beneficial food for individuals with diabetes.
• Boosted energy: Chana is a good source of complex carbohydrates, which provide sustained energy and keep you feeling energized throughout the day.

Conclusion:

Preparing a dry chana dish is a simple and flavorful way to enjoy the goodness of chana. This nutritious legume offers a range of health benefits and can be a versatile addition to your meals. Whether you serve it as a snack or a side dish, this dry chana recipe is sure to impress your taste buds and provide you with a satisfying and wholesome meal.