June 2, 2025
Indian Spiced Chickpeas - Kala Channa Chaat
Servings:
4
Difficulty:
Meet kala channa, the chickpea’s lesser known little sister. It is commonly used in indian chaat dishes as it can hold its texture even when cooked. I drew inspiration from those flavors to make this easy chaat-inspired dish that works well as a an appetizer or a part of a main dish.
Why you will love this recipe
Rich in protein and fiber. Legumes like chickpeas are an excellent source of plant based protein and fiber to help you balance your blood sugar and decrease cravings later in the day.
Maintains a sturdy texture. Kala channa retains its form even after cooking which makes it ideal for mixing into dishes like this one without it breaking apart.
Feeds good gut bacteria. Beans are a rich source of a type of fiber called resistant starch which is created when the beans are cooked and then cooled. Your gut bacteria love to feed on resistant starch and produce beneficial chemical signals for the rest of your body.
Ingredients
8 oz dried kala channa
½ red onion
1 mango
1 jalapeño
8oz cherry tomatoes
1 lemon
2 tbsp chaat masala
¼ cup cilantro
¼ cup mint
Method
COOK BEANS. Soak kala channa overnight or for at least 6 hours. Cook in an instant pot for 25 minutes. Let pressure release before opening lid. Drain and rinse. Set aside.
PREP. Finely chop onion, mango, jalapeño, and tomatoes. Thinly slice cilantro and mint leaves.
MIX. Add onion, mango, jalapeño, tomato, cooked beans, lemon, and chaat masala to a bowl with a lid. Mix well to coat everything in the masala. Add cilantro and mint. Mix again.
REFRIGERATE. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld.
SERVE.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find kala channa? Kala channa can be found in an Indian or ethnic supermarket, near the dried beans section. If you cannot find it, use regular garbanso beans.
Where do I find chaat masala? I chose to use store bought chaat masala but you can also make your own. Make sure to use one that has amchur (dried mango) powder for the signature tang.
Can I make this onion and garlic free? Omit the onion to make it onion free.
What can I serve kala channa chaat with? To have it as a snack or appetizer, pair it with crunchy crisps. To have it as a part of a meal, pair it with brown rice, a spicy green chutney, and vegetables of choice.
How can I store kala channa chaat? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.