How to Prepare Chana: A Delicious and Nutritious Indian Chickpea Dish
Chana, also known as chickpeas, is a versatile and nutritious legume that is widely used in Indian cuisine. Whether you’re looking to prepare a classic Indian dish or simply want to add some protein to your meal, chana is a great choice. In this article, we will guide you through the process of how to prepare chana, ensuring that you achieve a delicious and satisfying result every time.
1. Selecting the Right Chana
The first step in preparing chana is to select the right type of chickpeas. There are two main types of chickpeas: kabuli and kala chana. Kabuli chana is the most commonly used variety, known for its soft texture and mild flavor. Kala chana, on the other hand, has a firmer texture and nuttier taste. Choose the type that suits your preference and the dish you’re preparing.
2. Soaking the Chana
Once you have selected the chana, the next step is to soak it. Soaking the chickpeas helps to soften them and makes them easier to digest. To soak the chana, place the chickpeas in a large bowl and cover them with water. Let them soak for at least 6-8 hours, or overnight if possible. After soaking, drain the water and rinse the chana thoroughly.
3. Cooking the Chana
Now that the chana is soaked, it’s time to cook it. There are several methods to cook chana, but the most common one is to pressure cook it. To pressure cook the chana, place the soaked chickpeas in a pressure cooker with enough water to cover them. Add a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of baking soda to help the chana cook faster and become more tender. Cook the chana on high pressure for about 10-12 minutes, or until it is soft and cooked through. Once done, turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally.
4. Preparing the Chana Masala
Chana masala is a popular Indian dish made with cooked chana. To prepare the chana masala, you will need the following ingredients: tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, green chilies, cumin seeds, coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala. Heat some oil in a pan and add the cumin seeds. Once they start to crackle, add the chopped onions, garlic, and ginger. Cook until the onions turn golden brown. Add the tomatoes, green chilies, and spices, and cook until the tomatoes are soft and the mixture is well combined. Finally, add the cooked chana and mix well. Cook for a few more minutes until the chana is well coated with the masala.
5. Serving Suggestions
Chana can be served in various ways. You can enjoy it as a side dish with roti, naan, or rice. It can also be used as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. Additionally, you can experiment with different flavors by adding your favorite spices or herbs to the chana masala recipe.
In conclusion, preparing chana is a simple and rewarding process that yields a delicious and nutritious dish. By following these steps, you can easily prepare chana and add it to your culinary repertoire. Happy cooking!
