Sukha Kala Chana Masala Recipe – A Delicious and Healthy Ashtami/Navami Prasad
Sukha Kala Chana Masala is a wholesome and flavorful dish, often prepared during the auspicious Ashtami and Navami days of Navratri. Made with kala chana (brown chickpeas) that are boiled to perfection and then tossed in a fragrant, rich ghee-based tadka (tempering) with an array of aromatic spices, this dish is both satisfying and healthy. The combination of dry spices, ghee, and dried fenugreek leaves infuses the chickpeas with a delightful flavor, making it a perfect dish for any festive occasion, especially as part of the prasad during Navratri celebrations.
This Sukha Kala Chana Masala recipe not only bursts with flavor but is also high in protein, making it a nutritious choice for vegetarians and those looking to enjoy a healthy, hearty meal. Whether served as prasad or enjoyed as a simple, wholesome main course, it’s sure to please the taste buds.
Ingredients for Sukha Kala Chana Masala
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Kala Chana (Brown Chickpeas) | 1 cup (soaked overnight) |
| Salt | To taste |
| Ghee | 1 tablespoon |
| Ajwain (Carom Seeds) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Green Chilli | 1, finely chopped |
| Ginger | 1 inch, finely chopped |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Amchur (Dry Mango Powder) | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves) | 1 teaspoon |
Preparation Time
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Soaking Kala Chana | 8 hours (or overnight) |
| Preparation Time | 10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
Instructions for Sukha Kala Chana Masala
-
Soak the Kala Chana:
Begin by soaking the kala chana (brown chickpeas) overnight or for at least 6-8 hours. This step is crucial for softening the chickpeas, allowing them to cook evenly and thoroughly. -
Cook the Kala Chana:
Once the kala chana is soaked, drain the water and transfer the chickpeas to a pressure cooker. Add 1 cup of fresh water and season with salt to taste.
Pressure cook the chickpeas for about 5-6 whistles over medium heat. Then, reduce the heat and let the chickpeas simmer for another 20 minutes. After this, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally. -
Prepare the Tadka (Tempering):
While the chickpeas are cooking, heat a pan over medium heat and add the ghee. Let the ghee melt and heat up. Once the ghee is hot, add the cumin seeds (jeera) and ajwain (carom seeds). Allow them to crackle, releasing their aromatic flavors. -
Add the Spices and Aromatics:
Lower the heat and add the finely chopped ginger and green chili to the pan. Sauté for a minute until the ginger softens and becomes aromatic.
Next, add the dry spices: cumin powder, coriander powder, amchur (dry mango powder), and red chili powder. Stir well to ensure the spices blend together and infuse the ghee with their flavors. -
Combine the Kala Chana with the Tadka:
Once the spices are well sautéed, add the boiled kala chana (chickpeas) to the pan. Stir everything together, ensuring that the chickpeas are well coated with the ghee and spices. Let the kala chana simmer in the pan for 3-4 minutes, allowing the spices to be absorbed and the dish to become aromatic. -
Finish with Kasuri Methi:
Finally, sprinkle the kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) over the kala chana masala. Stir it in to release its flavor, which will add a wonderful, slightly bitter note to the dish. -
Serve:
Once the Sukha Kala Chana is well mixed and heated through, taste and adjust the salt if necessary. Turn off the heat and transfer the dish to a serving bowl.
Serve the Sukha Kala Chana Masala warm as a prasad during Ashtami or Navami celebrations, or simply as a comforting meal any time of the year.
Serving Suggestions
Sukha Kala Chana Masala is traditionally served as prasad during festivals such as Navratri, often accompanied by Rava Kesari Bhath (Sooji Halwa) and Puri. These three dishes make for a wholesome and delicious prasad meal during Ashtami or Navami. However, you can also serve this dish with warm roti, paratha, or rice for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
| Potassium | 400 mg |
Why You’ll Love This Sukha Kala Chana Masala Recipe
This Sukha Kala Chana Masala recipe is a perfect combination of simple ingredients and robust flavors. The use of ghee adds richness, while the spices bring warmth and depth. The chickpeas themselves are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and minerals, making this dish a healthy choice for any occasion. It’s easy to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and is a great way to make your Navratri or any special day meal extra special.
Whether you are preparing for a religious occasion like Navratri or simply want to enjoy a nutritious and flavorful dish, Sukha Kala Chana Masala is an excellent choice that is both delicious and nourishing!
