Kala Chana Salad Recipe
Description:
Kala Chana Salad is a vibrant and nutritious Indian side dish, bursting with fresh flavors. Made with black chickpeas (Kala Chana), this salad is enriched with the goodness of grated carrots, crisp cucumber, and juicy tomatoes. Itβs perfect for pairing with any meal and is not only delicious but also a great source of plant-based protein, making it a healthy addition to your diet.
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Side Dish
Diet: High Protein, Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Black gram (Kala Chana) | 1 cup, soaked overnight |
| Carrots | 2, grated |
| Cucumber | 1, peeled and chopped |
| Tomatoes | 2, chopped |
| Green coriander (Cilantro) | 2 tablespoons, chopped |
| Green chillies | 2, finely chopped |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Instructions:
-
Soak the Black Chickpeas:
Start by soaking the black chickpeas (Kala Chana) in water overnight to soften them. This helps reduce cooking time and ensures they cook evenly. -
Cook the Black Chickpeas:
Drain the soaked chickpeas and place them in a pressure cooker. Add enough water to cover the chickpeas and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 20 minutes. Once done, turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally. Open the cooker, drain the excess water, and set the chickpeas aside. -
Prepare the Vegetables:
While the chickpeas are cooking, grate the carrots, peel and chop the cucumber, and chop the tomatoes into small pieces. Finely chop the green chillies and fresh coriander. -
Assemble the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked black chickpeas, grated carrot, chopped cucumber, chopped tomatoes, green chillies, and fresh coriander. Add salt to taste. -
Add Lemon Juice:
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salad and give everything a good mix to combine all the ingredients and flavors together. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Your Kala Chana Salad is now ready to serve! Itβs an excellent side dish to enjoy with traditional Indian meals like Panchmel Dal, Bhindi Masala, and Phulkas. Alternatively, it can be eaten on its own as a healthy snack.
Nutritional Benefits:
Kala Chana (black chickpeas) are packed with protein, fiber, and essential minerals, making this salad a highly nutritious option for vegetarians. Itβs an excellent source of plant-based protein, which is perfect for muscle building and overall health. Additionally, the fresh vegetables add vitamins and antioxidants, promoting digestion and boosting immunity.
This Kala Chana Salad is also low in fat and full of hydration, thanks to the cucumber and tomatoes, making it a refreshing and healthy choice for any meal.
Pro Tip:
For extra flavor, you can add a sprinkle of roasted cumin powder or a dash of chaat masala for a tangy twist to the salad.
