Kala Chana Turai Sabzi Recipe | Ridge Gourd with Black Chana | Nenua Chana Sabzi
Introduction
For anyone seeking a healthy and tasty vegetarian option, Kala Chana Turai Sabzi (also known as Nenua Chana Sabzi) is a perfect dish to add to your meal rotation. This flavorful recipe combines the mild, slightly bitter taste of ridge gourd (known as turai or nenua) with the earthy richness of black chickpeas (Kala Chana). Not only is this sabzi packed with essential nutrients, but it also delivers a delightful blend of textures and spices. Ideal for lunch or dinner, this dish is a true celebration of Bihari cuisine, offering a balance of flavors while being diabetic-friendly. With the goodness of protein-packed kala chana and fiber-rich ridge gourd, it’s a fantastic choice for a healthy meal.
Cuisine: Bihari
Course: Lunch
Diet: Diabetic Friendly
Ingredients
| Ingredient Name | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Kala Chana (Brown Chickpeas) | 1 cup (soaked overnight) |
| Ridge Gourd (Turai/Peerkangai) | 1 (peeled and sliced) |
| Mustard Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Methi Seeds (Fenugreek Seeds) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Onion | 1 (thinly sliced) |
| Ginger | 1 inch (finely chopped) |
| Garlic | 4 cloves (finely chopped) |
| Green Chilli | 2 (finely chopped) |
| Tomatoes | 2 (finely chopped) |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 5 sprigs (finely chopped) |
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 50 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 95 minutes
Instructions
-
Prep the Ingredients
Begin by soaking the Kala Chana (black chickpeas) in water overnight. After soaking, drain the chickpeas and set them aside. -
Cook the Kala Chana
In a pressure cooker, add the drained Kala Chana along with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Cook for 4-5 whistles, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Once done, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally. Set the cooked Kala Chana aside. -
Prepare the Ridge Gourd
Peel and slice the ridge gourd (turai or nenua) into thin pieces. Keep it aside for later use. -
Sauté the Aromatics
Heat mustard oil in a large pan or kadai over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and methi seeds and allow them to splutter. Next, add the thinly sliced onions, finely chopped ginger, garlic, and green chilies. Sauté until the onions soften and become translucent. -
Cook the Tomatoes and Spices
Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook until they soften and become mushy. Then, add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala powder, and salt. Stir everything together and let the spices cook for a couple of minutes until they blend well with the tomatoes. -
Cook the Ridge Gourd
Add the sliced ridge gourd to the pan. Stir it well to coat the gourd with the spice mixture. Cover the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the ridge gourd becomes tender. -
Combine Kala Chana with Ridge Gourd
Once the ridge gourd is cooked, add the pressure-cooked Kala Chana to the pan. Mix everything thoroughly and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. -
Final Touches
Taste the sabzi and adjust salt as needed. Once the flavors are well combined, turn off the heat and garnish the Kala Chana Turai Sabzi with freshly chopped coriander leaves. -
Serve
Transfer the sabzi to a serving bowl and enjoy! For a wholesome meal, serve this dish with Phulkas (Indian flatbread), Jeera Rice, Mooli Raita, Papad, and Tomato Pickle. You can also pack it for a nutritious lunch box.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutrient-Packed: Kala Chana is rich in protein, making it an excellent option for vegetarians. Ridge gourd is full of fiber and low in calories, perfect for a diabetic-friendly meal.
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few steps, you can create a comforting and flavorful dish that is ready in under 2 hours.
- Versatile Meal: This sabzi can be paired with a variety of dishes, making it a perfect addition to any meal plan.
Enjoy this Kala Chana Turai Sabzi as part of your healthy diet, and embrace the rich, authentic flavors of Bihari cuisine!
