Hara Chana Masala Recipe
Hara Chana Masala, a savory and aromatic North Indian dish, is a perfect addition to your lunch or dinner spread. This flavorful curry is made with dried green chickpeas (hara chana), cooked to perfection in a rich, spiced tomato-onion gravy. The delightful blend of spices like coriander, garam masala, and red chili powder gives the dish a tantalizing depth, while fresh coriander leaves provide a refreshing touch. Paired with soft roti or steamed rice, this hearty and nutritious vegetarian dish is perfect for a cozy rainy day meal. Let’s walk you through the recipe for this comforting, nutritious Hara Chana Masala.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Hara Chana (dried green chickpeas) | 200 grams (soaked overnight) |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 medium-sized |
| Tomato (finely chopped) | 1 medium-sized |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1-inch piece |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 2 teaspoons |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Ghee | 2 tablespoons |
| Coriander Leaves (finely chopped) | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Ginger | 2-inch piece |
| Garlic | 5 cloves |
| Green Chilli | 1 whole |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1-inch piece |
| Cloves (Laung) | 3 whole cloves |
Instructions
Preparation:
- Soak the Hara Chana: Start by soaking the dried green chickpeas (hara chana) overnight in plenty of water. This helps in softening the chickpeas, making them easier to cook.
- Cook the Chickpeas: The next morning, drain the soaked chickpeas and cook them in a pressure cooker with a pinch of salt for about 3 whistles. Once done, set them aside.
Grinding the Spice Paste:
- Grind the Spices: In a separate bowl, take the ginger, garlic, green chili, and cinnamon stick. Grind them into a smooth paste using a hand mixer or blender, adding a little water if necessary. Set this paste aside.
Cooking the Masala:
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat the ghee over low heat. Add the cinnamon stick and finely chopped onions. Sauté the onions until they turn translucent and soft.
- Add the Ground Paste: Now, add the ground ginger-garlic-spice paste to the pan. Stir and cook it for a few minutes until the raw smell of ginger and garlic disappears.
- Cook the Tomatoes: Add the finely chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook them down until they soften and become mushy.
- Add the Spice Powders: To this mixture, add the coriander powder, red chili powder, and garam masala powder. Stir well, and cook the masala until the oil begins to separate from the spices and the mixture comes together.
Combining the Ingredients:
- Add the Cooked Chickpeas: Now, add the boiled hara chana (green chickpeas) to the pan. Stir everything together to ensure the chickpeas are coated with the flavorful masala.
- Simmer the Curry: Pour in 2 cups of water, season with salt to taste, and bring the curry to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish: Once the curry is ready, sprinkle the finely chopped coriander leaves on top for a burst of freshness.
- Serving: Serve the warm Hara Chana Masala alongside soft roti, naan, or steamed rice. It’s perfect for a fulfilling lunch or dinner, especially when paired with a cool evening.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1/4 of the recipe) |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~280 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | ~40g |
| Protein | ~10g |
| Fat | ~10g |
| Fiber | ~8g |
| Sodium | ~500mg |
| Sugars | ~5g |
Tips and Variations
- Adjusting Spice Levels: You can adjust the amount of red chili powder and green chilies according to your spice preference. If you like a milder curry, reduce the chili powder.
- Making It Vegan: For a vegan version, simply replace the ghee with vegetable oil or coconut oil.
- Enhancing Flavor: A squeeze of lemon juice just before serving can add a lovely tang and enhance the overall flavor profile.
Why You’ll Love Hara Chana Masala:
This dish not only provides a delicious and satisfying meal, but it’s also packed with nutrients. Hara chana (green chickpeas) are rich in protein and fiber, making this dish an excellent choice for vegetarians and anyone looking for a healthy, high-protein meal. The rich, aromatic masala gives the chickpeas a burst of flavor that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or a cozy weekend gathering, Hara Chana Masala will leave everyone at the table satisfied.
Enjoy this hearty and comforting Hara Chana Masala as part of your North Indian-inspired meal. It’s sure to be a hit, especially when paired with warm, fluffy roti or fragrant basmati rice.
