Malvani Kala Chana Masala Recipe – Spicy Kala Chana Curry
If you’re craving something hearty, flavorful, and packed with the vibrant spices of Maharashtra, this Malvani Kala Chana Masala is the perfect choice. Made with brown chickpeas (Kala Chana), aromatic spices, tamarind, and jaggery, this dish brings together the bold flavors of Malvani cuisine in a wholesome, comforting curry. It’s perfect when served with rice, flatbreads like Malabar Parotta, or a refreshing salad on the side.
Ingredients
For the Malvani Masala:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dry Red Chillies | 2 |
| Coriander (Dhania) Seeds | 2 tablespoons |
| Fennel Seeds (Saunf) | 1 tablespoon |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 tablespoon |
| Poppy Seeds | 2 tablespoons |
| Cloves (Laung) | 2 |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1 inch |
| Star Anise | 1 |
| Cardamom Pods (Elaichi) | 1 |
| Black Cardamom (Badi Elaichi) | 1 |
For the Curry:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Kala Chana (Brown Chickpeas) | 1 cup (soaked overnight) |
| Mustard Seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic (chopped) | 4 cloves |
| Jaggery | 1 tablespoon |
| Tamarind Water | 1 cup |
| Fresh Cream | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Coriander Leaves (Dhania) | A small bunch |
| Sunflower Oil | For frying |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Maharashtrian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Malvani Masala
To start, gather all the ingredients for the Malvani masala. Preheat a pan over medium heat and add all the whole spices: dry red chillies, coriander seeds, fennel seeds, cumin seeds, poppy seeds, cloves, cinnamon stick, star anise, cardamom pods, and black cardamom. Roast the spices for about a minute, until the aroma fills the air, and the color of the spices changes slightly. Be careful not to burn them.
Once the spices are roasted, allow them to cool for a few minutes. Then, blend them into a fine, smooth powder using a spice grinder or a mixer. Set this Malvani masala powder aside.
Step 2: Cook the Kala Chana
Next, take the soaked kala chana (brown chickpeas) and pressure cook them. Add 3 cups of water and salt to taste. Cook for about 6 to 10 whistles, or for approximately 25 minutes. After cooking, turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally. This ensures the chana is soft and fully cooked.
Once the kala chana is cooked, take out about 1/4 cup of the cooked chana and blend it into a coarse paste. This step will give the curry its thick and hearty texture. Set the blended paste aside for later use.
Step 3: Prepare the Curry
In a large kadai or pan, heat some sunflower oil over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds to the hot oil. Allow them to crackle for a few seconds, releasing their flavors into the oil.
Next, add the chopped garlic and sauté it until it turns golden and fragrant. Now, add the Malvani masala powder to the pan, stirring well to combine with the garlic and oil. Let the masala cook for a few seconds, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
Add the ground kala chana paste to the pan along with the cooked kala chana. Pour in the tamarind water, which will provide a tangy kick to the curry. Add the jaggery for a subtle sweetness that balances the spiciness of the dish. Stir in the fresh cream to make the curry rich and creamy.
Mix everything together, and check the salt and spice levels. Adjust as necessary, adding more salt, jaggery, or tamarind water as per your preference. If the curry is too thick, you can add a little water to reach the desired consistency.
Step 5: Simmer and Serve
Bring the curry to a brisk boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the Malvani Kala Chana Masala simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together perfectly.
Once the curry is ready, turn off the heat. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves for a burst of color and added flavor.
Step 6: Serve
Transfer the Malvani Kala Chana Masala to a serving bowl and serve it hot. This dish pairs wonderfully with Malabar Parotta, steamed rice, and a side of Beetroot, Carrot, and Cucumber Salad with Peanuts. It’s an authentic, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s sure to delight everyone at the table.
Enjoy the rich, spicy, and aromatic flavors of this Malvani Kala Chana Masala as part of a traditional Maharashtrian lunch or dinner.
