Kala Chana (Punjabi Black Chickpeas Curry)

Name: Kala Chana (Punjabi Black Chickpeas Curry)
Prep time: 9 h
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 9 h 30 min
Cuisine: Asian, Indian
Ingredients: 1 cup black chickpeas ((kala chana) - 172 grams); 2.5 cups water (- for soaking); 2 tablespoons oil (or ghee (clarified butter)); 1 teaspoon cumin seeds; ½ cup finely chopped onions (- 63 grams or 1 medium-sized); 1.25 cups finely chopped tomatoes (- 185 grams or 2 medium-sized); 1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic (- 4 to 5 small to medium-sized garlic cloves); 1 teaspoon finely chopped green chillies (or serrano pepper or 1 to 2 green chillies); 1 teaspoon finely chopped ginger (or 1 inch ginger); 1 teaspoon kashmiri chilli powder (or ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper ); ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder ((ground turmeric)); 1 teaspoon coriander powder ((ground coriander)); 1 pinch asafetida ((hing) - optional); 1.5 cups water (or as required); salt (as required); ½ teaspoon garam masala (or Punjabi garam masala); 1 to 2 tablespoons choppped coriander leaves (- optional)

Instructions

Prep:9hCook:30min

Kala Chana is a traditional Punjabi black chickpeas curry prepared in an onion-tomato masala with everyday Indian spices and herbs. It has a balanced, mildly spicy and earthy flavor. The dish is typically served with roti, paratha or steamed rice as a wholesome North Indian meal.

Updated at: Fri, 20 Feb 2026 08:30:18 GMT