Boiled Chana Salad
A simple, refreshing, and protein-packed snack made with boiled chickpeas tossed with zesty lemon juice, roasted cumin, and fresh coriander. Perfect for a healthy office tiffin or a light evening bite.
For 4 servings
Soak the chickpeas.
Rinse the dried chickpeas thoroughly. Place them in a large bowl and cover with at least 3 cups of water. Let them soak for 8 hours or overnight.
Pressure cook the chickpeas.
- Drain the soaking water and rinse the chickpeas again.
- Place them in a pressure cooker with 2 cups of fresh water and 1/2 tsp of salt.
- Secure the lid and cook on high heat for 4-5 whistles.
- Let the pressure release naturally before opening.
TIPCooking with salt helps season the chickpeas from within. Don't overcook them; they should be soft but hold their shape.Assemble the chana salad.
- Drain any excess water from the cooked chickpeas and transfer them to a mixing bowl.
- Add the cumin powder, red chili powder, and black salt.
- Pour in the fresh lemon juice and add the chopped coriander leaves.
- Mix gently until everything is well combined.
Serve immediately or store for later.
The salad can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. For tiffins, allow it to cool completely before packing into an airtight container. It stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra flavor and crunch, add finely chopped onion and tomato.
- 2A pinch of chaat masala can elevate the tangy flavor of the salad.
- 3If you're short on time, use canned chickpeas. Rinse them well to remove excess sodium and skip the soaking and boiling steps.
- 4Ensure the chickpeas are drained well after boiling to prevent a watery salad.
- 5This salad is great for meal prep. You can boil a larger batch of chickpeas and store them in the fridge for 3-4 days to assemble the salad quickly.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is very healthy. It's rich in plant-based protein and dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and keeps you feeling full. It's low in fat and provides essential minerals like iron and magnesium.
