Kala Chana Sundal
South Indian dry chickpea snack tempered with mustard seeds, dried chili, and coconut — protein-rich, gently spiced.
For 3 servings
Pressure cook the black chickpeas until tender.
- Place soaked black chickpeas and water in a pressure cooker.
- Cook for 8 whistles on medium heat.
- Allow pressure to release naturally, then drain the chickpeas thoroughly.
TIPSoak the chickpeas for at least 8 hours or overnight to ensure they cook evenly and are easier to digest.Prepare the aromatic tempering in a pan.
- Heat neutral oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat.
- Add mustard seeds and wait for them to crackle completely.
- Stir in the urad dal, dried red chili, curry leaves, and asafoetida until the dal turns golden.
Toss the chickpeas with spices and finish with coconut.
- Add the cooked chickpeas, grated ginger, and salt to the tempering.
- Sauté for 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Turn off the heat, stir in the grated coconut and lemon juice, and serve warm.
TIPAdd the lemon juice only after turning off the heat to preserve its bright flavor and vitamin C content.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure the mustard seeds pop fully before adding other ingredients to avoid a bitter taste.
- 2Use fresh, moist grated coconut rather than desiccated for the best texture and sweetness.
- 3If the chickpeas feel too dry, add a tablespoon of the cooking liquid back into the pan during the sauté step.
- 4For a deeper flavor, lightly roast the urad dal until it is deeply golden brown but not burnt.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low sodium
Halve the salt and double the amount of ginger and lemon juice to maintain a punchy flavor.
spicierSpicier
Add finely chopped green chilies along with the ginger for a sharper heat profile.
veganVegan
This recipe is naturally vegan; ensure the oil used is plant-based like coconut or peanut oil.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High Plant-Based Protein
Black chickpeas provide essential amino acids necessary for muscle maintenance.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
Promotes healthy digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Heart Healthy Fats
The inclusion of fresh coconut and minimal oil provides healthy fatty acids.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is an excellent source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber, making it ideal for heart health and weight management.
