5 Delicious Indian Chickpea Recipes You Must Try

Exploring the Versatility of Chickpeas

Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a staple in Indian cuisine due to their versatility, nutritional benefits, and their ability to absorb flavors exceptionally well. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, chickpeas offer a canvas for culinary creativity. Here are five delicious Indian chickpea recipes that not only offer a taste of India but are also simple enough for anyone to try:

1. Chole Bhature

Chole Bhature is perhaps one of the most beloved street foods in North India. This recipe involves:

• Chickpeas: Soak overnight, then cook until tender.
• Spices: Including cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, amchur, and garam masala.
• Other Ingredients: Onions, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and a touch of tea leaves for color.

To make Chole:

1. Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds, and let them splutter.
2. Add finely chopped onions, cooking until they turn golden.
3. Incorporate ginger-garlic paste, followed by tomatoes, cooking until the masala comes together.
4. Season with your spice mix, including the tea leaves for the authentic hue.
5. Mix in the chickpeas, add water if needed, and cook until the flavors meld.

Serve this with Bhature – fluffy, fried bread made from a fermented flour, potato, and yogurt dough. It’s an indulgent treat that embodies the soul of Indian street cuisine.

2. Kadala Curry

Known as Kerala Chickpea Curry, this dish hails from Kerala, South India. It’s:

• Simple to make: Requiring black chickpeas, coconut, and an array of spices.
• Healthy: Perfect for those seeking lighter, yet flavor-packed meals.

Here’s how to make Kadala Curry:

1. Soak black chickpeas overnight. Pressure cook until soft.
2. Grind roasted coconut, fennel seeds, and a mix of spices to a smooth paste.
3. In a pan, heat coconut oil, add mustard seeds, curry leaves, and dried chilies for tempering.
4. Add chopped onions, cook till transparent, followed by tomatoes and the spice paste.
5. Combine with the chickpeas, cook on a low simmer allowing the flavors to deepen.

Serve with Appam or Puttu, traditional South Indian dishes, for an authentic taste.

3. Pindi Chole

This Punjabi chickpea recipe gets its name from “Pindi” meaning Amritsar, where this dish is a specialty. It’s characterized by:

• Distinct Spice Profile: Anardana (dry pomegranate seeds) and ajwain (carom seeds) are used.
• Dark Color: Achieved through tea or tea leaves, kala chana, and baking soda.

To prepare:

1. Soak kala chana and cook with salt, tea, and baking soda until soft.
2. In a separate pan, dry roast spices like cumin, coriander, and anardana, then grind to a fine powder.
3. Make a tarka with oil, ajwain, and the ground spices, fry onions, garlic, and ginger until aromatic.
4. Mix in the chickpeas, coating them well with the tarka, adjusting flavors as needed.

This dish is best paired with Bhatura, Parathas, or even as a side with a main meal.

4. Chana Masala

A quintessential dish in Indian cuisine, Chana Masala is:

• Flavorful: Made with a blend of traditional Indian spices.
• Versatile: Suitable for wraps, salads, or as a standalone curry.

The recipe for Chana Masala involves:

1. Soak white chickpeas, then cook until tender.
2. In a pan, create a base of fried onions, ginger-garlic paste, and tomato puree.
3. Add a Chana Masala spice mix, which typically includes coriander, cumin, fenugreek, and amchur.
4. Combine with chickpeas, simmer to allow spices to infuse.

Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with rice, naan, or roti.

5. Chickpea Tikki (Pattice)

An appetizer or snack, Chickpea Tikki is:

• Healthy and Tasty: Utilizes boiled chickpeas, potatoes, and a variety of spices.
• Easily Customizable: You can add veggies or herbs as per taste.

Steps to make Chickpea Tikki:

1. Mash boiled chickpeas with boiled and mashed potatoes.
2. Add finely chopped onions, green chilies, coriander leaves, cumin powder, and salt to taste.
3. Shape into patties, coat with breadcrumbs, and shallow fry until golden and crisp.

Serve with mint chutney or any Indian dip for a delightful fusion of flavors.

These five recipes showcase the versatility of chickpeas in Indian cuisine, offering dishes from street food to home-style meals, each with its unique flavor profile. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or something to impress at a gathering, chickpeas are the answer. Not only do they provide a good amount of protein and fiber, but they also allow for a wide range of culinary expression, making them an indispensable ingredient in Indian cooking.

In this culinary journey through Indian chickpea recipes, we've explored dishes that highlight the rich tapestry of flavors, techniques, and traditions within the culture. Each recipe brings its own unique taste to the table, showcasing the depth and diversity of Indian cuisine. From the robust flavors of Pindi Chole to the comforting simplicity of Chana Masala, chickpeas offer an infinite palate of possibilities. Incorporating these recipes into your cooking will not only expand your flavor horizons but also introduce you to the health benefits of legumes. Next time you're at the store, pick up some chickpeas and embark on this delicious adventure into Indian cuisine.

Can chickpeas be a substitute for meat in Indian dishes?

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Yes, chickpeas are an excellent protein source and can serve as a good alternative to meat in many vegetarian or vegan dishes due to their texture and ability to absorb flavors.

What can I use if I don’t have Chana Masala spice mix?

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You can make a substitute by combining equal parts ground coriander, cumin, turmeric, red chili, and garam masala for a similar flavor profile.

Are there any health benefits of eating chickpeas?

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Chickpeas are high in fiber, promote satiety, help with digestion, and are rich in vitamins and minerals like iron, phosphate, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, and vitamin K, contributing to overall health.