THE KABULI CHANA FARE
Nutritious & Versatile to Taste
It is commonly known as Kabuli Chana in Hindi and garbanzo in Spanish is a well-known high protein belonging to the legume family. They are one of the earliest cultivated legumes and originally found in the middle-east chickpeas have since become popular across the globe.
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It is one of the most popular ingredients and is included as a part of our regular diets in the Indian sub-continent. Chhole as we fondly call commonly are made in a number of ways in various parts of India, while it is more popular in the north some of my favourites include the aloo tikki chole chaat, the street side popular and dhaba style chhole kulche, especially in Amritsar is out of the world. Besides, we also use chickpeas in a number of ways too from dips to salads and even baked dishes and in stews too.
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Health Benefits of Chickpeas:
- They are a good source of fibre in our diets.
- Chickpeas boost the immunity in our body.
- They are rich in calcium and iron content.
- Chickpeas are a heart-healthy food.
- Helps in regulating hormonal changes.
- Provides healthy glowing skin.
- Is good to have in order to keep blood pressure in control.
- Chickpeas increase satiety value in our body
- They are also considered good for a weight loss diet.
- Chickpeas are an excellent source of vegetarian proteins.
- They are widely used in vegan diets and are energizing as well.
- Chickpeas are very rich in minerals as well and are nourishing for our system.
Culinary Uses of Chickpeas:
- Also known as Kabuli chana it is significant in our Indian cuisine and very popular in our homes when it comes to chhole chawal or Chhole Kulche or Bhature an all-time favourite.
- Chana is also very popular to make cutlets, tikkis for snacks and koftas as well in rich creamy gravies.
- Kabuli chane wala pulao, chhole aur makhane ki biryani, chickpea pilaf rice, stir-fried rice with chickpeas and greens are also some ways of using it.
- Chickpeas are also used to make dips like the most famous one being hummus from Middle Eastern cuisine it is now also modified in several colours and flavours as well but the best classic taste still remains.
- They are also good to add to salads as they make you feel full and add a good filler value as well into the bowl.
- Using it in the famous Indian Chaats has ever since been a weakness of many of us, the StreetSide stalls, and food counters are so very mesmerizing with varieties of chickpeas being used, must try some nice mashed chickpea dahi bhallas for a change from the regulars.
- The Moroccan and Turkish cuisines also boast of chickpeas in their world-famous delicacies called tajine with couscous in which chickpeas are a part of the stew in the tajine with meat/chicken and vegetables.
- Chickpeas mashed up spiced and added as stuffing into a paratha also creates variety in parathas and is a feel-good experience too.
- In some of the cuisines we also use them in stir-fried forms as well as a little olive oil, garlic, mint and some light seasonings toss the boiled chickpeas in it and add a splash of lime juice and a few crushed roasted peanuts have it like an in between meal snack.
- Kabuli chane with palak gravy, methi Lasooni chhole, and the famous Bengali puries called loochies also go well with some nice chana masala.
- It is also grounded and its flour form also is useful in a number of recipes from thickening agents to adding binding and also taste and flavour in dough concepts where gluten can’t find its way.
Here are a few recipes with this charismatic ingredient:
Recipe-1] NUTTY CHICKPEA DIP
Recipe-2] FUSION CHICKPEA CHAAT
Recipe-3] ASIAN CHICKPEA STEW
Recipe-4] MARINATED CHICKPEA AND QUINOA SALAD
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About the author
Dr. Kaviraj Khialani – celebrity master chef - is a Mumbai-based author, writer, academician, food –health-lifestyle coach, mentor & consultant.
He is specialized in over 33 International Cuisines & has worked with brands like the Taj Group of Hotels, Kuwait Airways to name a few. Chef Kaviraj has been awarded several Global and National Awards for his outstanding performance and achievements in his chosen field. He has been featured on Star Plus and Colors Television on several food shows as well.
