• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Food Trails
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Instant Pot Recipes
  • Recipe Index
  • Privacy Policy
  • vegan recipes
  • Gluten Free
×
Home » All Recipes » Kala Chana Masala Curry(Black Chickpea Masala Curry)

Kala Chana Masala Curry(Black Chickpea Masala Curry)

Nov 8, 2019 | Last Updated: Feb 4, 2021 | by Swati

5 shares
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Kala Chane Masala Curry or Black Chickpea curry recipe in spicy onion tomato gravy|Learn how to make Kale Chane with Stove-top and Instant Pot Methods.

Kale Chane?Black Chickpeas Curry

Kale Chane Masala curry is an everyday curry made with Black Chickpeas that is relished with rice or rotis/chapatis. It is vegan-friendly and gluten-free.

Kale Chane or Black chickpeas are one of the richest sources of protein and iron. These have a very high glycemic index and rich in fibers. For vegetarians these are one of the richest sources of proteins and are recommended for diabetics, people with high cholesterol and weight watchers.

How to use Kale Chane

Kale chane are mainly used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines. Curries, dry sauteed chane in Indian spices prepared during the auspicious occasion of Navratri festival. Add in salads(boiled or sprouted) or make this tangy and spicy yogurt based curry Chatpate Kale Chane popular as Jaisalmeri Chane. Kala Chana Googhnai, is another popular dish, a dry preparation, from the northern states of India, is made in tomato and spices.

Black Chickpeas are dense in texture and take more time to cook than garbanzo beans. Like Chickpeas soak black chickpeas for at least 4-6 hrs or overnight. Then pressure cook and use as required.

A test to check whether legumes are cooked or not is to press the cooked pea between fingers. It should not be grainy.

How to cook Black Chickpeas(Kale Chane)

The curry can be made in Stove-top pressure cooker or Instant pot. In open pot it takes hours to cook so avoid cooking in it.

How to boil Kala Chana in Instant Pot..

You can boil Kala Chana in Instant Pot and then use it in salads, pulao or curry.

Wash and soak Black Chickpeas overnight for 5-6 hrs in sufficient water.

Discard water in which the black chickpeas are soaked.

To boil black chickpeas in pressure cooker stove-top or Instant Pot, add chana and water it should be above 2-3" above the level of black chickpeas.

Let it boil. Discard the froth that gathers at the top. Make Masala or use pre-prepared Bhuna Masala.

I also like to add whole spices like bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cloves, black pepper and black cardamom. Whole spices add flavor to curry and is optional.

Cooking Chana Curry with Bhuna Masala

The detailed process of making Bhuna Masala in Instant Pot is explained in Bhuna Masala in Instant Pot. Please see recipe card for detailed method.

Add Bhuna Masala to inner pot, switch Instant pot to SAUTE mode, cook masala, add required spices and add kala chana/black chickpeas. Add water as required.

Cancel the Saute Mode, seal the lid and cook kala chana on Pressure Cook Mode for 20-25 minutes.

Recipe Card for Kala Chana Masala Curry in Instant Pot

Kala Chana Masala Curry

Kale Chane Curry in Instant Pot

Swati
Kale Chane Curry or Black Chickpea curry in spicy onion tomato gravy in Instant Pot/ Nutri Pot. Learn how to make Vegan and Gluten-free Kale Chane Curry or Black Chickpeas

No ratings yet
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Soaking Time 5 hours hrs
Total Time 5 hours hrs 40 minutes mins
Course Main
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • Instant Pot/Nutri Pot

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Cups Raw Kale Chane/Black Chickpeas

To make Bhuna Masala for Kale Chane

  • 2 Onions(Medium)
  • 3-4 Tomatoes(Medium)
  • 1" Ginger Piece
  • 1-2 Green Chillies optional
  • 4-5 Garlic Cloves

Powdered Spices

  • 2 tsp Coriander Powder
  • 1 tsp Red Chili Powder as per spice tolerance
  • 1-2 tsp Garam Masala
  • 1-2 tsp Chana Masala optional

Whole Spices

  • 1 Bay Leaf
  • 4-5 Black Peppercorns
  • 4-5 Cloves
  • 1 Black Cardamom
  • Salt as per taste
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil

When using pre-made Bhuna Masala

  • 1 Cup Bhuna Masala

Instructions
 

  • Wash and soak black Chickpeas for 5-6 hrs, in enough water.
  • Grind onions, ginger , garlic and green chilli and make a paste. Take out and keep aside.
  • Puree tomatoes.
  • Drain the water from soaked black chickpeas.
  • Switch on the Instant pot on SAUTE MODE for 10 min., make sure the inner pot is dry.
  • Once the display shows hot, add oil.
  • Add whole spices if using, and cumin seeds.
  • When the seeds crackle, add onion paste and cook it till it turns light brown. Keep scraping the masala that sticks to bottom, as it can burn the masala.
  • Add tomato paste and cook till it masala starts turning in paste like consistency or water starts drying.
  • Add the dry spice powders and mix well. Add 1-2 tbsp of water of the masala is too dry.
  • Cancel the SAUTE MODE, drain water from chane and add to Instant pot.
  • Add salt as per taste and water as required 2-3" above the level of chane.
  • Cover the lid and set the PRESSURE COOK MODE(High) on for 20-25 minutes.
  • Once the time goes off, after 2-3 minutes, do the Quick Pressure Release(QPR) and open the lid.
  • Check for the doneness of chane and adjust the consistency of water if required.
  • Garnish Chane Curry with finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot with rice of your choice.

With pre-prepared Bhuna Masala in Instant Pot

  • Drain water from soaked chana.
  • Switch on the SAUTE Mode of Instant Pot, for 10 minutes.When the display shows hot, add whole spices.
  • Then add bhuna Masala. Saute for a minute, add powdered spices and cook masala another minute.
  • Cancel the SAUTE Mode, add soaked chana and salt to taste.
  • Add 3 cups of water for every 1 cup of Kala Chana. Cover the lid, set PRESSURE COOK Mode on for 25 minutes.
  • When timer goes off, wait for 5 mins., do the QPR(Quick Pressure Release), open the lid, mash and mix few chane with ladle.
  • Garnish with finely chopped cilantro/coriander leaves and serve hot with rice or chapatis.

Notes

In case you only want to boil Kale Chane of adding Salads or Pulao, skip making bhuna masala.
Boil Chane on SAUTE MODE for 10 minutes, till froth gathers on top, discard it and then CANCEL the SAUTE MODE, set the PRESSURE COOK Mode(High) for 20 minutes.
Keyword Indian Curries, Kale Chane, Vegan Recipes, Vegetarian Curry Recipes
Did you try the recipe..Share @foodtrails25 or tag me #foodtrails25!
Tried this recipe?Share @foodtrails25 or tag me #foodtrails25!

Ingredients

Black Chickpeas
Black Chickpeas
Dry Whole Spices
Dry Whole Spices
Onion, Ginger and Garlic
Onion, Ginger and Garlic
Chopped Tomatoes
Chopped Tomatoes

Method

Method To make Kale Chane-1
Puree onion, ginger and garlic
Puree onion, ginger and garlic
Saute Mode on
Saute Mode on
whole spices in instant pot
whole spices in instant pot
Add onion paste
Add onion paste
Add Tomato puree
Add Tomato puree
Add Chane
Add Chane
Add Water to Chane
Add Water to Chane
Pressure Cook for 20-25 mins
Pressure Cook for 20-25 mins

Kala Chana Curry

Preparing Kala Chana in Stove -top Pressure Cooker

In India we boil or cook most of the legumes in in pressure cooker.

To make Kala Chana curry prepare bhuna masala with onion, tomatoes, ginger and garlic (optional). One chickpeas are boiled, add masala to boiled chickpeas and then again pressure cook for another 10 minutes.

How to boil Kale Chane in Stove-top Pressure cooker, refer to Kale Chane for Ashtami Prasad

Recipe Card for Kala Chana Masala Curry on Stove top Pressure Cooker

Kala Chana Masala Curry

Kala Chana/Black Chickpea Masala Curry in Stove-top Pressure Cooker

Swati
Learn how to make black chickpea or kala chana curry on stove-top pressure cooker.
No ratings yet
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Soaking time for Black Chickpeas 5 hours hrs
Course Main
Cuisine Indian, North Indian
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Pressure Cooker Indian Style
  • Pan to cook Bhuna Masala

Instructions
 

  • Drain the water from soaked black chickpeas.
  • Transfer to a pressure cooker and add water 2-3" above the level of chickpeas.
  • Switch on the gas on high,let the chane boil.Once the froth starts gathering on top, remove it with ladle. Add the whole spices if using.
  • Add salt as per taste, and close the lid. Let the chane boil on high flame for a while after the first whistle, lower the flame and let it cook for another 15-20 minutes.
  • Meanwhile prepare the masala, for that in a pan, add oil, once the oil is hot enough, add cumin seeds.
  • When seeds crackle, add onion paste. Saute and cook till it turns light brown in color and the raw smell goes away.
  • Add tomato puree and cook till the masala gets a paste like consistency.
  • Add coriander powder, red chilli powder, garam masala and chana masala.
  • Cook for another 2-3 minutes. If the masala starts getting dry, add 1-2 tbsp of water so that it doesn't burn at the bottom of pan.
  • Once Chane are cooked, pressure goes off, open the lid and add masala to boiled chane.
  • Switch on the flame and cook for another 5-10 minutes or you can close the lid and cook till 1-2 whistles.
  • When making with Bhuna Masala,boil chane first as mentioned above, add bhuna masala directly with chana masala and garam masala in boiled chane, mix well and pressure cook for another 5-10 minutes.
Keyword Black Chickpeas, Kala Chana
Did you try the recipe..Share @foodtrails25 or tag me #foodtrails25!
Tried this recipe?Share @foodtrails25 or tag me #foodtrails25!

What goes best with Kale Chane Curry

Steamed Rice or Jeera Rice go best with curried Kale Chane. Chapatis or paranthas and kulchas too go well with it.

Do try this spicy curry for everyday lunch or even for your parties for main course. Spice level in curry can be adjusted as per your preference.

Say Hello!!and visit my social media accounts.. FB, Pinterest and Instagram. Whenever you make this, do post on my FB page or tag me on Instagram. Pin the recipes for later use.

If you like my work, then do hit the follow button and subscribe to the blog to get notifications on new posts and share the blog with your loved ones. I promise won't spam your mailbox ?.

Thanks for stopping by and keep coming back!!

Like this:

Like Loading...

Related

5 shares

This post may contain affiliate links to the products/ingredients. I may earn some commission if you make some purchase. The products and resources are that I believe in and this will not affect your price.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sasmita Sahoo Samanta

    November 23, 2019 at 7:19 am

    This Kala Chana Masala Curry looks so appetizing swaty ! The tomato onion gravy is looking fabulous and with paratha this curry is best for me. The instant pot method seems super easy and quick .

    Loading...
    Reply
    • Swati

      November 25, 2019 at 8:25 pm

      Thanks Sasmita!! glad you liked the recipe!!

      Loading...
      Reply
  2. Seema Doraiswamy Sriram

    November 21, 2019 at 4:06 am

    I buy and use kala channa more often than the regular, just beacuse thats what i am more used to. I am so glad to see this recipe. It is new and perfect for me to try.

    Loading...
    Reply
    • Swati

      November 25, 2019 at 8:29 pm

      Thanks Seema, do try this one!!

      Loading...
      Reply
  3. Jagruti's Cooking Odyssey

    November 18, 2019 at 10:25 am

    I have always made Gujarati style kala chana curry, by looking at your recipe, I am so tempted to make this version too which is I north Indian style. fabulous share.

    Loading...
    Reply
    • Swati

      November 25, 2019 at 8:33 pm

      thanks Jagruti!! do try this version too!!

      Loading...
      Reply
  4. jayashreetrao

    November 16, 2019 at 8:39 am

    I love black chana and this instant pot version looks easy and ideal to make anytime. It pairs well with chapati or jeera rice too.

    Loading...
    Reply
  5. Padma Veeranki

    November 13, 2019 at 3:25 pm

    Definitely one of my favourite chana dishes. I'm also on an insta pot spree these days...I'm just loving it!! And what a coincidence, I made this just yesterday!! This nutritious protein packed curry will pair perfecty with roti or rice.

    Loading...
    Reply
  6. Lata Lala

    November 12, 2019 at 8:48 am

    Kale Chane Masala curry looks so appetising. Your version with spicy tomato onion gravy is looking fabulous. Moreover when made in an instant pot, it is much easier.
    This will be perfect with roti or rice.

    Loading...
    Reply
  7. Sandhya Ramakrishnan

    November 11, 2019 at 6:10 pm

    I love kala chana more than any bean and this curry is so delicious. This will be perfect with rice and roti and such a perfect blend of spices. Such a nutritious recipe loaded wit protein.

    Loading...
    Reply
  8. Pavani

    November 11, 2019 at 5:40 pm

    Kala chana is one of my favorite legumes and your version in this spicy curry sounds soooo delicious. Instant pot makes these curries so easy to make. I'm pinning the recipe to try out soon.

    Loading...
    Reply
  9. mayurisjikoni

    November 11, 2019 at 9:59 am

    I usually make kala chana along with Tuvar ni dal, but haven't made them with onion and garlic. Would love to try this recipe out and enjoy it with some rice. Love the presentation.

    Loading...
    Reply
  10. Vanitha Bhat

    November 10, 2019 at 6:00 pm

    Beautiful curry dear! I have never used kala chana to make masala curry but just some simple south Indian sundal like curry or in Konkani style coconut masala. I have to make this soon for a different variation! Awesome share dear <3

    Loading...
    Reply
  11. ARCHANA

    November 09, 2019 at 5:01 am

    One of my favourite chana dishes. Given a choice I will prefer kale chanae to kabuli chana. I love the way you have made and presented the chana.

    Loading...
    Reply
  12. tastyrecipesfrompooja

    November 08, 2019 at 9:47 pm

    This is a very delicious dish and a saviour when we are confused what to make for the next meal! I used to prepare in a similar way... Not made since ages though!

    Loading...
    Reply
  13. Sandhya

    November 08, 2019 at 8:54 pm

    The Kale chane look amazing Swati and so does your presentation.I love the deep taste of kale chaney and will make this curry soon.

    Loading...
    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Swati Malik

A passionate foodie, food blogger.. blogging about my food experiences, and food stories.. Love to click pics and cook for my loved ones. Aham Bhramasmi!!

More about me

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

Browse Categories

  • Air Fryer Recipes
  • Appetizers and Starters
  • Baking
  • Breads and Pastries
  • Breakfast
  • Brownies
  • Cakes and Muffins
  • Cheesecakes
  • Chilled Desserts
  • Cold Beverages(Dairy+Plant Based)
  • Condiments
  • Cookies and Crackers
  • Dal and Curries
  • Desserts
  • Dips, Jam, Chutneys and Sauces
  • Drinks and Beverages
  • Easy Lunch/Dinner Ideas
  • Egg Free
  • Fall Delights
  • Fasting Food
  • Flatbreads
  • Fusion Food
  • Gluten Free
  • Healthy Food
  • Hot Drinks
  • Indian Festivals
  • Indian Street Food
  • Indo-Chinese
  • Ingredients used in preparing other food items
  • Instant Pot Recipes
  • Kids Friendly
  • Main Course
  • Monsoon Delights
  • No onion No garlic
  • Party Menu
  • Pasta Dishes
  • Pies, Crumbles, Cobbler,Crisps
  • Recipes
  • Restaurant Style Food
  • Rice Dishes
  • Roundups
  • Salads
  • Seasonal Delights
  • Smoothies and Fresh Juices
  • Snacks
  • Soups
  • Spring Delights
  • Summer Delights
  • Winter Delights
  • With Eggs
  • Wraps/ Rolls/Sandwiches

Shop at Amazon here

Reader's Favourites

  • Raw Papaya and Mango Salad | Vegan Thai Raw Papaya Salad with Mango
    Raw Papaya and Mango Salad | Vegan Thai Raw Papaya Salad with Mango
  • Thukpa Gyathuk
    Thukpa Gyathuk
  • Namkeen Jave
    Namkeen Jave
  • Creamy Mushroom and Sweet Corn Soup
    Creamy Mushroom and Sweet Corn Soup
  • Vegetables in Hot Garlic Sauce
    Vegetables in Hot Garlic Sauce
  • Cracked Wheat Porridge(Sweet Milk Dalia)
    Cracked Wheat Porridge(Sweet Milk Dalia)
  • Spicy Potato Puff Pastry/Aloo Puffs
    Spicy Potato Puff Pastry/Aloo Puffs
  • Kadhai Masala Mix
    Kadhai Masala Mix
  • Garlic and Spring Onion Noodles
    Garlic and Spring Onion Noodles
  • Moong dal Kosambari/Moong Dal Salad
    Moong dal Kosambari/Moong Dal Salad

Swati Malik

A passionate foodie, food blogger.. blogging about my food experiences, and food stories.. Love to click pics and cook for my loved ones. Aham Bhramasmi!!

More about me

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

Footer

Links

  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
  • About

Newsletter

x

Subscribe to our newsletter!

Get yummy recipes delivered straight to your inbox!

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Copyright © 2025 Food Trails

5 shares
%d

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required