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Evenings bring with them a very specific kind of hunger, like “I want something tasty right now but also not junk” type of craving. Not a mood for a full meal, not chips, but something warm, relaxing and satisfying. And then you happen to open the fridge to find the bowl of kala chana sitting inside, wondering if something can be prepared from it. Kala chana is a powerhouse of protein, iron, fibre and slow-digesting carbs, which keeps you full, fuels your energy while still being light on the stomach. Yet many people only use it in curries or salads, ignoring that it can become some of the most exciting evening snacks.
When fried food and packaged munchies allure you after a long day, kala chana dishes offer the perfect middle ground, comforting like street food and nourishing like a home-cooked meal. With its earthy flavour, firm texture and power to absorb spices beautifully, kala chana changes into tikkis, chaats, wraps, and even hummus. These snacks do not just satisfy cravings; they make you feel good about what you are feeding your body.
Kala Chana Tikki With Mint-Yoghurt Drizzle
Kala chana tikki are a perfect balance of crispy and soft breakfast options. Mash the boiled kala chana with some ginger, green chillies, coriander leaves, roasted besan and lemon tang. Pan fry these tikkis until they turn golden and serve with a chilled mint-yoghurt drizzle from the top. Every bite feels extremely comforting and energising. Kala chana delivers slow-digesting protein and iron, which makes these tikkis a guilt-free snack option for evenings when you want something crunchy but also healthy. Serve with some onion rings for a little indulgence.
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Kala Chana Chaat
This chaat is a kind of street food that you can prepare at home. Combine some warm boiled kala chana with some onions, tomatoes, green chillies, coriander, chaat masala and a sprinkle of aamchur for that instant tang. Add a little sev or crushed papdi for extra crunch. The chana soaks up spices beautifully, delivering every spoonful a mix of earthy, spicy, and tangy flavours. High in fibre and protein value, the snack keeps you full until dinner without putting up any extra calories.
Kala Chana Hummus
A desi twist to the classic hummus, which is creamier, nuttier and also richer. Blend some boiled kala chana with garlic, sesame paste, olive oil, cumin, salt and a squeeze of lemon. The texture turns smooth with a mildly earthy flavour. Drizzle some garlic-infused oil and paprika for a café-style finish to the hummus. Scoop it up with some crackers, roti chips or veggie sticks. Loaded with plant protein and healthy fats, kala chana hummus is a nourishing evening snack that feels gourmet without too much effort.
(Image credit: Freepik)
Kala Chana Stir-Fry
This South-Indian-style snack is all about fragrance and crunch. Temper some mustard seeds, curry leaves, dried chillies and grated coconut in some coconut oil, then toss in the boiled kala chana. The chana turns crispy at the edges while soaking up the fragrance of curry leaves and some mild heat. Every bite gives you a combination of nutty, smoky and a little sweet flavours. Kala chana stir fry is extremely nutritious, high in protein, fibre, and ideal when you want something warm and light with evening tea.
Kala Chana Rolls
Kala chana rolls are soft, juicy, protein-packed snacking options that feel almost like street-style frankies but are much healthier. Simply sauté boiled kala chana with some onions, garlic, capsicum, black pepper and a hint of kasuri methi until they turn slightly crisp. Spread some spiced yoghurt mix prepared from chilli flakes, salt and lemon on a warm roti or tortilla, add the chana filling and roll it tightly. The contrast of cool yoghurt and warm chana makes it irresistibly delicious. Loaded with fibre and carbs, this snack keeps you delighted without being too heavy and is also an ideal post-work meal.
(Image credit: Freepik)
