Kala Chana & Veggi Masala - Rajma styled

Recently i was on look out to include more fiber and protein to our daily intake, came across these KALA CHANA or Indian Chick Peas. Highly nutritious, rich in fiber and protein that one needs in a 1800 calorie intake a day.These taste yummy and many recipes are out there to try.However i wanted to do a curry that could go well with both rice and roti and got this recipe from a friend of mine and it turned out real yummy.With no further delay , please check the recipe below and feel free to comment.To know more on  nutritional facts please check on the link at end of the post.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Kala Chana
• 1 Tbs Ginger garlic paste
• 1 Tbs Garam Masala or Rajma Masala
• 1/2 Tbs Jeera-Dhaniya Powder
• 1 Tsp Jeera
• 1 Tsp Chopped Garlic (Optional)
• 3-4 Green Chilles
• 1 Tsp Red Chilly Powder
• 2-3 Cups water
• 1 Medium sized Onion
• 2 Medium sized Tomatoes
• 1 cup chopped vegetables like [Bell pepper,green beans,mushroom,green pea skins]
• Finely Chopped Coriander for Garnish
• 1 Tbsp Olive oil
• 1 strand of  Curry Leaves
• Salt as per taste
• Pinch of Turmeric

Instructions :

• Wash and soak Kala chana overnight in water.
• Pressure cook Kala chana in a pressure cooker, 5 whistles or until soft.
• Chop Onion and green chillies , add to a mixer and grind to a fine paste. 
• Chop in tomatoes , blanch them in a microwave , peel off the skin, grind them to a fine puree.
• Heat a pan with oil .
• Once oil is heated enough add Jeera and Curry leaves,Chopped Garlic(Optional) and let it temper.
• Now add in onion paste , add in salt as per desired taste, (i usually add around 2-3 tsp)  
• Saute till oil leaves onion paste.
• Add Ginger garlic paste at this time and saute for 2-4 minutes.
• Now add in chopped vegetables and saute for 5-10 minutes with lid on and stirring occasionally.
• Now add in turmeric, chilly powder and Rajma or Garam Masala of your choice and saute for 5 more minutes.
•  Add in Tomato puree and boil for another 8-10 minutes.
• Now add in cooked Kala Chana along with water.
• Adjust water as per desired consistency, i usually use 2.5 cups of water which i used while cooking  chana.
• Boil for 10 more minutes on simmer
• Adjust salt as per taste.
• Add in chopped coriander and switch off.

NOTE : 

1. I liked the recipe most with Rajma Masala or Masala powder can be used.
2. Ideal soaking time for chana is 10-12 hours.
3. Add more green chilles to spice up the curry.
4. Use of vegetables in this recipe is optional.
5. Salt can also be adjusted as per desired taste.
6. I like to temper chopped garlic to flavor a bit and is completely optional. 
7. Nutritional Reference : https://healthyeating.sfgate.com/kala-chana-nutritional-1892.html