Kalay Chanay that are full flavored, easy to make, delicious on their own, with rice or served along side Dahi Baray!
What are Kalay Chanay?
Kalay Chanay which literally translate to Black Chickpeas come from a variation on the chickpea plant that produces a protein rich legume. They have a hardy outer skin and an interior that is reminiscent of a slightly chewier chickpea.
They do take AGES to cook though which is why they are a natural fit for an Instant Pot or a pressure cooker. I soak mine overnight out of habit. If you can't soak for a few hours and add eight minutes extra of time. Poof. Magic.
Is this dish the same as Kala Chana Chaat?
This Kala Chanay is more salan or curry like in it's consistency but is a great stand along snack. If you are looking for a kala chana chaat then look here.
Made this recipe? Rate it below!
Kala Chana or Kalay Chanay
Ingredients
- 2 cups black chickpeas or kalay chanay
- 1 onion, diced
- ¾ tsp cumin seeds
- 1.5 tsp ginger paste
- 1.5 tsp garlic paste
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp red chilli powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- ½ tsp turmeric
- 1-2 diced tomatoes (I prefer one)
- 2-3 tbsp tamarind pulp
- 1 tsp Garam Masala powder
Garnish
- Cilantro
- Green Chillies
Instructions
- Soak your black chickpeas overnight, rinse the water off.
- Heat oil in your IP/Pressure Cooker. For IP Saute on Medium.
- Saute cumin seeds till you can really smell them sizzling and then add the diced onions
- Cook stirring occasionally till slightly golden then add the ginger and garlic pastes and saute for a minute
- Then add the Salt, Red Chilli Powder, Coriander Powder, Turmeric, and stir fry for a minute
- Add the diced tomato and saute until it's cooked to a rich paste
- Add the black chickpeas, stir to cook and then add 2 ½ cups of hot water to your Instant Pot and set it on Manual for 25 minutes . Let it release naturally
- Check the consistency, saute to reduce water or add water and bring to a boil according to your personal preference
- Then add the tamarind pulp and garam masala, let simmer for 2-3 minutes then garnish with desired toppings.
Sara says
Hi Sarah..
I plan to make this in the morning but I don’t have tamarind pulp on hand. Is it okay to omit ?
Thank you
Sarah Mir says
Hi Sara! Sorry for catching this late, if you don't have tamarind pulp then you won't get that classic khatta taste, but what you can do for the future is to add lemon juice and a little brown sugar!
Shanaz says
Hi could I use these kala chana in your chicken and chickpea recipe?
Sarah Mir says
Hi Shanaz - I haven't ever had that exact combo, but I can see how it would work. The only downside that I can anticipate is that because of their skin kala chana doesn't become as soft as regular chana
Nida Zaman says
Do you start with two cups dry channa?
Sarah Mir says
Yup!
Rani says
I don’t have pressure cooker. I soaked overnight. Then boiled the next day for 25 minutes. They were softened. Then I followed your recipe. Thank you
Sarah Mir says
Thanks for sharing the timing Rani!
Farah says
Thanks so much for this recipe! Made them yesterday and they were perfect. Dried out the water a bit...Layered them with khattay aloos, spooned over some yogurt and papri and the combo was divine.
Sarah Mir says
wow that sounds SO SO good!!!!! thanks for sharing that here!
Haaniya says
I wanted to clarify that if you’re not able to soak overnight you should soak for a few hours and then add 8 mins or is the added 8 minutes for chanai not soaked at all?
sarahjmir@gmail.com says
soaking always makes it easier, but you are okay to not soak
Hina says
Luv kalay Chaney but have never added tamarind .... must try this week !!!
sarahjmir@gmail.com says
It adds such great flavour!
Halima says
Having been making Kaalay Channay from Amma's recipe but today I am trying yours. Can't wait to devour it
sarahjmir@gmail.com says
Hope you liked it!!!
Samreen says
Just made these kalay chanay for iftar today and they were a hit. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
sarahjmir@gmail.com says
Thank you Samreen! I am so happy to hear it!
AIYSHA Qazi says
So made the kalay channay and must say they were perfect. Thank you for sharing the recipe,
sarahjmir@gmail.com says
Am so glad you thought so! thank you for taking the time to share your feedback!
AIYSHA Qazi says
Hi, do you add baking soda when you soak the channas?
sarahjmir@gmail.com says
Hi, thanks for coming by! I do not add baking soda 🙂
Sana says
When did you add the tomatoes?
sarahjmir@gmail.com says
SO sorry! I added them after the dry spices. Updating the recipe now!