From the recipe box
Kala Chana Chaat
Chaat, vadas, and snackable plates to open a meal or carry to the couch.
- Protein
- Kala Chana
- Meal format
- Appetizers & Chaats
- Base
- Snack plate
Kala Chana (Black Chickpeas), Onion, Tomato, Cucumber, Potato, Carrot, Bell Pepper
From my kitchenCook this meal
Ingredients & method
- Prep
- 15 mins
- Cook
- 35 mins
- Total
- 50 mins
- Serves
- 4
Kala Chana Base
- 1 cupdry Kala Chana (black chickpeas) – or sub with regular white garbanzo beans
- as neededWater
- to tasteSalt
- 1medium onion, finely chopped
- 1medium tomato, finely chopped
- ½cucumber, peeled and chopped into small pieces
- ¼ cupchopped cilantro
- —Juice of ½–1 lime
- 2 tablespoonsGreen Chutney
- 2 tablespoonsTamarind Chutney
- to tasteSalt
- 1–2 teaspoonschaat masala
Optional Additions
- 1small boiled potato, cubed
- ¼ cupgrated carrot
- ¼ cuppomegranate seeds
Notes & Tips
- Kala chana has a deeper, nuttier flavor compared to regular white chickpeas, making it especially delicious for chaat.
- You can absolutely mix kala chana and white chickpeas together if you like the combination of textures.
- This is a great make-ahead recipe — cook the kala chana ahead of time and assemble fresh when ready to eat.
- Adjust the chutneys based on your preference:
- More tamarind chutney → sweeter and tangier
- More green chutney → spicier and fresher
- Recipes for Green Chutney and Tamarind Chutney are available on the blog and can be made ahead and stored.
Step by step
Method
- 01
Prepare the Kala Chana
- 02
Wash the kala chana thoroughly.
- 03
Soak 1 cup of dry kala chana overnight (8+ hours) or at least 6 hours. Soaking helps the chickpeas cook faster and makes them easier to digest.
- 04
Drain the soaking water and add fresh water.
- 05
Pressure cook until soft:
- 06
Instant Pot: Pressure Cook on High for 25–30 minutes, followed by natural pressure release.
- 07
Traditional Pressure Cooker: Cook for about 5–6 whistles or until tender.
- 08
Drain excess water and allow the kala chana to cool.
- 09
Note: You can also use canned chickpeas if needed. Drain and rinse before using.
- 10
Assemble the Chaat
- 11
Add cooked kala chana to a large mixing bowl.
- 12
Add chopped onion, tomato, cucumber, and cilantro.
- 13
Add green chutney and tamarind chutney.
- 14
Add salt, chaat masala, and red chili powder if desired.
- 15
Squeeze fresh lime juice and mix everything well.
- 16
Add optional toppings like boiled potato, pomegranate seeds, sev, or yogurt.
- 17
Serve immediately.
- 18
Kala Chana Chaat is a simple, protein-packed snack that is refreshing, filling, and full of the classic sweet, spicy, tangy chaat flavors.
