Kala Chana Soup | Desi Chana Soup | Healthy Soup

Kala chana or desi chana is also known as bengal gram whole. It is a staple indian legume found in every home. It is full of protein. It gives numerous benefits to human body. According to ayurveda, desi chana or bengal gram whole is said to control all the three doshas - vatta, pitta, kapha. This means it can be eaten by anyone despite of their body type. 

Bengal gram whole when splits, becomes chana dal. There are different ways to cook this. It can also be sprouted and eaten with raw vegetables and spices on it. It can be made into lentil and it is also popularly made on ashtami during navrata. It is said to be auspicious food for that day. It is accompanied by puri and halwa.

Kala chana gives instant energy to the body, not only to humans but also to animals. It is said that it is favourite of horses. There is a popular belief in Indian culture that consuming desi chana provides energy similar to that of a horse. Infact, it is also given to patients in order to maintain their energy level. 

But have you ever heard of kala chana soup ? Oh if not, then you will love it. I tried it with some vegetables and it turned out to be delicious and nutritious. It is super quick and easy to make. You just need to plan it in advance as kala chana need to be soaked for atleast 6 hours before pressure cooking. So, lets look at the recipe.

Preparation Time: 15 mins

Cooking time: 20-25 mins

Ingredients:

• Kala Chana (bengal gram whole) - 1/2 cup
• Cooking Oil - 2 tablespoon
• Garlic - 2 cloves
• Onion - 1 big size
• Cauliflower - 1/2 cup
• Carrot - 1/4 cup
• French beans - 1/4 cup
• Capsicum - 1/4 cup
• Sweet corn - 1/4 cup
• Paneer (cottage cheese) - 1/4 cup
• Water - 4 cups
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper powder - 1/2 teaspoon
• Roasted cumin powder - 1/4 teaspoon

Kala Chana Soup

Method: 

1. Firstly, soak bengal gram whole overnight or for 6 hours. Wash it really well before soaking.
2. After 6 hours, pressure cook them till 3 whistles or till them become soft.
3. Separate the water and black grams.
4. Now add bengal gram whole with some water in a mixer.
5. Grind it to make a fine paste.
6. Keep it aside.
7. In a pan, add some oil, then crush the garlic and add it into the oil.
8. Saute it for a minute and then add all the vegetables except sweet corn and paneer (cottage cheese). 
9. Cut the vegetables in small size. 
10. Saute all the vegetables. Do not cook them completely. Let them be crunchy.
11. Then add sweet corn and paneer (cottage cheese). Cut the paneer into small cubes.
12. Now add all the spices and mix it well.
13. Then add gram paste and mix it really well.
14. Now add water and make it soup like consistency.
15. Let it boil then turn off the flame.
16. Pour hot and serve.