Jaisalmeri Kala Chana
Jaisalmeri kala chana cooks black chickpeas in a yoghurt and gram flour gravy, a desert dish that needs no fresh vegetables.
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8 hr 55 mintotal
55 min hands-on8 hr hands-off
Prep 20 min · Cook 35 min
- Serves
- 2
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Spice
- Medium
Ingredients
Quantities are for 2 servings.
You'll need: Stovetop.
Includes soaking and boiling time.
Method
In a pristine mixing bowl, expertly whisk together the curd, gram flour (besan), turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and coriander powder to form a lump-free emulsion. Incorporate water to dilute this into a silken, thin batter.
Heat pure ghee in a heavy-bottomed kadhai. Sizzle the cumin seeds, broken dry red chillies, and asafoetida, permitting their essential oils to bloom fragrantly into the fat.
Mute the flame entirely. In a slow, deliberate stream, pour the curd-besan mixture into the pan, stirring relentlessly. This unbroken agitation is vital to prevent the yogurt from splitting upon contact with heat.
Maintain a constant stirring motion until the mixture reaches a dignified, rolling simmer. The gram flour will activate, elegantly thickening the liquid into a luscious gravy.
Upon reaching a boil, lovingly fold in the pre-boiled black chickpeas (drained of excess cooking liquid) and season correctly with salt.
Cover the vessel closely. Simmer on the lowest heat setting, enabling the robust chickpeas to drink in the tangy, deeply spiced personality of the gravy.
Finalize the creation by dusting it with fine garam masala and fresh coriander. Stir to combine, then extinguish the heat.
How to tell it's done
Nutty, firm black chickpeas swimming in a silky, bright yellow, tart and mildly spicy yogurt-based gravy.
Getting it right
Tip
The gram flour acts as an ingenious stabilizer for the acidic yogurt, rendering it completely immune to curdling under heat while providing the dish with a luxurious, Kadhi-like viscosity.
What to serve it with
An unparalleled comfort experience when ladled piping hot over Jeera Rice or scooped up with earthy Bajra Roti.





