What You’ll Need
To start, gather the following ingredients and tools:
- 1 cup of black chickpeas
- Water (for soaking and cooking)
- 1 teaspoon of salt (optional)
- A pressure cooker or a large pot with a lid
- A strainer or colander
Step 1: Soaking the Black Chickpeas
Begin by placing the black chickpeas in a strainer or colander. Rinse them thoroughly under running water to remove any impurities. Once rinsed, transfer the chickpeas to a bowl and cover them with enough water. Allow them to soak overnight or for a minimum of 8 hours. Soaking helps soften the chickpeas and shorten the cooking time.
Step 2: Cooking the Black Chickpeas
Once the black chickpeas have soaked, it’s time to cook them. If you have a pressure cooker, here’s what you need to do:
- Drain the soaked chickpeas and transfer them to the pressure cooker.
- Add 3 cups of fresh water and 1 teaspoon of salt (if desired) to the pressure cooker.
- Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook on high heat until it reaches full pressure. Then, reduce the heat to low and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes.
- Allow the pressure to release naturally before opening the cooker. Drain the cooked chickpeas and they’re ready to be used in your recipes!
If you don’t have a pressure cooker, don’t worry! You can still cook black chickpeas using a regular pot:
- Drain the soaked chickpeas and transfer them to a large pot.
- Add 4-5 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt (if desired) to the pot.
- Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1-2 hours or until the chickpeas are tender.
- Once cooked, drain the chickpeas and they’re ready to be enjoyed!
Step 3: Serving Suggestions
Now that you have perfectly cooked black chickpeas, here are some serving suggestions:
- Add them to salads for an extra boost of protein and fiber.
- Mash them up with spices and herbs to create a delicious chickpea spread or filling for sandwiches.
- Incorporate them into stews or curries for a hearty and nutritious meal.
- Roast them with spices for a crunchy and flavorful snack.
Black chickpeas are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, so don’t be afraid to get creative!
Follow this step-by-step guide, and you’ll have perfectly cooked black chickpeas every time. So go ahead, explore the culinary possibilities, and enjoy the nutritious goodness of kala chana in your meals!