5 foods to add to Kala Chana to make it even healthier

Kala Chana, or Black Chickpeas, is a powerhouse of nutrition. It is packed with dietary fiber, protein, iron, and essential minerals like magnesium and potassium. Mostly used to make chaat, salad, or soup, this Indian kitchen staple is also known for its low GI value. And according to the USDA FoodData Central, 100 g of kala chana offers 164 calories, 8.9 g of protein, 2.6 g of fat, 2.9 mg of iron, and 7.6 g of fiber. While it is nutrient-dense, adding a few common ingredients to kala chana can easily boost the nutritional value of this staple. Take a look at these 5 common foods that one can add to kala chana to supercharge the nutrition.

How to add: Loaded with iron and antioxidants, spinach is best added after sautéing or blanching. They together make a good combination for soup or stew or can be combined to make tikki or cutlet.

How to add: Carrot is rich in beta-carotene and offers a sweet aftertaste. It can be grated and added to steamed black chana to make chaat or one can blend them together for kofta balls or cutlets. Carrot and chana can also be blended together to make soup, which has a sweet aftertaste. They also make for a better choice to make dips that pair well with crackers.

How to add: Sesame seeds are rich in healthy fats, calcium, and fiber and can be roasted and added on top of kala chana chaat or one can use them as topping on steamed chana salad.

How to add: It is rich in vitamin C and the juice can be added on top of chana chaat, soup, or even in blended mixture for making cutlets or kofta balls.

How to add: Beetroot offers a dark tint and sweetness to the dish and can be added in the form of paste to kala chana kebabs for colour, taste, and texture.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article—is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.