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easy kadala curry recipe

Easy Kadala Curry Recipe

nags
An easy kadala curry recipe made Kerala-style.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Course Curry
Cuisine Kerala
Servings 4 -6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup uncooked black chana kadala
  • Salt to taste

For the spice paste:

  • 1/2 cup grated coconut fresh or frozen, thawed
  • 3 tbsp coriander powder
  • 3-4 shallots peeled and sliced
  • 2 flakes of garlic sliced
  • A small piece of ginger
  • A few curry leaves
  • 1/2 tsp red chilli powder or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin powder

For tempering:

  • 2 tbsp coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup sliced onions
  • 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
  • A few curry leaves

Instructions
 

  • Soak the chickpeas overnight in water.
  • Pressure cook for 15 minutes or 4-5 whistles with little salt. Set aside.
  • Dry roast the coconut until a very dark brown. T
  • Then add the coriander powder and continue to roast well for another 6-8 minutes
  • Now add the shallots, garlic, curry leaves, and ginger. Saute for 2-3 minutes until they wilt a bit
  • Finally add the turmeric, chilli powder, and cumin powder. Turn off flame and mix well in the remaining heat. This is to ensure that the red chilli powder doesn't burn
  • Cool and grind to a fine paste with enough water
  • Heat oil for tempering and add the mustard seeds. When they pop, add the sliced onions and curry leaves
  • Roast until golden brown
  • Then add the ground paste and mix well
  • Top up with the chickpeas and the water it cooked in
  • Mix well, adjust salt, and bring to a boil
  • If the curry is too watery, boil a while longer until it reaches the desired consistency. If too thick, just add more water slowly and boil
  • Serve this easy kadala curry with appam, puttu, etc

Notes

  • The usual mistake most people make in this easy kadala curry recipe is not frying the coconut and coriander enough. Make sure you take about 8-10 mins in a low flame and continuously roast the coconut without burning
  • You can add a few drops of oil when roasting the coconut-coriander mixture if you feel it's too dry and starting to burn
  • The curry leaves are important, try not to skip them
  • You can also use white chickpeas in this easy kadala curry recipe
  • A pinch of sugar will enhance the flavour so add some if you'd like to try that tip :)