Kadala curry especially Karutha kadala curry that is, black/brown chickpeas curry is one of the most popular vegetarian curry from Kerala that is a side dish served with another popular dish from Kerala,Puttu or Appam exclusively and so this black chickpeas curry is one of the traditional and must have breakfast curry of Kerala .
Every Malayali loves this breakfast combo of Puttu and kadala curry and is one of the staple at every Mallu's home, back in India.
[ Related : How to make Gothambu puttu/Puttu made with whole wheat flour ]
The black chickpeas or Bengal gram are small in size compared to the Garbanzo chickpeas and black-brown in color ,they are little racist hehe😉😀😋 .However,just like it's whiter counterpart ,they are a nutritional powerhouse and an excellent source of proteins especially for vegetarians.
These black chickpeas may look darn tanned,dry and lifeless ,to bring them back to life,they must be soaked in water for at least 8 hrs or best overnight to cook next day otherwise it may take forever to cook aptly and may not properly soften up to eat no matter how well the curry or masalas are used to prepare the recipe.So,well these chickpeas like most of the lentils need a water pampering spa treatment and will teach you also how to be patient ...
Black chickpeas are also a good source of fibre,fats,carbs and excellent for diabetic people as well.
My mom used to simply boil these chickpeas ,sprinkle some spice powders and she used to give us like a healthy evening snack when we were little .(The snack I frowned at 😈)
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My hubby is however a big fan of white Garbanzo or vella kadala or white chickpeas than these little black ones .So,this chickpeas curry is something I would make once in a black moon ...And my mom, considering the health benefits of these black chickpeas will remind me every now and then and kinda compel me to make the boiled chickpeas as snack especially for my hubby as he is diabetic.
[Related : Vella Kadala curry/White chickpeas curry Kerala style ]
But traditionally from Kerala cuisine's standpoint ,puttu with this black chickpeas curry,Appam with (vegetarian option) black chickpeas curry are the most sought after and a staple ,taste of Kerala.
So,let's see how I make kadala curry Kerala style and this is an authentic Kerala style chickpeas curry in Alleppey style.
Nadan Kadala curry|Kerala black chickpeas curry
Ingredients
Black chickpeas/Kadla- 1 cup
Onion,sliced (medium size) - 1-2 nos.
Green chillies,sliced lengthwise - 3-4 nos.
Turmeric powder - 1 Tsp
Red chilli powder - 3/4 Tbsp
Coriander powder - 1 1/2 Tbsp
Fennel powder - 1/2 Tbsp
Kerala Garam Masala - 1/2 Tsp (optional)
Coconut,grated - 1-2 Tbsp
Coconut pieces,chopped - 1-2 Tbsp
Curry leaves,a few
Salt to taste
Coconut oil - 1-2 Tbsp
Mustard seeds - 1 Tsp
Broken dry red chillies - 2-3 nos
Mustard seeds - 1 Tsp
Broken dry red chillies - 2-3 nos
Preparation of Kadala curry method:
Please watch the video that will properly guide you how to make Kadla curry Kerala style /Alleppey special
There are many versions of nadan kadala curry that may vary from state to state and this one is one of the simple version from my place in Kerala,Alleppey . If you are also a fan of puttu kadala breakfast combo,give it a try ,you will love it and this chickpea curry goes well with roti/chapathi/poori/rice etc just like any vegetarian curry.
