Kala Chana (Brown Chickpea) Salad

Brown Chickpeas aka kala chana or desi chana is originally from India and mainly eaten there. It is one of the best sources of plant based protein. Here is the nutritional information from myfitnesspal. It can help one lose weight and lower blood sugar because it makes you feel full for longer.

I used to make green salad a lot and it is traditionally made with white chickpeas. I love making greek salad because it is healthy and very quick to put together. Also, I recently learned from Pooja that eating kala chana (brown chickpeas) is healthier than white chickpeas because kala chana is easier to digest and will not make you gaseous. I remember my mom used to always make kala chana and not much of white chickpeas and now it makes sense why. I didn't believe her then but I tried it myself and it is true (always listen to your mom!)

In this recipe, I replaced white chickpeas with kala chana and it taste AMAZING. In fact, both my husband and I like this better than traditional greek salad.

Ingredients for Tasty Kala Chana Salad:

Note: Feel free to adjust the amounts below depending on your preference

• 1 cup Brown chickpeas /kala chana (Soaked overnight or at least 8 hours and boiled)

• 1 persian cucumber, chopped

• 1 plum tomato, chopped

• Fresh herbs such as Cilantro, Mint and Basil (add per your preference)

• 8-10 Kalamata Olives, chopped

• 3-4 tbsp Feta Cheese (omit for vegan option)

• 1/4 tbsp Chaat Masala

• Lemon Juice (per taste)

• Salt (per taste)

Directions:

• Simply Mix all ingredients and ENJOY!

Notes/Tips:

• Make sure you boil chickpeas good. I soaked them overnight and cooked high in Instanpot for 10 min.

#kalachana #greeksalad #healthyfood #fitmindandlife