Celebrate Navratri with this South Indian Vrat ke Kale Chane recipe. Protein-rich black chickpeas cooked with coconut, curry leaves, and spices. Wholesome, sattvic, and perfect for fasting, it nourishes the body while keeping traditions alive.
Navratri is that time of the year when our homes come alive with devotion, colors, and the comforting aroma of fasting-friendly foods. While many dishes are light and sattvic, one recipe that beautifully balances nourishment and flavor is Vrat ke Kale Chane.
Made especially on the Ashtami or Navami day to offer as bhog to Goddess Durga, these delicious black chickpeas carry both cultural significance and incredible health benefits. Served alongside puris and halwa, they make the festival complete.
Ingredients
▪️1 cup black chickpeas (kala chana), soaked overnight
▪️1 tbsp oil
▪️1 tsp mustard seeds
▪️1 tsp cumin seeds
▪️1–2 dried red chilies
▪️3 green chilies
▪️1 sprig curry leaves
▪️Small piece of ginger
▪️1 tsp turmeric powder
▪️5 tbsp grated fresh coconut
▪️Sendha namak (rock salt), to taste
▪️Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
Method
1. Boil the chickpeas -
Drain the soaked chana and boil them with a pinch of sendha namak until tender but not mushy.
2. Prepare the coconut-chili-ginger mix -
In a mixer, combine green chilies, ginger, and grated coconut. Blend lightly - keep it mostly dry with little or no water.
3. Make the tempering -
Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, curry leaves, and dried red chilies. Let them sizzle until aromatic.
4. Cook the coconut mixture -
Add the coconut-chili-ginger paste to the pan, add 1 tsp of turmeric, and cook for a few minutes on low heat.
5. Combine with chickpeas -
Add the boiled chana to the pan. Mix gently so the spices and coconut coat the chickpeas evenly. Cook for 5-7 minutes on low flame to let the flavors blend.
6. Garnish and serve -
Sprinkle fresh coriander leaves and serve warm.
Why During Navratri?
Ayurveda celebrates black chickpeas (Kala Chana) for their grounding, strengthening qualities. During fasting, when the body craves stability, this dish works wonders by:
▪️Providing plant-based protein to restore energy.
▪️Supporting digestion with its high fiber content.
▪️Balancing Kapha and improving stamina.
Ayurvedic Benefits
▪️Kala chana (Black chickpeas): Grounding, protein-rich, and energizing - keeps you full and supports stamina during rituals.
▪️Coconut and curry leaves: Cooling yet digestive, perfect for fasting days.
▪️Turmeric and ginger: Support digestion and immunity.
▪️Overall combination: A sattvic, wholesome dish that nourishes the body and uplifts the spirit during Navratri.
