Chickpeas are a highly admired ingredient in almost every region of India. In the North, ‘chole kulche’ made from it is very inexpensive, versatile, and easily cultivated. Also known as garbanzo beans, white chickpeas, chole, or Egyptian peas, is a type of chickpea that’s high in protein and fibre and low in fat. This beige-coloured bean with a creamy texture and smooth coat is renowned for its large size and milder taste.

It is a staple in North Indian cuisine, where it’s used in a variety of dishes such as curries, salads, chaats, sabzis, and pulaos. In this blog, we will explore the nutritional benefits of Kabuli chana, its culinary uses, and its significance in global agriculture and trade.

Types of Chana

There are two main types of chana: desi (Bengal Gram) and Kabuli (safed chana), that are most accessible commodity in India.

Nutritional Benefits of Kabuli Chana

1. Nutritional powerhouse.
2. It is high in protein and fibre, making it an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet.
3. It is low-fat content which makes it a heart-healthy option.
4. Consuming it can help in managing weight, improving digestion, and maintaining blood sugar levels.
5. Promotes brain health
6. Helps in iron deficiency

Its high protein content is particularly beneficial for vegetarians and vegans as it provides a substantial amount of the daily protein requirement.

Check out Top Brands price of Kabuli Chana in India

Kabuli Chana in Culinary Uses

It is incredibly versatile in the kitchen. In North Indian cuisine, it is a key ingredient in many beloved dishes. ‘Curries’, kabuli chana is often cooked in rich, spicy gravies to make dishes like chole, which is enjoyed with rice or bread. ‘Salads’, it can be tossed with fresh vegetables and herbs to create nutritious salads. ‘Chaats’, a popular component in chaats and savory street food. ‘Subzis and Pulaos’, it is also used in various vegetable dishes (sabzis) and rice dishes (pulaos), adding texture and flavor.

Global Agriculture and Trade of Kabuli Chana

Chana or chickpea is one of the oldest legumes known to mankind and is popular in Europe, Northern Africa, Mediterranean countries, India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. There are two main types of chana: desi (Bengal Gram) and Kabuli (safed chana).

It is mainly cultivated in the Mediterranean, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Northern Africa, and Chile. India is the largest producer and consumer of chana in the world, accounting for about 40% of the total production of pulses and approximately 67% of the total world production of chickpeas.

Due to high domestic consumption, India is also the largest importer of chickpeas. The prices  fluctuate frequently due to its high substitutability with other pulses and the fragmented nature of the markets.

It is not just a culinary delight but also a significant agricultural commodity. Its high nutritional value, versatility in cooking, and importance in global trade make it a valuable legume.

Whether you are looking to enhance your diet with a healthy protein source or explore new recipes, it is an excellent choice for it. You can make healthy salads or sprouts with it as they are excellent source of protein.

Here are 7 kabuli chana recipes suggestions that you can make:

1. Boiled Chana for healthy salad
2. Roasted Masala Kabuli Chana
3. Baked Masala Kabuli chana
4. Kabuli chana high-protein chaat
5. Kabuli Chana Kebab
6. Tangy Chana Chaat
7. Kabuli Pulao

There recipes will help you when you are looking for some healthy alternative snack recipe for office or afternoon meal. Learn many more healthy recipes that will help you to maintain the weight and overall well-being. If you have passion of cooking and want to make extraordinary dishes in your kitchen then check out the amazing courses provided by NFCI Institute which will equip you to make restaurant style dishes at home. For More Information: Check out nfcihospitality.com

Related: 12 Easy and Delicious Suji Benefits and Recipes to Must Try