Dt. Natasha Mohan
Dietitian Natasha Mohan is one of the most influential and renowned nutritionist and dietitian, with over 3 Million Followers on YouTube and 200+ Million Views and with 10+ Years of Experience. Dietitian Natasha Mohan is a transformation expert, Motivational Speaker and Lifestyle Expert. She has touched million of lives. She specializes in Therapeutic Diets Like, PCOS/PCOD, Thyroid, Diabetes, Cholesterol, Blood pressure, and other lifestyle disorder.
Table of Contents
Authentic Kadala Curry Recipe | Easy Chickpea Masala Guide
If you’re searching for a delicious and wholesome South Indian dish, the Kadala Curry recipe is your perfect answer. Rich in flavor, loaded with protein-packed black chickpeas (kala chana), and infused with the goodness of coconut and spices, this traditional curry is a staple in Kerala cuisine and often served with puttu, appam, or chapati.
What is Kadala Curry?
Kadala Curry is a classic Kerala-style black chickpea curry made with roasted coconut, curry leaves, mustard seeds, and spices like fennel, turmeric, and coriander powder. “Kadala” means black chickpeas in Malayalam. This dish offers the perfect blend of earthy spices and creamy coconut, giving it a unique and comforting taste.
Ingredients for the Authentic Kadala Curry Recipe
Here’s what you need to make this flavorful Kadala Curry recipe:
For Pressure Cooking Chickpeas:
1 cup black chickpeas (kala chana) – soaked overnight
3 cups water
Salt – to taste
For Masala Paste:
1/2 cup grated coconut (fresh or frozen)
1 tsp fennel seeds
2–3 cloves
1-inch piece of cinnamon
2–3 dry red chilies
1 tsp coriander powder
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1/2 tsp garam masala
For Curry Base:
2 tbsp coconut oil
1 tsp mustard seeds
1 sprig curry leaves
1 onion – finely sliced
1 tomato – finely chopped
Salt – to taste
Water – as needed
How to Make Kadala Curry (Step-by-Step Guide)
Step 1: Pressure Cook Chickpeas
Soak 1 cup black chickpeas overnight.
Drain and rinse, then pressure cook with 3 cups of water and salt for 4–5 whistles or until soft but not mushy.
Step 2: Prepare Roasted Coconut Masala
In a pan, dry roast coconut until golden brown.
Add fennel seeds, cloves, cinnamon, dry red chilies, and roast till aromatic.
Add coriander and turmeric powder, mix, and switch off the flame.
Cool the mixture and grind it to a smooth paste with a little water.
Step 3: Prepare Curry Base
Heat coconut oil in a pan.
Add mustard seeds and let them crackle.
Add curry leaves and sliced onions. Sauté until golden.
Add chopped tomatoes and cook till soft.
Step 4: Combine and Cook
Add the ground coconut masala paste to the sautéed mixture.
Cook until oil separates from the sides.
Now add the boiled chickpeas along with the water it was cooked in.
Simmer for 10–15 minutes on low heat to let the flavors blend.
Adjust salt and garnish with more curry leaves if desired.
Serving Suggestions
The Kadala Curry recipe pairs best with:
Puttu – Steamed rice flour and coconut cakes (traditional combo)
Appam – Lacy rice pancakes
Chapati or Poori – Indian flatbreads
Steamed rice – For a hearty meal
Nutritional Benefits of Kadala Curry
Protein-rich: Black chickpeas are a great source of plant-based protein.
Rich in fiber: Promotes digestion and helps in weight management.
Packed with micronutrients: Includes iron, magnesium, and folate.
Low in fat: When made with coconut oil and without heavy cream.
Tips to Make the Best Kadala Curry
Always soak chickpeas overnight for faster cooking and better digestion.
Use fresh grated coconut for a more authentic flavor.
Roasting the coconut until golden adds a deeper, nuttier taste.
Adjust spice levels by modifying the number of red chilies or garam masala.
Final Thoughts
The Kadala Curry recipe is a soulful dish that combines the richness of coconut with the earthy taste of black chickpeas, making it a favorite comfort food in Kerala households. Whether you’re serving it with puttu, rice, or roti, this curry delivers both nutrition and flavor in every bite. Pair it with a refreshing Banana Stem Juice Recipe for a complete and wholesome South Indian meal. Try this Kadala Curry recipe at home and enjoy an authentic taste of South Indian cuisine!
Yes, you can use canned chickpeas to save time. Just rinse well and skip the pressure-cooking step.
Absolutely! This recipe uses coconut oil and contains no dairy or animal products, making it 100% vegan.
If fresh coconut isn’t available, you can use frozen grated coconut or even desiccated coconut soaked in warm water.
Yes, Kadala Curry stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and tastes even better the next day.
It has a moderate spice level. You can reduce or increase the red chilies as per your taste preference.
Our Recipes
Breakfast Recipes
Breakfast Recipes
Breakfast Recipes
