Kala Chana: Black chana

I’m not a huge fan of chana masala, but this version using black chana and coconut is my favorite and is eaten a lot in Goa where I am from. You can use frozen grated coconut or just buy a coconut, split it in half, pry out the flesh and grind it. You cannot use sweet or unsweetened desiccated coconut.

1 tsp mustard seeds

1 red onion finely chopped

1 green chilli finely chopped

1 pod of garlic chopped

2 cups soaked and cooked black chana

juice of half a lemon

Spices ¼ tbsp chilli powder, ½ tbsp turmeric, 1 tbsp garam masala

1 cup grated or ground coconut

1 cup water

salt

pepper

Fry the onion, green chilli and garlic. Add the mustard seeds. Add all the dry spices and cook for a minute. Add the chana and water cover and cook for 5 minutes. Add the juice of a half lemon, salt and pepper. Finally add the ground coconut cook for another minute and serve!