Kadala Curry Recipe | Kerala Style Black Chickpea Curry
Introduction
Kadalacurry, also called Kadala Curry, is a traditional and flavorful South Indian curry made using black chickpeas, coconut, and aromatic spices. This curry is one of the most popular dishes in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It is especially famous as a side dish for puttu, appam, dosa, chapati, and idiyappam. The word “Kadala” means chickpeas, and “Curry” means gravy preparation.
This curry is known for its thick texture, rich coconut flavor, and spicy taste. The roasted coconut and spice paste give kadalacurry its unique aroma and traditional taste. It is a healthy and protein-rich dish that is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Kadalacurry is loved by everyone because of its delicious taste and nutritional value. Preparing this recipe at home gives fresh and authentic flavor compared to hotel food.
Importance
Kadalacurry is an important part of Kerala cuisine. The combination of puttu and kadalacurry is considered a classic breakfast. This combination is served in almost every Kerala restaurant and home.
In Tamil Nadu, kadalacurry is commonly served with dosa and chapati. Many families prepare it during special occasions and family gatherings.
In traditional cooking, fresh coconut and homemade spices were used to prepare this curry. The slow cooking process enhanced the taste and aroma.
Even today, people follow traditional methods to prepare authentic kadalacurry.
Ingredients Required
The ingredients required for kadalacurry are simple and easily available.
Black chickpeas – 1 cup
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| Homemade kadalacurry |
Tomato – 2 chopped
Grated coconut – ¾ cup
Garlic – 5 cloves
Ginger – 1 inch
Green chilies – 2
Red chili powder – 1 teaspoon
Coriander powder – 2 teaspoons
Turmeric powder – ¼ teaspoon
Garam masala – ½ teaspoon
Mustard seeds – ½ teaspoon
Curry leaves – few
Oil – 2 tablespoons
Salt – as needed
Water – as needed
Fresh coconut gives the best taste.
Soaking and Cooking Chickpeas
First, wash the black chickpeas properly. Soak them in water overnight or for at least 8 hours. Soaking helps chickpeas cook faster and become soft.
After soaking, drain water and transfer chickpeas to pressure cooker. Add fresh water and cook for 5 to 6 whistles.
Cook until chickpeas become soft.
Keep aside.
Preparing Coconut Masala Paste
Heat a pan and add grated coconut. Roast in medium flame until golden brown.
Add ginger and garlic and roast for few minutes.
Cool the mixture.
Grind into smooth paste by adding little water.
This coconut paste gives authentic flavor.
Preparing the Curry Base
Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and allow them to splutter.
Add curry leaves.
Add chopped onions and saute until golden brown.
Add green chilies and cook.
Add tomatoes and cook until soft.
This creates flavorful base.
Adding Spices
Add turmeric powder, chili powder, and coriander powder.
Mix well.
Cook for few minutes.
Spices release aroma and flavor.
Adding Chickpeas and Coconut Paste
Add cooked chickpeas.
Add coconut paste.
Add required water.
Mix well.
Cook in low flame for 10 to 15 minutes.
Add salt.
Add garam masala at end.
Mix well.
Switch off flame.
Texture and Taste
Perfect kadalacurry should have thick gravy.
It should not be watery.
It should have rich coconut flavor.
Chickpeas should be soft.
Taste should be spicy and aromatic.
Tips for Perfect Kadalacurry
Soak kadala for enough time
Always soak black chana (kadala) for 8–10 hours or overnight. This helps it cook faster and become soft.
Cook until perfectly soft
Pressure cook until soft but not mushy. Properly cooked kadala gives best texture and taste.
Use fresh coconut for authentic flavour
Grind fresh coconut with spices. This gives traditional Kerala-style taste and thickness.
Roast coconut for deeper flavour
Lightly roasting coconut before grinding gives rich colour and strong aroma.
Cook masala in coconut oil
Using coconut oil enhances authentic taste and flavour.
Allow curry to rest before serving
Resting for 15–20 minutes helps flavours blend well and makes curry thicker.
Adjust consistency carefully
Kadala curry should be thick, not watery, for best taste with puttu.
Add curry leaves at the end
Fresh curry leaves improve aroma and traditional flavour.
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Health Benefits
Black chickpeas are rich in protein.
They help muscle growth.
They are rich in fiber.
They improve digestion.
They provide energy.
They are healthy vegetarian food.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with puttu (best combination)
Kadala curry is most commonly served with arisi puttu or Kerala puttu.
Serve with appam
Soft appam with kadala curry makes a delicious breakfast.
Serve with dosa or idli
It can be served as a side dish for dosa or idli.
Serve with chapati or poori
Kadala curry pairs well with chapati, poori, or parotta.
Serve hot for best taste
Always serve hot, as the flavour and aroma are strongest.
Garnish before serving
Add curry leaves or coconut oil drizzle for extra flavour.
Storage Tips
Store in refrigerator.
Use within two days.
Reheat before serving.
Do not store long.
Fresh curry tastes best.
Variations
1. Kerala Style Kadala Curry (Roasted coconut version)
This is the most popular version made with roasted coconut paste, which gives dark colour, thick texture, and rich flavour.
2. White Kadala Curry
Prepared using white chickpeas (vellai kondakadalai) instead of black chana. It has milder flavour and lighter colour.
3. Simple Kadala Curry (Without coconut)
This version is made without coconut, using onion, tomato, and spice powders. It is lighter and easier to prepare.
4. Kadala Curry with Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is added instead of ground coconut. This gives creamy texture and mild taste.
5. Tamil Nadu Style Kadala Kuzhambu
Made with sambar powder and tamarind, this version has tangy and spicy flavour.
6. Kadala Curry for Puttu (Thick version)
Extra coconut paste is added to make it very thick, perfect for serving with puttu.
7. Instant Kadala Curry
Prepared using ready-made masala powder, suitable for quick cooking.
Common Mistakes
Do not skip soaking.
Do not undercook chickpeas.
Do not burn coconut.
Do not add excess water.
Follow correct steps.
Festival and Occasion Use
Kadalacurry is prepared during special occasions.
It is served to guests.
It is prepared during festivals.
It is popular traditional dish.
My Experience
My name is Arthy, and kadalacurry is one of my favorite traditional curry recipes. The first time I made kadalacurry, I prepared it for breakfast with puttu.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Easy to prepare.
Healthy food.
High protein.
Traditional recipe.
Simple ingredients.
Delicious taste.
Perfect for family.
Conclusion
Kadalacurry is a delicious and healthy traditional curry made using black chickpeas and coconut.
It is easy to prepare and uses simple ingredients.
It is perfect with puttu, dosa, chapati, and rice.
This curry is rich in protein and nutrients.
Preparing kadalacurry at home gives authentic taste.
Try this recipe and enjoy with your family.
About the Author
Hello, I am Arthy, a passionate home cook and food blogger. I love cooking traditional South Indian recipes.
My goal is to share authentic and simple recipes.
I test all recipes in my kitchen.
I explain each recipe clearly.
Cooking is my passion.
Sharing recipes makes me happy.
Thank you for visiting my blog.
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