Beyond Chana Masala: 10 Vibrant Indian Chickpea Recipes

Move over, chana masala! There's a whole world of delicious and vibrant Indian chickpea recipes waiting to be discovered, including those made with black chickpeas. From curries and soups to salads and snacks, there's something for everyone to enjoy. These recipes are all easy to follow and use simple ingredients. And with their bold flavors and aromas, they're sure to impress everyone at the table.

Pumpkin chickpea curry served with rice. — Pumpkin Chickpea Curry. Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Chana Pulao (Chickpea Pilaf)

Chickpea pulao served with raita and onion slices. — Chickpea Pulao. Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Instant Pot Chickpea Pulao is a quick and flavorful one-pot dish that combines tender chickpeas with aromatic spices and fragrant basmati rice. With the convenience of the Instant Pot, this vegan and gluten-free recipe is ready in no time, offering a wholesome and satisfying meal option.

Get the recipe: Chana Pulao.

Pumpkin Chickpea Curry

Enjoy warm and aromatic flavors of Pumpkin Chickpea Curry, cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot! This hearty dish combines the earthy sweetness of pumpkin with the rich creaminess of chickpeas and a blend of spices. Ready in a flash, it's the ideal comfort food for cozy Fall evenings.

Get the recipe: Pumpkin Chickpea Curry.

Chana Palak (Chickpea Spinach Curry)

Chickpea spinach curry served in a white bowl. — Chana Palak. Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Hearty and easy-to-make chana palak or chickpea spinach curry made with chickpea, spinach, and spices. The recipe I am sharing here is made without onion or garlic, yet it is super delicious and flavorful. It is ready in 20 minutes and can be paired with rice or roti.

Get the recipe: Chickpea Spinach Curry.

Chana Chaat (Chickpea Salad)

Two bowls of chana chaat on marble surface. — Chana Chaat. Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

When you think about an Indian chickpea dish, you will think about a curry. Well, here is a chickpea dish that is not curry! Chana aloo chaat is a tangy, spicy, and refreshing chickpea salad made with canned chickpeas, veggies, spices, and lip-smacking chutneys.

Get the recipe: Chana Chaat.

Roasted Masala Chickpeas

Masala roasted chickpeas in a glass jar. — Masala Roasted Chickpeas. Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Enjoy the irresistible flavor of spicy roasted chickpeas prepared in an air fryer. With a blend of aromatic spices, these air fryer masala chickpeas have a crispy texture and are ready in under 20 minutes.

Get the recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Chickpeas.

Indian-style Quinoa Soup with Chickpeas

Quinoa chickpea soup in a bowl. — Quinoa Soup with Chickpeas. Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

This vegetable quinoa soup is a hearty and delightful dish that can be enjoyed throughout the year. Loaded with chickpeas, a medley of vegetables, and warming spices, this Indian-style quinoa soup is a true crowd-pleaser.

Get the recipe: Quinoa Soup.

Kala Chana Curry / Black Chickpea Curry

Kala chana curry served with rice. — Kala Chana Curry. Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Delicious kala chana curry is made using black chickpeas and a blend of aromatic spices. This one-pot dish can be made using pantry staples that are easy to find, making it a perfect choice for a simple weeknight dinner or a tasty lunch option.

Get the recipe: Kala Chana Curry.

Sookha Chana (Black Chickpea Dry Curry)

Sookhe chanay served with poori. — Sookha Chana. Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Sookhe chane, also known as "dry chana," is a popular North Indian dish made with black chickpeas that are cooked with a blend of aromatic spices. The result is a flavorful, slightly spicy, and delightfully textured dish that's enjoyed as a snack or side dish.

Get the recipe: Sookhe Chaney.

Kala Chana Chaat / Black Chickpea Salad

Kala chana chaat served in a blue bowl. — Kala Chana Chaat. Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Kala chana chaat is a filling salad made using black chickpeas, fresh veggies, herbs, and aromatic spices. This tangy and spicy salad is a burst of bold and complex flavors, is made without any oil, and is naturally gluten-free and vegan.

Get the recipe: Kala Chana Chaat.