Kala Chana Masala/Black Chickpeas Curry In Instant Pot

Prep Time: 5min

Soak Time: 8hrs or Overnight

Cook Time: 40min
Total Time: 8hrs 45mins
Yield: 4-6 Servings

Ingredients

3/4 Cup Kala Chana/Black Chickpeas/Senagalu
1 Large Sized Onion, finely chopped
1 Medium Sized Tomato, chopped
1 Tspn Red Chilli Powder
1/4 Tspn Turmeric Powder
3/4 Tspn Gingergarlic Paste
1/2 Tspn Amchur Powder (optional)
1/2 Tspn Cumin Seeds
1/2 Tspn Mustard Seeds
Salt to Taste
1/4 Tspn Cumin(Jeera) Powder
1 Tspn Coriander(Dhania) Powder
1/2 Tspn Garam Masala Powder
2 Cups Water or add as needed
3 Tblspn Cilantro(Kothmir) Leaves
Few Curry Leaves
2 Tblspn Oil

Directions

• Soak kala chana in enough water for 8 hours or overnight & drain.

• Press SAUTE mode(3 times) on instant pot to MORE. 

• Once its hot add oil. Once oil is hot enough; add cumin seeds, mustard seeds & let them splutter. Add chopped onion & saute until they turn translucent.

• Add curry leaves & saute until they turn crisp.
• Add gingergarlic paste & saute for a minute. Now add red chilli powder, salt, turmeric powder, coriander powder, garam masala powder, cumin powder, amchur powder & saute for a minute.

• Add chopped tomato & cook until they turn soft & mushy.

• Add cilantro leaves & mix. 

• Add soaked kala chana & saute for 1-2 minutes.

• Add 2 cups of water or add as needed (black chickpeas must be completely immersed in water) & mix. 

• Press CANCEL button on instant pot.
• Properly close the lid & turn the valve from VENTING to SEALING position.
• Press BEAN/CHILLI mode (HIGH Pressure) on instant pot & timer automatically sets to 30 minutes.

• Once its done; allow the pressure to release naturally (approximately 10 minutes) & press CANCEL button. 

• Carefully turn the valve to VENTING position & open the lid.
• If the gravy is too watery just press the SAUTE mode(3 times) on instant pot to MORE & cook till you reach desired consistency of the gravy by stirring occasionally. 

• You can also mash few kala chana with a masher for thicker gravy. Once the gravy thickens press CANCEL mode on instant pot & transfer to a bowl.
• Serve kala chana masala with roti or tandoori roti or garlic butter naan.

Note: Just follow the same steps if using a pressure cooker & cook for 7-8 whistles on a medium flame.