Hara Chana (green gram)

Fresh hara chana is one of the most delicious and yet simple sabji. The fresh hara chana you get in Bihar is so tender and sweet that you can have it just like that. I still remember the aroma of chana sabji that my mom used to make during the time of holi. She also made pakoras with the chana, especially on the day of Holika Dahan to be offered to Agni. But here in the west, you can only find frozen chanas, so here is the recipe for that.

Ingredients:

1 packet frozen Lila Chana (or green gram, get the Vadilal brand)
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
A pinch of asafoetida (heeng)
2 green chillies chopped
1 medium sized onion chopped
1 tsp ginger grated
2 cloves garlic grated
1 medium sized tomato chopped
1 tbsp coriander powder
1/2 tsp red chilli powder
1/2 tsp dried mango powder (amchur)
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1/2 tsp roasted cumin powder
1/2 tsp garam masala powder
1/4 cup fresh coriander leaves
Salt to taste
Oil

Directions:

I generally use pressure cooker to cook the chana as it cooks fast. Wash green chana in water a couple of times and leave it in water so it defrosts. Heat oil, add cumin seeds, asafoetida, and green chilli. When the seeds start to crackle add onions, cover and cook on medium flame until golden brown. Add ginger and garlic, saute it for for a few seconds. Mix the spices - turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chilli powder, dried mango powder, roasted cumin powder, and garam masala powder in a little water and make a paste. Add it to the cooker, then saute it for few seconds. Add tomato, cover and cook till it is soft. Add chana, salt and mix it well. Close the pressure cooker and wait till it whistles 4-5 times. When the pressure is released, open the pressure cooker and add fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot with paratha or rice.