Learn how to cook perfectly tender black chickpeas (kala chana) in an Instant Pot Pressure Cooker. You can cook them with or without soaking them ahead of time. Use them in salads, snacks, curries, rice dishes, or as a healthy side!
Black chickpeas, also known as kala chana, are a staple in Indian households. They are not only nutritious but also incredibly delicious. Just like my Instant Pot chickpeas, I cook black chickpeas the same way in the Instant Pot.
I prefer soaking black chickpeas before cooking them in a pressure cooker. However, if you forget to soak them in advance, this Instant Pot black chickpea recipe is a game-changer! I use the cooked black chana to pulao, kala chana chaat, kala chana curry, sundal, and more.
Jump to:
Black Chickpeas (Kala Chana)
Black Chickpeas are quite similar to traditional garbanzo beans, except they are smaller and can range in color from dark brown to black. It goes by several names, including Bengal gram, kala chana, and desi chana. They have a nutty taste and a firm texture, making them adaptable. You may sprout these as well.
How to Boil Black Chickpeas (Kala Chana) in Instant Pot
Soak Method:
Rinse 1 cup of dried black chickpeas and soak them in 2 cups of water in a large bowl for at least 6-8 hours or overnight. You can also quickly soak dried chickpeas in hot water if you don't have time.
Once ready to cook, drain the water and add the chickpeas into the Instant Pot bowl. Cover the soaked chickpeas with 2.5 cups of water along with some salt.
Close the Instant Pot with the pressure valve to Sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 15 minutes.
Once the pot beeps, let the pressure release naturally. Open the Lid.
Mash one black chickpea with your fingers to check the tenderness. Then, perfectly cooked Instant Pot black chickpeas are ready.
You can immediately use cooked chickpeas or refrigerate them for later use in an airtight container.
No-Soak Method:
Add the dried black chickpeas to the Instant Pot bowl. Cover with 5 cups of water along with some salt.
Close the Instant Pot with the pressure valve to Sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 35-40 minutes.
Once the pot beeps, let the pressure release naturally. Open the Lid
Take one black chickpea and mash it with your fingers to check the tenderness.
You can immediately use cooked chickpeas or refrigerate them for later use in an airtight container.
Tips for cooking Instant Pot Black Chickpeas
- Old black chickpeas take longer to cook: Usually, fresh chickpeas take less time to cook compared to old beans lying in the kitchen pantry.
- Organic chickpeas take longer to cook than regular chickpeas.
- Always try to quick-soak chickpeas in hot water for at least 3-4 hours, this will also reduce the cooking time.
More Instant Pot 101 Recipes
Instant Pot Black Chickpeas (Soak & No-Soak Method)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup black chickpeas (kala chana)
- 2 cups water for soaking
- 2 ½ cups water for cooking
- salt to taste
Instructions
Soaking Method
- Rinse 1 cup of dried black chickpeas and soak them in 2 cups of water in a large bowl for at least 6-8 hours or overnight. You can also quickly soak dried chickpeas in hot water if you don't have time.
- Once ready to cook, drain the water and add the chickpeas into the Instant Pot bowl. Cover the soaked chickpeas with 2.5 cups of water along with some salt.
- Close the Instant Pot with the pressure valve to Sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 15 minutes.Once the pot beeps, let the pressure release naturally. Open the Lid.
- Mash one black chickpea with your fingers to check the tenderness. Then, perfectly cooked Instant Pot black chickpeas are ready.You can immediately use cooked chickpeas or refrigerate them for later use in an airtight container.
No-Soak Method:
- Add the dried black chickpeas to the Instant Pot bowl. Cover with 5 cups of water along with some salt.
- Close the Instant Pot with the pressure valve to Sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 35-40 minutes.
- Once the pot beeps, let the pressure release naturally. Open the Lid
- Take one black chickpea and mash it with your fingers to check the tenderness.You can immediately use cooked chickpeas or refrigerate them for later use in an airtight container.
Nutrition
★ Like this recipe? FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Youtube for more quick & easy recipes.
Leave a Reply