BRAISED BROWN CHICKPEAS – KADLE

This Indian Dessert Recipe Serves 2-4

Braised Brown Chickpeas – Kadle as most of us South African’s know it is synonymous with prayers of the Indian culture.

Growing up & being a part of the Hindu background, this dish used to be accompanied with sweet rice as they pair well together. Sometimes, it is just made as a snack but often prepared for traditional prayers which Porridge Prayers, Fasting Prayers, Lakshmi Prayers & ‘Dead Peoples Prayers’.

Kadle is best prepared using dried brown chickpeas which can be found at local South African spice stores.

Braised Brown Chickpeas – Kadle Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown chickpeas
  
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion
• ½ teaspoon mustard seeds
• 3 dried chilies
• 1 sprig curry leaves
• water as needed

Method:

1. 1. Firstly, place the dried brown chickpeas into a bowl.
   2. 
   3. Give the chickpeas a rinse.
   4. 
   5. Cover with water.
   6. 
   7. Cover the bowl with a lid & allow the chickpeas to soak overnight.
   8. 
   9. The next day, the chickpeas should be swelled.
   10. 
   11. On medium heat, add the soaked chickpeas to a pot.
   12. 
   13. Cover with water & add in the salt.
   14. 
   15. Give it a mix.
   16. 
   17. Allow the chickpeas to boil until soft but not mushy. Add water if necessary whilst boiling. The boiling process took about 50 minutes.
   18. 
   19. Once the chickpeas are soft, remove from heat.
   20. 
   21. Strain the pot of chickpeas in a colander & set aside.
   22. 
   23. Peel & chop the onion.
   24. 
   25. Heat the vegetable oil in a pot on medium heat. Add in the chopped onion, mustard seeds, dried chilies & the curry leaves.
   26. 
   27. Mix well & allow to simmer until the onions are slightly browned.
   28. 
   29. Thereafter, add in the boiled chickpeas.
   30. 
   31. Gently mix, combining all the ingredients.
   32. 
   33. Allow to fry for 10 minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally so that it does not burn.
   34. 
   35. After 10 minutes, turn off the heat.
   36. 
   37. Plate & serve this Braised Brown Chickpeas – Kadle.
   38. 
   39. 
   40. Goes best with South African Sweet Rice.
   41.