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    You are here: Home / RandomPosts / Kadala Curry Recipe

    Kadala Curry Recipe

    Last Updated On: Jan 22, 2025 by Sharmilee J

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    Kadala Curry is a aromatic, flavorful gravy made by cooking black chana along with coconut, onion, tomato, tempered spices and herbs. Kadala Curry is a popular Kerala side dish relished as an accompaniment for Puttu and can be had with Aapam, Idiyappam etc. Learn to make Kadala Curry with step by step pictures and video.

    kadala curry in a ladle

    Puttu Kadala Curry is one of my most favorite Kerala breakfast recipes. My search for a perfect Kerala Kadala Curry Recipe which comes close to the one tasted at Kerala finally ends here. Yes I have tried many versions and when I was on a casual talk with my friend who is from Kerala, she gave me this recipe and it came out pretty close to the one I tasted at Kerala so this has become my keeper recipe since few years.

    About Kadala Curry

    Kadala Curry – Kadala is black channa and a curry made with it is called Kadala Curry as it is popularly known in Kerala. Kadala Curry is traditionally served with Puttu or Aapam or Idiyappam. Chickpeas or Chana as it is locally called is rich in fiber and has all nutrients.

    Traditional Kadala Curry is made by making a Kerala style garam masala roasting coconut until reddish brown then making a paste with it and add it to tempered items along with cooked chana.

    Other than Puttu, Aapam, Idiyappam you can also serve Kadala Curry with idli, dosa, rice, chapati etc. There are many variations of this Kadala Curry some use coconut milk, some make it very simple without roasting ingredients, some do not use coconut at all. This traditional kadala curry recipe was shared to me by my friend and I loosely adapted it to suit our taste and preference.

    kadala curry in a ladle

    Kadala Curry Video

    Kadala Curry Ingredients

    • Black Chickpeas – Black Chana is traditionally used for kadala curry in Kerala.
    • Coconut – Coconut is the main ingredient to be used here like any other Kerala dish.
    • Spices – Whole spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves are used.
    • Oil – Coconut oil is the best to use. However you can use regular cooking oil too.
    • Tempering – A basic tempering or tadka is made using coconut oil, mustard seeds, curry leaves, red chilies and small onion.
    • Spice powders – Turmeric powder, red chili powder and coriander powder is used.
    • Others – Garlic, ginger and green chilies are also used.
    ingredients needed to make kadala curry

    Similar Recipes

    • Idiyappam
    • Puttu
    • Health mix puttu
    • Ragi puttu
    • Bajra puttu

    How to make Kadala Curry Step by Step

    1.Soak 1 cup black channa in water for 8 hours or overnight.

    soak black chana in water

    2.I usually soak overnight. After 8 hours rinse it well at least twice.

    soak overnight

    3.Add it to pressure cooker along with 2 cups water, salt and 1/8 teaspoon turmeric powder.

    pressure cook with salt, turmeric powder and water

    5.Pressure cook for 6 whistles or until chana becomes soft. Switch off and let pressure release by itself.

    pressure cook for 6 whistles

    6.Open and check by pressing it should be soft and easily mashable. Set it aside.

    mash to check

    7.To a fry pan add 1 teaspoon coconut oil then add 1/2 cup grated coconut. Start roasting in low flame.

    fry coconut

    8.Roast until reddish brown it will take at least 7-10 minutes. Transfer to a bowl, set it aside.

    fry until  reddish brown

    9.Now to the same fry pan add 1 teaspoon fennel seeds, two 1 inch cinnamon, 2 cloves, 4 strands mace and 1/2 teaspoon whole pepper.

    add whole spices

    10.Roast until aromatic and golden.

    fry until aromatic

    11.Now add 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 heaped teaspoon red chili powder and 1.5 teaspoon coriander powder. Quickly roast it and switch it off.

    add spice powders

    12.Add 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg.

    add grated nutmeg

    13.Give a quick mix and remove from flame.

    give a quick mix

    14.Transfer to the same bowl and cool down completely.

    remove to a bowl

    15.Add little water and grind it to a fine paste and set it aside.

    grind to a paste

    16.To a claypot add 2 tablespoon coconut oil. Once heated add 1 teaspoon garlic finely chopped, 1/2 teaspoon ginger finely chopped, 1 green chilli finely chopped. Give a quick saute.

    temper the items

    17.Add 1 sliced big onion along with salt. Saute until golden.

    saute onion

    18.Add 2 tomatoes finely chopped.

    add tomatoes

    19.Saute until tomatoes raw smell leaves and it turns mushy.

    saute until mushy

    20.Add the grind paste along with 1/4 cup rinsed water.

    add grind paste

    21.Give a quick mix and let it cook for 2 minutes. We need not cook for long as its precooked.

    cook for 2 minutes

    22.Add cooked chana along with cooked water.

    add cooked chana, water

    23.Mix it until well combined and adjust salt at this stage.

    mix it well

    24.Let it boil for few minutes until oil separates.

    boil for few minutes

    25.Meanwhile we can prepare the tadka : Heat 2 teaspoon coconut oil – add 1 teaspoon mustard seeds, let it splutter. Add few curry leaves, 2 red chilies and 1/3 cup sliced small onion.

    saute the items

    26.Fry until onions turn golden. Switch off and remove.

    fry until golden

    27.Add tadka to the boiling curry.

    add tadka

    28.Give a quick mix and switch off. As its claypot it is still boiling even after switching off.

    boil well

    29.The curry tends to thicken with time so switch off accordingly.

    switch off

    30.Delicious kadala curry is ready.

    kadala curry is ready

    Serve Kadala Curry with Puttu or Idiyappam or Aapam.

    kadala curry in a kadai

    Expert Tips

    • Make sure you dry roast coconut to reddish brown. Also after the spice powders are added do not burn.
    • You can even replace small onion with big onion while tempering.
    • Pressure cook chana until soft depends on the variety of chana.
    • You can even add 1/2 cup coconut milk for great flavor in that case reduce coconut.

    Serving and Storage

    Kadala Curry can be served with puttu etc. This curry keeps well in fridge for 2 days, reheat and serve it.

    FAQS

    1.Can I replace black chana with white chana?

    Yes you replace black chana or chickpeas with white chickepeas however traditionally black chickpeas is used for Kadala Curry in Kerala.

    2.What is Kadala Curry made of?

    Kadala Curry made using black chana along with coconut, onion, tomato, tempered spices and herbs.

    kadala curry in a kadai

    If you have any more questions about this Kadala Curry Recipe do mail me at sharmispassions@gmail.com. In addition, follow me on Instagram, Facebook,  Pinterest, Youtube and Twitter .

    Tried this Kadala Curry Recipe? Do let me know how you liked it. Also tag us on Instagram @sharmispassions and hash tag it on #sharmispassions.

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    Kadala Curry Recipe | Kerala Kadala Curry

    Kadala Curry is a aromatic, flavorful gravy made by cooking black chana along with coconut, onion, tomato, tempered spices and herbs. Kadala Curry is a popular Kerala side dish relished as an accompaniment for Puttu and can be had with Aapam, Idiyappam etc. Learn to make Kadala Curry with step by step pictures and video.
    Prep Time10 minutes mins
    Cook Time20 minutes mins
    Soaking Time8 hours hrs
    Total Time8 hours hrs 30 minutes mins
    Servings2
    AuthorSharmilee J

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup black channa
    • 1/8 teaspoon turmeric powder
    • 2 cups water + water as needed
    • salt to taste

    To roast and grind

    • 1 teaspoon coconut oil
    • 1/2 cup coconut tightly packed
    • 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
    • two 1 inch cinnamon
    • 2 cloves
    • 4 strands mace
    • 1/2 teaspoon whole pepper
    • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
    • 1 heaped teaspoon red chilli powder
    • 1.5 teaspoon coriander powder
    • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg grated

    To temper:

    • 1 teaspoon coconut oil
    • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
    • few curry leaves
    • 2 small red chillies
    • 1/3 cup small onion sliced

    Others

    • 2 tablespoon coconut oil
    • 1 teaspoon garlic (finely chopped)
    • 1/2 teaspoon ginger (finely chopped)
    • 1 big sized onion sliced
    • 1 green chilli (finely chopped)
    • 2 medium sized tomatoes (finely chopped)

    Instructions

    • Soak 1 cup black channa in water for 8 hours or overnight.
    • I usually soak overnight. After 8 hours rinse it well atleast twice.
    • Add it to pressure cooker along with 2 cups water, salt and 1/8 teaspoon turmeric powder.
    • Pressure cook for 6 whistles or until chana becomes soft. Switch off and let pressure release by itself.
    • Open and check by pressing it should be soft and easily mashable. Set it aside.
    • To a fry pan add 1 teaspoon coconut oil then add 1/2 cup grated coconut. Start roasting in low flame.
    • Roast until reddish brown it will take atleast 7-10 mins. Transfer to a bowl, set it aside.
    • Now to the same fry pan add 1 teaspoon fennel seeds, two 1 inch cinnamon, 2 cloves, 4 strands mace and 1/2 teaspoon whole pepper.
    • Roast until aromatic and golden.
    • Now add 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 heaped teaspoon red chilli powder and 1.5 teaspoon coriander powder. Quickly roast it and switch it off.
    • Add 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg.
    • Give a quick mix and remove from flame.
    • Transfer to the same bowl and cool down completely.
    • Add little water and grind it to a fine paste and set it aside.
    • To a claypot add 2 tablespoon coconut oil. Once heated add 1 teaspoon garlic finely chopped, 1/2 teaspoon ginger finely chopped, 1 green chilli finely chopped. Give a quick saute.
    • Add 1 sliced big onion along with salt. Saute until golden.
    • Add 2 tomatoes finely chopped.
    • Saute until tomatoes raw smell leaves and it turns mushy.
    • Add the grinded paste along with 1/4 cup rinsed water.
    • Give a quick mix and let it cook for 2 mins. We need not cook for long as its precooked.
    • Add cooked chana along with cooked water.
    • Mix it until well combined and Adjust salt at this stage.
    • Let it boil for few mins until oil separates.
    • Meanwhile we can prepare the tadka : Heat 2 teaspoon coconut oil – add 1 teaspoon mustard seeds, let it splutter. Add few curry leaves, 2 red chillies and 1/3 cup sliced small onion.
    • Fry until onions turn golden. Switch off and remove.
    • Add tadka to the boiling curry.
    • Give a quick mix and switch off. As its claypot it is still boiling even after switching off.
    • The curry tends to thicken with time so switch off accordingly.
    • Delicious Kadala Curry is ready.
    • Serve Kadala Curry with Puttu or Idiyappam or Aapam.

    Video

    Notes

    • Make sure you dry roast coconut to reddish brown. Also after the spice powders are added quickly roast and switch off as they might get burnt easily.
    • You can even replace small onion with big onion while tempering.
    • Pressure cook chana until soft depends on the variety of chana.
    • You can even saute onion, tomato until mushy and add it to ingredients while grinding to a paste.
    • You can even add 1/2 cup coconut milk for great flavour in that case reduce coconut.
    Nutrition Facts
    Kadala Curry Recipe | Kerala Kadala Curry
    Amount Per Serving (100 g)
    Calories 478 Calories from Fat 153
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 17g26%
    Saturated Fat 7g44%
    Trans Fat 0.03g
    Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
    Monounsaturated Fat 5g
    Sodium 1977mg86%
    Potassium 817mg23%
    Carbohydrates 72g24%
    Fiber 26g108%
    Sugar 15g17%
    Protein 16g32%
    Vitamin A 1873IU37%
    Vitamin C 154mg187%
    Calcium 230mg23%
    Iron 6mg33%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Tried this recipe?Mention @sharmispassions or tag #sharmispassions
    Like our video?Subscribe to our youtube channel to get latest updates!

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    Filed Under: Breakfast Ideas, Kerala Special, Other Breakfast Recipes, RandomPosts, Recently Updated

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. AparnaRajeshkumar

      August 05, 2013 at 11:35 am

      sharmi ! feel bad that u took the issue so seriously ! Life has up and down Do not worry ! if something comes down Be happy because u are going to learn ! as well as u are going to get a good thing ! Life has to go on right ? health , happiness and family are our priority ! Pls Come back with Bang ! i am sure and wish and pray for your all good things ! Hugs !

      Reply
    2. Aarthi

      August 05, 2013 at 11:42 am

      This looks so yum, i have never tried this combo.Should try soon.

      Reply
    3. Veena Theagarajan

      August 05, 2013 at 12:04 pm

      looks so yum! I love this.. Nothing more important than family and health.. All is well! Whatever happens is good for us.. Everything will be back to normal soon.. All the best.. take your time to settle the issues.. Take care

      Reply
    4. Sowmya

      August 05, 2013 at 12:08 pm

      All your recipes are great and I learnt so many recipes from you more than from my mother. I really appreciate your dedication towards cooking and wish to continue many years. Thanks a lot…..

      Reply
    5. Ramya Narayanan

      August 05, 2013 at 12:23 pm

      U know what… Cooking should be in such a way that ,it inspires others to cook. Ur cooking with the lovely presentation and clicks will inspire anyone to cook… Great work….!!.. luv ur blog…

      Reply
      • Unknown

        March 21, 2014 at 8:56 am

        U r correct.I was inspired by my mother-in-law and inspired many if my friends.

        Reply
    6. Priya Suresh

      August 05, 2013 at 12:57 pm

      Love to finish that whole plate rite now,irresistible curry too.

      Reply
    7. Shanthi

      August 05, 2013 at 1:20 pm

      lovely recipe..very tempting… Every problem has its own solution…relax first and then think about the problem…you will definitely get right solution…life is to enjoy not to feel about problems…cool..

      Reply
    8. lekshmy natarajan

      August 05, 2013 at 2:39 pm

      Heyyy Sharmi..I am a puttu kadala fan myself..n ur pics look AWESONE..n dont worry..whatever issues u have with ur site..will get ok soon..coz u r doing a great deal of good and hard work here…so neither can we nor can u afford to see any damage happening to his wonderful blog..GOOD LUCK..GOOD GOING..CHEEEEEERS!!!!!!!

      Reply
    9. Zareena

      August 05, 2013 at 4:07 pm

      Putti pappadam mandala curry is a great combination which my husband likes a lot. Nice snaps Sharmi…

      Reply
    10. Srimathi Mani

      August 05, 2013 at 5:14 pm

      Sharmi, this blog is important, but not as important as your peace. This problem you face too shall pass. So hang in there.

      Reply
    11. Suja Manoj

      August 05, 2013 at 5:22 pm

      My favorite breakfast,yummy..

      Reply
    12. sujatha umesh

      August 05, 2013 at 5:46 pm

      hello sharmi….hope u find a solution to ur problem…….u have a great blog….keep going….:)

      Reply
    13. Vimitha Anand

      August 05, 2013 at 6:27 pm

      Everything are passing clouds… life wil be back to normal soon. dont worry. TC.. This combo is my favorite… missing it

      Reply
    14. manjooo

      August 05, 2013 at 7:41 pm

      At my in-laws place in North Kerala, they prepare the kadala curry this way. And we have along with neer dosa…Just feel like making this soon..thanks for this recipe
      long way to go lady…u always get motivated over here…so keep posting…god bless

      Reply
    15. mymoon raheema

      August 05, 2013 at 7:44 pm

      Oh my god..I was searching for good kadala curry since a year….finally I got it.Thank u soo much akka for dis wonderful receipe.will gve a try soon.
      Akka dont worry for anything,If some things wont work means,it is d tym for rest.I usually think like dis….funnyyy?
      Just b cool akka,everythng will b alright.
      I love the way of ur cooking and presentations….u always rockssssssss

      Reply
      • Sundari

        August 06, 2013 at 9:45 am

        Hope to see your next post coming up soon with the message saying that the issue is resolved.. Good Luck Sharmi !!

        Reply
    16. Raks anand

      August 06, 2013 at 8:56 am

      Love the deep reddish colour of the curry. Lovely pictures 🙂
      I have said this to you personally, still, dont worry its gonna work 🙂

      Reply
    17. Bhumi Jayalakshmi

      August 06, 2013 at 9:36 am

      Wow akka! Beautiful click! I just want to take that away and run! 😛
      Will surely try this! You are my inspiration, to start a blog as well as to cook! 🙂

      howdypancakes.blogspot.

      Reply
    18. Jayanthi Padmanabhan

      August 06, 2013 at 9:58 am

      Kamal says in Vettayadu Villayadu "Everything will be fine tomorrow. That's what I tell myself everyday." I love that dialogue. Keep the faith. Such hard work and dedication never fails. Wish you good luck in all your efforts.

      Reply
      • Swapna

        August 07, 2013 at 10:28 am

        but what happened to Sharmi..plz can somebody share..

        Reply
      • SHARMILEE J

        August 07, 2013 at 10:45 am

        Swapna, nothing serious just a small issue with a site made me go nuts…now I am ok 🙂

        Reply
      • Swapna

        August 08, 2013 at 8:06 am

        ok dont worry ,be happy and share us ur mouthwatering dishes…

        Reply
    19. Nanthini Subash anandan

      November 09, 2013 at 3:29 pm

      I tried this out today and it turned out to be perfect.. I can proudly say "this is the best kadala curry i ever made". Thanks for the wonderful recipe.. The picture is so appetizing!! 🙂

      Reply
    20. subin joseph

      January 05, 2014 at 6:33 pm

      your mode of presentation is superb with step by step pics

      Reply
    21. Sarah David

      January 22, 2014 at 7:26 am

      thank u so much for this recipe. the step by step pictures really help!

      Reply
    22. priya Govindaraj

      February 23, 2014 at 9:10 am

      Sharmi, your recipes are great! Good job

      Reply
    23. Jyothi Chhabria

      February 27, 2014 at 7:56 pm

      made this y'day and it was awesome. thank you for sharing the perfect kadala curry.

      Reply
    24. Umesh Gopalakrishnan

      April 15, 2014 at 7:23 pm

      Awesome recipe. The aroma of fried coriander makes it even more delicious. Thank you

      Reply
    25. aasubram

      May 21, 2014 at 12:34 pm

      Hi Sharmis,

      I have been following your site for quiet sometime now. Tried this recipe and it tasted awesome. I jst drank the curry without the rotis 😀 thanks for the wonderful recipe and perfect measurements 🙂

      Reply
    26. Ponnambily Jobin

      December 04, 2014 at 3:51 pm

      Hi Sharmi,

      While going through the posted comments above, I understood that you might have gone through some issues. Nonetheless, I would like to tell you that I am a regular visitor of your site and very fond of you and your dishes.Please continue it….Do not stop it…..

      ammuskitchenmenus.blogspot.com

      Reply
    27. Neeraja Swetha

      November 14, 2015 at 5:56 am

      Hi Sharmi, I have tried this recipe and had it with Appam. It tasted so good. Thanks

      Reply
    28. Jamila M.K

      December 27, 2015 at 6:51 am

      Thanks for posting this recipe.I t came out very well.pearl onion used in tadka enhances the flavor.I prepared the entire dish using coconut oil and it was awesome.. Thanks again

      Reply
    29. ManjuBala

      June 27, 2017 at 1:28 pm

      Hi Sharmi,
      I have tried many other recepies from your website. And today i have tried Kadala curry. It turned out so tasty, yummy.
      Thank you sharmi.
      I really love authentic taste of our dishes and To get ideas of authentic taste of tamil nadu dishes, should get through your website.
      Awesome work sharmi.

      Thank you.

      Reply
    30. Priya

      May 27, 2020 at 7:47 am

      Our family loves appam with this kerela kadalai curry recipe… Thank you for the recipe

      Reply
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