CELEBRITY MASTER CHEF DR KAVIRAJ KHIALANI
There are very few ingredients that effortlessly combine nutrition, flavour, comfort and culinary creativity quite like the humble Chickpea. Known popularly as Kabuli Chana in India and Garbanzo Beans in Spanish cuisine, chickpeas have travelled across centuries and continents to become one of the world’s most loved superfoods.
Celebrity Master Chef Kaviraj Khialani describes chickpeas as a timeless ingredient that beautifully blends tradition with modern healthy eating trends.
- Chickpea remains one of the world’s oldest and most nutritious superfoods packed with protein and fibre
- From Amritsari chhole kulche to Mediterranean dips and salads, chickpeas continue to dominate global kitchens
- Celebrity Master Chef Kaviraj Khialani highlights the versatility and health benefits of Kabuli Chana
- Chickpeas gaining popularity among health-conscious consumers seeking plant-based, protein-rich and wholesome meals
A Global Ingredient with Ancient Roots
Belonging to the legume family, chickpeas are among the earliest cultivated crops in human history and are believed to have originated in the Middle East before spreading globally.
Today, they are an integral part of:
- Indian cuisine
- Mediterranean dishes
- Middle Eastern delicacies
- Spanish recipes
- Modern vegan and fitness diets
Rich in protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals, chickpeas have become increasingly popular among people looking for wholesome, plant-based nutrition.
India’s Everlasting Love Affair with Chhole
In the Indian subcontinent, chickpeas hold a special emotional and culinary connection.
Whether served as spicy Punjabi-style chhole, tangy chaats or comforting home-cooked curries, Kabuli Chana remains a staple ingredient across households and street food culture.
Chef Kaviraj Khialani says some of the most unforgettable chickpea experiences come straight from India’s bustling streets.
Among his favourites are:
- Aloo tikki chhole chaat
- Dhaba-style chhole kulche
- Amritsari street-side chhole
- Rich North Indian gravies
- Fusion chickpea salads and dips
The iconic combination of spicy chhole with soft kulchas continues to be one of North India’s most celebrated comfort foods.
More Than Just Curry: Chickpeas Go Global
Beyond traditional Indian dishes, chickpeas are now being reinvented in contemporary kitchens worldwide.
Modern chefs are increasingly using chickpeas in:
- Creamy hummus dips
- Mediterranean salads
- Healthy wraps
- Baked casseroles
- Protein bowls
- Stews and soups
- Gluten-free snacks
Their mild nutty flavour and versatility make them ideal for both traditional and experimental recipes.
A Superfood for the Modern Lifestyle
Health experts say chickpeas are emerging as a preferred ingredient among fitness enthusiasts, vegetarians and health-conscious consumers due to their:
- High protein content
- Digestive benefits
- Low glycaemic index
- Heart-friendly nutrition
- Long-lasting satiety
As global food trends continue shifting toward healthier and sustainable eating habits, the charismatic chickpea is proving that simple ingredients often leave the strongest culinary legacy.
Health Benefits of Chickpeas:
- They are a good source of fiber in our diets.
- Chickpeas boost the immunity in our body.
- They are rich in calcium and iron content.
- Chickpeas are heart healthy food.
- Helps in regulating hormonal changes.
- Provides a healthy glowing skin.
- Is good to have in order to keep blood pressure in control.
- Chickpeas increases satiety value in our body
- They are also considered good for a weight loss diet.
- Chickpeas are an excellent source of vegetarian proteins.
- They are widely used in vegan diets and are energizing as well.
- Chickpeas are very rich in minerals as well and are nourishing for our system.
Culinary Uses of Chickpeas:
- Also known as Kabuli chana it is significant in our Indian cuisine and very popular in our homes when it comes to chhole Chawal or Chhole Kulche or Bhature are an all-time favorite.
- Chana is also very popular to make cutlets, tikkis for snacks and koftas as well in rich creamy gravies.
- Kabuli chane wala pulao, chhole aur makhane ki biryani, chickpea pilaf rice, stir fried rice with chickpeas and greens are also some ways of using it.
- Chickpeas are also used to make dips like the most famous one being hummus from middle-eastern cuisine it is now also modified in several colors and flavors as well but the best one classic taste still remains.
- They are also good to add into salads as they make you feel full and add a good filler value as well into the bowl.
- Using it in the famous Indian Chaats has ever since been a weakness of many of us, the StreetSide stalls, food counters are so very mesmerizing with varieties of chickpeas being used, must try some nice mashed chick pea dahi bhallas for a change from the regulars.
- The Moroccan and Turkish cuisines also boast of chickpeas in their world famous delicacies called tajine with couscous in which chickpeas are a part of the stew in the tajine with meat/chicken and vegetables.
- Chickpeas mashed up spiced and added as a stuffing into a paratha also creates variety in parathas and is a feel good experience too.
- In some of the cuisines we also use them in stir fried forms as well a little olive oil, garlic, mint and some light seasonings toss the boiled chickpeas in it and add a splash of lime juice and a few crushed roasted peanuts have it like a in between meal snack.
- Kabuli chane with palak gravy, methi Lasooni chhole, the famous Bengali puries called loochies also go well with some nice chana masala.
- It is also grounded and its flour form also is useful in a number of recipes from thickening agent to adding binding and also taste and flavor in dough concepts where gluten can’t find its way.
Here are a few recipes with this charismatic ingredient:
NUTTY CHICKPEA DIP
Ingredients:
Boiled chickpeas- 1 cup
Garlic- 1 tsp chop
Olive oil- 2 tbsp.
Peanut butter-1 tbsp.
Salt and crushed black pepper to taste
Lime juice- 1 tbsp.
Chilled water- 2 -3 tbsp.
Tahini paste- 2 tbsp.
Mint leaves- 8-10 no.
Paprika powder- ¼ tsp
Chaat masala powder- ½ tsp
To serve with: crackers/ sticks of vegetables/ grilled skewers of chicken/ cottage cheese.
Method
- Prepare all the ingredients for the dip.
- In a food processor combine together all the ingredients and adding olive oil and chilled water blend to a smooth paste.
- Remove into a serving bowl, drizzle little olive oil, sprinkle a little paprika powder, chaat masala powder and few whole boiled chickpeas and some greens for garnish. Serve chilled with varieties as per choice.
FUSION CHICKPEA CHAAT
Ingredients:
Boiled chickpeas- 1 cup
Boiled groundnuts- ¼ cup
Blanched moong sprouts-1/2 cup
For the chaat:
Onions + tomatoes+ green chilies+ mint + coriander as desired.
Chaat masala- to taste
Salt to taste
Roasted crushed jeera powder-1/4 tsp
Lime juice- 1 tbsp.
Imli chutney- 2 tbsp.
Green mint and coriander chutney- 1 tbsp.
Mayonnaise- ¼ cup + chili sauce- 1 tsp + tomato ketchup -1 tsp- mix well.
Fried/roasted peanuts- 2 tbsp. for garnish.
Method
- Prepare all the ingredients for the fusion chana chaat.
- In a mixing bowl combine all the ingredients and toss the chana chaat.
- Arrange on a serving plate and top with a drizzling of the mayo mixture and serve chilled.
- As an additional variety add slices of chicken tikka, seekh kababs, boiled eggs, sliced chicken sausages etc.
ASIAN CHICKPEA STEW
Ingredients:
Boiled chickpeas- 1 cup
Boiled rajma-1/4 cup
Oil- 1 tbsp.
Butter-1 tsp
Bayleaf-2 no
Peppercorns-4-5
Garlic- 1 tsp chop
Onion- 1 med size chop
Tomato puree-1 cup
Salt and pepper to taste
Mixed herbs- ½ tsp
Chili flakes-1/2 tsp
Potato cubes- ½ cup
Carrots-1/4 cup cubes
Green peas/ French beans/capsicums/corn as desired.
Peanut butter- 1 tbsp. mixed with ¼ cup warm water + 1 tsp soy sauce.
Water/veg stock- 2-3 cups
Raisins/cashews/almonds- 2 tbsp.
Coriander and mint leaves- 1 tbsp. chop for garnish.
For non-veg- chicken cubes/ mutton pieces/ prawns.
Method
- Prepare all the ingredients for the stew.
- Heat oil and butter and add in the Bayleaf, peppercorns, garlic and onion and saute for 15-30 seconds.
- Add in the tomato and all seasonings and herbs, add a little all spice or garam masala powder if desired.
- Add in the vegetables of our choice and chickpeas and rajma and saute all well add water or stock, allow to simmer for 10-15 mins, finally add in the peanut butter mixture and stir well, cook for 5 mins.
- Serve hot garnished with greens and serve along with brown rice or assorted breads.
MARINATED CHICKPEA AND QUINOA SALAD
Ingredients:
Boiled chickpeas- 1 cup
Cooked quinoa-1/2 cup
For the marination:
Olive oil-2 tbsp.
Mustard paste-1/2 tsp
Chili sauce-1 tsp
Salt and crushed black pepper to taste
Herbs like fresh basil/oregano/thyme/parsley- 1 tsp
Chaat masala-1/2 tsp
Roasted crushed cumin powder-1/4 tsp
Lime juice- 2 tbsp.
White vinegar-1 tsp
Sugar-1/2 tsp
To Add to the Salad: sliced chicken sausages/ boiled cubes of eggs/ saute prawns/ cucumber dices/ cherry tomatoes/ cubes of bell peppers/ saute sliced mushrooms/ boiled American corn/ blanched broccoli/Babycorn etc. [ any choice to be used]
For the base of the salad:
Iceberg lettuce/ assorted greens for the base of the salad.
For the garnish of the salad:
Feta cheese/ black /green olives/ fresh micro greens/ parsley/ cherry tomatoes/ sunflower seeds/ flaxseeds.
Method
- Prepare the ingredients for the salad as listed.
- Marinate the chickpeas and keep aside for 15-20 mins.
- Toss the salad with the other choice of ingredients as per the list above and adjust seasonings.
- Create a base of the leaves on a serving plate or bowl, place the body and garnish appropriately and serve the salad chilled.
Celebrity Master Chef Dr Kaviraj Khialani is a Mumbai-based hotel-restaurant and food consultant. He is specialised in over 33 international cuisines and has quality experience with hotels and airlines as a part of his long journey of over two decades in his chosen field. Chef Kaviraj is a renowned author, academician, food designer, writer and has also been awarded several national awards and global recognitions for his talent & outstanding achievements. Besides having been featured on several food shows on ColorsTV and Star Plus he is a mentor, coach and guide to aspiring to be future chefs and hoteliers of tomorrow.
He can be contacted at twitter: @kaviraj_chef, Mobile: 91 9820939336. Mail: chefkaviraj249@gmail.com
