Kadala Varuthathu ( Black Chick Peas Fry)

Things you will need:

Kadala/Black Chick Peas- 1 cup
Grated Coconut- 1/2 cup (I use the frozen kind)
Shallots( Pearl Onions)-8 or 10,finely chopped
Red Whole Chillies- 3 or 4
Coriander powder-2 tsp
Red Chilli Powder- 1 tsp
Black Pepper Powder- 1 tsp
Garam Masala Powder- 1 tsp
Turmeric Powder-1/2 tsp
Garlic 5 or 6 pods; chopped
Ginger- 1 inch piece; grated or finely chopped
Mustard Seeds -1 tsp
Cumin Seeds- 1 tsp
Curry Leaves- few
Coriander Leaves (Cilantro)- few chopped
Salt to taste
Oil- 2 tbsp; preferably Coconut oil

Preparation Method:

Soak black chick peas overnight.
Then, using a pressure cooker,cook the soaked chick peas along with salt and 1/4 tsp turmeric powder until they are soft.
This will take about 10 minutes.
Now heat the oil in a pan.
Add mustard seeds and red whole chillies and wait till the seeds splutter.
Now add cumin seeds,curry leaves, pearl onions(shallots),ginger and garlic, and saute on low-medium flame until the shallots turn light brown in color.
Then add coriander powder, turmeric powder,garam masala powder, black pepper and red chilli powder and saute till the raw smell is gone.
Now add the black chick peas (without the water that was used in the pressure cooker) and coconut, and mix well.
Add salt to taste and cook covered for 5 minutes on low flame.

Kadala Varuthathu ( Black Chick Peas Fry) is now ready and can be served with hot steamed rice and Mango Curry or Kanji (Rice Gruel).