Green chana, also known as hara chana or green chickpeas, is the fresh and immature form of chickpeas. Farmers harvest it before the seeds dry and turn brown. Because of early harvesting, the grains remain soft, tender, and slightly sweet.
Unlike dried chana, green chana does not require long soaking. It cooks quickly and tastes fresher. Many people enjoy it raw, roasted, or cooked during the winter months.
In many parts of India, green chana is closely linked with winter traditions. People often roast fresh pods on an open fire or cook simple homemade dishes.
What Exactly is Green Chana
Green chana is a legume obtained from the chickpea plant. It is the same crop that later becomes brown or black dried chickpeas.
Fresh green chana has:
- Bright green colour
- Soft texture
- Nutty and slightly sweet taste
- Thin outer skin
It looks similar to green peas but has a firmer texture and richer flavour.
Green chana provides protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Therefore, it is considered an excellent plant-based protein food.
When Green Chana is Found in the Market
Winter Season Availability
Green chana is a short-season crop and appears mainly in winter.
Typically, it is available from:
- December to February
- Sometimes until early March
Fresh green chana remains available for only 2 to 3 months each year, which makes it a special seasonal food.
In many states such as West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab, vendors sell green chana along with pods during peak winter.
Why It is Seasonal
Green chana belongs to the Rabi crop cycle, which farmers sow after the monsoon and harvest in winter.
Farmers pick green chana before the seeds dry into chickpeas. Since fresh chana spoils quickly, markets sell it only during harvest time.
Dried chickpeas remain available all year, but fresh green chana is strictly seasonal.
Taste and Cooking Characteristics
Green chana has a mild earthy sweetness. Many people compare its taste to green peas but richer and nuttier.
It cooks faster than dried chickpeas because it contains natural moisture.
You can use green chana in:
- Sabzi
- Chaat
- Pulao
- Paratha
- Curry
- Snacks
Nutritional Value of Green Chana
Green chana is rich in essential nutrients and plant protein.
Approximate Nutritional Value (100 g)
- Calories: 120–140 kcal
- Protein: 7–9 g
- Fiber: 5–7 g
- Carbohydrates: 18–22 g
- Fat: Very low
- Iron: Good source
- Folate: High
- Vitamin C: Present
- Calcium and magnesium: Moderate amount
Because of this nutrient profile, green chana helps:
- Build muscles
- Improve digestion
- Control blood sugar
- Support immunity
- Maintain steady energy
Delicious Recipes from Green Chana
Green Chana Masala
Ingredients
- 2 cups boiled green chana
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes pureed
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- ½ tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp red chilli powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp oil
- Coriander leaves
Method
Heat oil and add cumin seeds. Add onions and cook until golden. Add ginger-garlic paste and tomato puree. Cook until thick. Add spices and green chana. Cook for 10 minutes. Garnish with coriander.
Best served with roti or rice.
Green Chana Chaat
Ingredients
- 2 cups boiled green chana
- Onion chopped
- Tomato chopped
- Cucumber chopped
- Lemon juice
- Black salt
- Roasted cumin powder
- Coriander leaves
Method
Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Add lemon juice and spices. Toss well and serve fresh.
This recipe is light and refreshing.
Green Chana Pulao
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice
- 1 cup boiled green chana
- 1 onion sliced
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- Whole spices
- Salt
- 2 tbsp oil or ghee
Method
Heat oil and add spices. Add onion and sauté. Add rice and green chana. Add water and salt. Cook until rice is done.
This dish is filling and aromatic.
Green Chana Cutlets
Ingredients
- 2 cups boiled green chana
- 2 boiled potatoes
- 1 onion chopped
- Salt
- Garam masala
- Coriander leaves
- Bread crumbs
- Oil
Method
Mash chana and potatoes. Add spices and onion. Shape into patties. Coat with bread crumbs. Shallow fry until golden.
Serve hot with chutney.
Why You Should Eat Green Chana in Season
Seasonal foods usually taste better and offer higher freshness. Green chana remains softer and sweeter than dried chickpeas.
It is:
- High in plant protein
- Rich in fiber
- Low in fat
- Easy to digest
Eating green chana during winter supports immunity and overall health.
Green chana is one of the most loved winter foods in India. Its short market season makes it special. The fresh taste, high nutrition, and versatility make it worth including in your diet.
If you find green chana in the market during winter, make the most of the season. It is one of the healthiest and tastiest seasonal foods available.
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