Diabetes support15 min
Boiled Brown Chana Chaat with Onion and Lemon
A small bowl of boiled kala chana with onion, tomato and lemon, with no sev or chutney sugar. A fibre-and-protein evening snack.
A snack of chana and lemon
Kala chana, or brown chickpea, is a simple pulse high in fibre and protein. Boiled and tossed with onion, tomato and lemon, it makes a satisfying chaat without the sev and sweet chutney that turn it into a calorie bomb. It is a food idea, not a treatment for blood sugar.
Soak the chana overnight and boil it well until soft. Chana can cause gas if you are new to pulses, so begin with a small bowl. If you manage kidney problems or take diabetes medicine, ask your doctor about portions.
Ingredients
- 1 cup boiled kala chana
- Chopped onion, tomato, coriander and lemon juice
- A pinch of roasted cumin and black salt
How to prepare
- Soak chana overnight, then boil until soft and let cool.
- Toss with onion, tomato, lemon, cumin and black salt.
How to use
- Eat one small bowl as an evening snack.
- Sip water between bites.
Helpful habits
- Add cucumber for crunch.
- Skip sev, papdi and sweet chutney.
Precautions
- Begin with a small bowl if you are new to pulses, since they can cause gas.
- Ask a doctor about portions if you have kidney problems or take diabetes medicine.
- A snack, not a treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Is chana good for diabetes?
- It is a fibre-rich food that fits many plans, but it is not a treatment.
Can I use canned chana?
- Rinse it well and watch the salt.
Does chana cause gas?
- It can. Start small and chew well.
