What’s the ideal soaking time for black chickpeas?

Question

Discover the ideal soaking time for black chickpeas (kala chana). Learn how long to soak them for perfect texture and faster cooking.

Answer 1

The ideal soaking time for black chickpeas (kala chana) is 8-12 hours, or overnight, to ensure they cook evenly and reduce cooking time. Soaking also helps improve digestibility.

Detailed Explanation:

Soaking black chickpeas is a crucial step in preparing them for cooking. Here's why and how to do it properly:

1. Why Soak? Soaking softens the chickpeas, making them easier to cook and reducing the overall cooking time. It also helps to remove some of the indigestible sugars (oligosaccharides) that can cause bloating and gas.

2. Rinsing: Before soaking, rinse the black chickpeas thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris.

3. Soaking Process: Place the rinsed chickpeas in a large bowl and cover them with plenty of water. Use about 3 cups of water for every 1 cup of chickpeas, as they will absorb a significant amount of water during soaking.

4. Soaking Time: Soak the chickpeas for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight (10-12 hours). You'll notice they will have almost doubled in size.

5. Draining and Rinsing Again: After soaking, drain the chickpeas and rinse them again under cold water before cooking. This helps to remove any remaining impurities.

Pro Tip:

If you're short on time, you can try a quick-soak method: boil the chickpeas in water for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let them soak for 1 hour. However, overnight soaking is still the preferred method for optimal results and digestibility.