what is chana

Chana is a term that can refer to two different things: a chickpea curry dish originating in the Indian subcontinent, or the chickpea legume itself. Chana masala, also known as chole masala, is a popular North Indian dish made with chickpeas, onion, tomatoes, coriander, garlic, chiles, ginger, oil, and spices. It is a staple dish in North Indian cuisine and is typically served with rice or Indian bread. Chickpeas, or chana, are one of the oldest legumes known to mankind and are popular in Europe, Northern Africa, and Mediterranean countries. They are used as an edible seed and can be boiled, fried, or ground into flour for making other dishes. India is the largest producer and consumer of chana in the world, and chana derivatives are traded on several commodity exchanges in India.