KADALA CURRY (BLACK CHICKPEA STEW)

Steps:

• Place chickpeas into a large container and cover with several inches of cool water. Let soak 8 hours to overnight.
• Drain chickpeas and add to a medium-sized pot filled 3/4-full with water. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium and cook until soft, 30 to 40 minutes. Reserve 1 cup cooking water. Drain chickpeas and set aside.
• Combine coconut, green chiles, onion, ginger, and poppy seeds in a food processor. Break cilantro stalks in half and half again and add to the food processor. Pour in water and blend, adding more water as needed, until smooth.
• Place a large saucepan or pot over medium-high heat; add enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom and heat for 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low and add mustard seeds to temper, making sure not to stand over pot as popping of hot oil can cause mild burns.
• Add coconut mixture to pot once all mustard seeds have popped, followed by chickpeas, being careful that hot oil does not splash on you. Stir until puree is well-distributed with chickpeas. Add 1 cup reserved cooking water from chickpeas, salt, turmeric, black pepper, and jaggery.
• Reduce heat to medium-low and cook until curry begins to boil and froth slightly, 7 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and serve.