Black chana, also known as black chickpeas, is a great source of protein, but it is not a complete protein on its own. This means it lacks some of the essential amino acids your body needs. To make black chana a complete protein, you need to combine it with other foods that provide the missing amino acids.
Here are a few ways to do this:
1. Pair Black Chana with Grains:
- Rice: Black chana and rice are a classic combination that complements each other in terms of amino acid profile.
- Quinoa: Quinoa is a complete protein, making it a great pairing with black chana.
- Oats: Oats are a good source of several essential amino acids, making them a suitable companion for black chana.
2. Combine Black Chana with Legumes:
- Lentils: Lentils are another legume that provides a different set of amino acids than black chana, making them a good pairing for a complete protein source.
- Beans: Various beans, such as kidney beans or pinto beans, can be combined with black chana to create a complete protein meal.
3. Include Nuts and Seeds:
- Almonds: Almonds are rich in protein and offer a good balance of essential amino acids.
- Sunflower Seeds: Sunflower seeds are a good source of protein and provide some of the missing amino acids in black chana.
- Sesame Seeds: Sesame seeds are another excellent source of protein and complement black chana's amino acid profile.
By combining black chana with any of these foods, you can create a complete protein meal that provides all the essential amino acids your body needs.