Chana, also known as Bengal gram or chickpea, is a double threat: a tasty and nutritious legume. These small, round beige-colored beans are a staple in South Asian cuisine. They come whole or split, dried or canned, and can be enjoyed in countless ways. Roasted chana offer a satisfying crunchy snack, while ground chana flour (besan) forms the base for savory fritters and fluffy flatbreads. But chana's true claim to fame might be their role in curries and dals, where they transform into a creamy, protein-rich base.