Chora Nu Shaak Steals the Spotlight in 2026's Alphabet Food Challenge

A traditional Gujarati dish is taking centre stage in the 2026 Alphabet Challenge Group. For the letter C, the recipe for Chora Nu Shaak—a spiced black eyed peas curry—has been shared. This dish, often served at weddings and special occasions, highlights the versatility of beans in Indian cuisine.

Chora Nu Shaak is a classic Gujarati curry made without onion or garlic. The dish gets its name from chora, the local word for black eyed peas, and shaak, meaning curry. In Gujarati restaurants, shaak refers to any spiced dish with or without gravy, typically paired with flatbreads, rice, or noodles.

The recipe begins with soaking the black eyed peas before cooking them in a mix of spices and herbs. Key ingredients include turmeric, mustard seeds, cumin, ajwain, fresh ginger, and green chilies. The dish is tempered with ghee, cinnamon, cloves, and kokum, giving it a rich, aromatic flavour. Jaggery adds a touch of sweetness, while fresh coriander finishes the dish.

Black eyed peas are widely used across India, with recipes varying by region. Three main types of dried chora or chawli beans exist: black eyed, red, and a Kenyan variety. However, details on the red beans' spread beyond India remain unclear.

Chora Nu Shaak showcases the depth of Gujarati cuisine, blending spices, herbs, and black eyed peas into a hearty meal. Often reserved for celebrations, the dish reflects how simple ingredients can create rich, flavourful curries. The recipe now joins the 2026 Alphabet Challenge, offering a taste of tradition to a wider audience.