The short answer
Soak overnight (8 to 10 hours), drain, then cook in fresh water with a small pinch of baking soda: about 4 to 5 whistles in a pressure cooker or 1 to 1.5 hours in a pot. Add salt near the end.
Step by step
- Rinse and soak overnight in plenty of water.
- Drain, cover with fresh water by about 5 cm.
- Add a small pinch of baking soda.
- Pressure cook 4 to 5 whistles, or simmer covered 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Check: one chickpea should squash easily between your fingers.
- Add salt, then use for chaat, cholay or pulao.