Chana Pulao

Serves 2

20 mins

650 Kcal

Chana pulao is a flavourful, easy one-pot rice dish prepared from chickpea pulses, aromatic spices, and basmati rice. It remains a popular choice in Indian households because it is so easy to prepare for lunch or dinner with the taste, rich and savoury. The earthy flavour of the chickpeas combined with the fragrance of cumin, cinnamon, and other spices makes it a comfort food. The Chana pulao recipe begins by frying the onions, garlic, and ginger in oil or ghee until golden brown and aromatic. Whole spices like bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, and cloves are added to pour their aroma onto the oil. Then, the soaked chickpeas and washed basmati rice are added, and ground spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala are added for seasoning. Water is added and simmer until the rice is cooked and the flavours are well intermixed. It can be made by adding carrots or peas for colour and nutrient concentration. Chana pulao is also very easy to serve with yoghurt or raita or a simple salad, as it will fill the whole meal. Being a vegan and protein-prepared food because of chickpeas, chana pulao is an excellent choice for a vegetarian meal or for someone looking to have a healthy meal without sacrificing flavour. Whether preparing it for a casual dinner on a weeknight or some special occasion, you can be sure the chana pulao recipe will please several palates with its satisfying, wholesome taste.

Ingredients required for Chana Pulao

1 cup basmati rice
1/2 cup chana black
1 onion
1 tsp ginger garlic paste
1 tsp chana masala powder
1/2 tsp coriander powder
1/3 tbsp ghee
2 tsp coriander leaves
Salt
2 tsp oil
2 cinnamon
2 cloves
1 cardamom
1 star anise

Cooking steps for Chana Pulao

1
Start by rinsing 1 cup of basmati rice under cold water.
2
Rinse until the water runs clear (yes, it's worth it) to get rid of the excess starch.
3
Drain it and set it aside while you prep the rest.
4
If you're using black or white chana (your call!), soak 1/2 cup overnight or at least 4-6 hours.
5
This is non-negotiable unless you love chewy chickpeas.
6
Once soaked, drain them and keep them ready.
7
Heat 2 teaspoons of oil and 1 teaspoon of ghee in a deep pan or pressure cooker over medium heat.
8
Trust me, this combo is where the magic starts—oil for even cooking, ghee for that rich, buttery flavour.
9
Now toss in 21/2 inches of cinnamon stick, 2 cloves, 1 cardamom pod, and a star anise.
10
Let these babies sizzle for about 30 seconds, just until your kitchen smells like a spice market.
11
Don't skip this step; it's the base of that heavenly aroma.
12
Next, add 1 small onion, finely chopped, and saut until it turns golden brown (around 3-4 minutes).
13
Stir often, because caramelized onions are the secret sauce of this dish.
14
Once they're just right, throw in 1 teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste and saut for another minute.
15
This is where the flavour train really leaves the station.
16
Now it's spice time.
17
Add 1 teaspoon of chana masala powder (or substitute with garam masala + 1/2 teaspoon of coriander powder if you're out).
18
Stir it in and let the spices coat everything, cooking for about a minute until they release their oils and deepen in flavour.
19
Add the soaked chana to the pot and mix well, letting them soak up all that spicy goodness for 2-3 minutes.
20
Then, pour in 2 cups of water and mix it with the strained rice.
21
Season with salt to taste, bring it all to a boil, then turn the stove knob to a low.
22
Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let it cook for 15-20 minutes.
23
The goal? Perfectly tender rice and fluffy chana with all the water absorbed.
24
Once it's done, take the pot off the heat and let it chill (covered) for 5 minutes.
25
This step lets the flavours settle, so don't skip it.
26
Fluff the pulao with a fork, garnish with some finely chopped coriander leaves for that fresh, herby vibe, and you're good to go.
27
Serve up the delicious chana pulao recipe, the perfect comfort food all of us deserve

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FAQs

What rice should I use for Chana Pulao?

Basmati rice is the best option for Chana Pulao. This way of long-grain cooking is fluffy and separate, absorbing all the flavours from the spices and chickpeas without becoming sticky. If you do not have basmati, you can make it with any long-grain rice but use basmati for its fragrance and texture. Be sure to rinse the rice very well before cooking to remove all excess starch and ensure grains stay light and fluffy.

What kind of chickpeas can be used for Chana Pulao?

Do I add veggies in Chana Pulao?

Yes, with the addition of veggies to Chana Pulao, flavours and nutritional value are enhanced. Typical stuff used is carrots, peas, potatoes, or bell peppers. Use to saut with onions and spices, or toss it into the pot with rice and chickpeas. Just watch for overcooking since some vegetables will cook faster than others. Adding vegetables turns the dish into a balanced meal with protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins.