Chana Pulao (Black Chickpea Rice)
Recipe Summary
- This video demonstrates how to prepare a flavorful Chana Pulao, a delicious one-pot rice dish made with black chickpeas and aromatic spices. It's a wholesome and easy-to-make meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
All Ingredients - Main Ingredients
- Black Chickpeas (Kala Chana) 1 cup (soaked overnight)
- Basmati Rice 1 cup (soaked for 30 minutes)
- Onions 1 large, sliced
- Tomatoes 2 medium, chopped
- Green Chilies 2-3, slit
- Ginger Garlic Paste 1 tbsp
- Coriander Leaves 1/4 cup, chopped
- Water 2.5 cups
- Oil/Ghee 3 tbsp
All Ingredients - Spices
- Black Cardamom 2
- Green Cardamom 2
- Cinnamon Stick 1 (1-inch piece)
- Black Peppercorns 1/2 tsp
- Bay Leaves 2
- Turmeric Powder 1/2 tsp
- Red Chili Powder 1 tsp
- Garam Masala 1 tsp
- Coriander Powder 1 tsp
- Cumin Seeds 1 tsp
- Salt 1 tsp (or to taste)
Tools You'll Need
- Pan
Don't have an ingredient? Try these swaps
No Onion?
- 1 tbsp onion powder (per medium onion)
- 3 tbsp dried minced onion
- Shallots or leeks (1:1)
No Garlic (fresh)?
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (per clove)
- 1/2 tsp garlic granules (per clove)
No Cilantro?
- Flat-leaf parsley (1:1, milder)
- Fresh mint (in chutneys, salads)
No Ghee?
- Unsalted butter (1:1)
- Neutral oil (1:1, lacks the toasted note)
No Bay leaf?
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme (per leaf)
- Pinch of dried oregano
No Garam masala?
- 1 tsp cumin + 1/2 tsp coriander + 1/4 tsp cinnamon + 1/4 tsp cardamom
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Whole Spices
Gather 2 black cardamoms, 2 green cardamoms, 1 cinnamon stick, black peppercorns, and 2 bay leaves.
Step 2: Sauté Whole Spices and Onions
Heat 3 tablespoons of oil or ghee in a pan. Add the whole spices and for a few seconds until fragrant. Then, add the sliced onions and until they turn light golden brown.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Green Chilies
Add the chopped tomatoes and slit green chilies to the pan. for about until the tomatoes start to soften.
Step 4: Add Ginger Garlic Paste
Stir in the ginger garlic paste and cook until its raw smell disappears, about .
Step 5: Add Powdered Spices and Salt
Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, coriander powder, cumin seeds, and salt to the pan. Mix all the spices well with the onion-tomato mixture and cook until the oil separates from the masala.
Step 6: Incorporate Chickpeas and Rice
Add the soaked black chickpeas to the spiced mixture and for . Then, add the soaked Basmati rice and gently mix it with the masala.
Step 7: Add Water and Cook
Sprinkle chopped coriander leaves over the rice. Pour in 2.5 cups of water and gently stir to combine. Cover the pan with a lid and cook on low heat until all the water is absorbed and the rice is perfectly cooked and fluffy.
Step 8: Serve Chana Pulao
Once cooked, fluff the Chana Pulao gently with a fork. Serve hot, garnished with fresh coriander leaves and onion rings.
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