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A fragrant one-pot rice dish where fluffy basmati rice is cooked with tender chickpeas and aromatic whole spices. This wholesome North Indian meal is perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner, often enjoyed with a side of cool raita.
For 4 servings
Prepare Chickpeas and Rice: Drain the overnight-soaked chickpeas. In a pressure cooker, cook the chickpeas with 3 cups of water and 1/2 tsp of salt for 4-5 whistles (about 15 minutes) until tender. Drain and set aside. Separately, drain the soaked basmati rice completely and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: Heat ghee in a 3-liter or larger pressure cooker over medium heat. Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cloves, green cardamoms, and black peppercorns. Sauté for 30-40 seconds until they become fragrant.
Brown Onions and Cook Masala: Add the sliced onions and sauté for 6-8 minutes until they are golden brown. Add the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies, cooking for another minute until the raw aroma disappears. Then, add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften.
Add Spices and Chickpeas: Stir in the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Cook for 1 minute until the oil begins to separate. Add the cooked chickpeas and mix well to coat them in the masala.
Combine and Pressure Cook: Gently add the drained basmati rice to the cooker. Stir very gently for 30 seconds to mix without breaking the grains. Pour in 2.5 cups of water, the remaining salt (approx. 1.5 tsp), and garam masala. Give it a final gentle stir.
Cook and Rest: Secure the lid of the pressure cooker. Cook on medium-high heat for 2 whistles. Turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally, which takes about 10-15 minutes. Do not quick release.
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A fragrant one-pot rice dish where fluffy basmati rice is cooked with tender chickpeas and aromatic whole spices. This wholesome North Indian meal is perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner, often enjoyed with a side of cool raita.
This north_indian recipe takes 55 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 468.81 calories per serving with 10.81g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for lunch or dinner.
Garnish and Serve: Once the pressure has settled, open the lid. Drizzle the lemon juice over the rice and sprinkle with chopped coriander leaves. Gently fluff the pulao with a fork from the sides to separate the grains. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving hot with your favorite raita or plain yogurt.
Add 1 cup of mixed vegetables like carrots, peas, and beans along with the onions to make it more nutritious and colorful.
Increase the amount of green chilies and red chili powder. You can also add a pinch of black pepper powder along with the garam masala.
Substitute basmati rice with brown basmati rice. You will need to increase the water to about 3 cups and cook for 4-5 whistles.
Add 1/4 cup of chopped fresh mint leaves along with the coriander leaves for a refreshing aroma and taste.
Chickpeas are a powerhouse of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function, making this a great meal for vegetarians and vegans.
The combination of chickpeas and rice provides a significant amount of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes gut health, and helps in maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
Basmati rice offers complex carbohydrates that provide sustained energy, keeping you full and energized for longer periods compared to simple carbs.
Spices like cumin, ginger, and coriander are known for their digestive properties. They can help stimulate digestive enzymes and reduce bloating.
One serving of Kabuli Chana Pulao contains approximately 550-600 calories, depending on the amount of ghee used and serving size. It's a balanced meal with carbohydrates, protein, and fats.
Yes, it is a healthy and wholesome dish. Chickpeas are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, while basmati rice provides energy. The use of whole spices also adds various health benefits.
Absolutely! To save time, you can use one 15-ounce (425g) can of chickpeas. Just be sure to rinse and drain them well before adding them to the masala in Step 4. Skip Step 1 for cooking the chickpeas.
Mushy pulao is usually caused by two things: too much water or over-stirring the rice. Ensure you use the correct rice-to-water ratio and stir the rice very gently. Also, allowing the pressure to release naturally is key to preventing sogginess.
Kabuli Chana Pulao pairs wonderfully with a cooling side like Boondi Raita, Cucumber Raita, or plain yogurt. A simple kachumber salad (chopped onion, tomato, cucumber) and a papad also complement it well.