Chana Dal Pulao
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
343 kcal
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Course
Side Dish, Main Course
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Cuisine
Indian
Chana Dal Pulao
Description
Chana Dal Pulao combines basmati rice and soaked chana dal cooked with whole spices like bay leaf, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, cumin seeds, and dried chilies to infuse warmth and aroma. Ghee is used to sauté these spices along with onions, garlic, and ginger, which softens the aromatics and deepens the flavor. Ground turmeric, Kashmiri red chili, garam masala, and salt season the dish further. Water and lime juice are added before cooking under pressure to meld the flavors and tenderize the dal and rice simultaneously.
The resulting rice is fluffy yet moist, with the chickpeas adding a gentle bite and texture contrast. The spices give a balanced warmth and aroma without overpowering the dish. The preparation can be done in an Instant Pot, stovetop pressure cooker, or conventional pot, with adjustments to cooking time accordingly.
Serve this pulao alongside simple cucumber raita or plain yogurt to complement the spices. It pairs well with crispy masala papad and pickles for a complete meal. The recipe suggests optional variations such as adding vegetables or using plant-based oils for a vegan variant.
The soaking step for chana dal helps to soften the peas and reduce cooking time. Quick-release pressure after cooking retains texture. Fresh cilantro garnish adds brightness, and lime juice at the end enhances flavor complexity.
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice rinsed
- 1/2 cup chickpeas rinsed & soaked for 1 hour in hot water, split, aka Chana dal
- 2 tablespoon ghee or oil
- 1/2 cup onion thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger grated
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 2 teaspoon lime juice
- cilantro chopped, leaves
Spices
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder ground, aka Haldi powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
Whole spices
- 2 bay leaf Tej Patta
- 3 green cardamom aka Elaichi
- 5 cloves optional, aka Laung
- 1 inch cassia cinnamon aka Dalchini
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds aka Jeera
- 2 dried red chili whole
Instructions
- Rinse the Chana Dal and soak for 1 hour in hot water. You can also soak in regular tap water for 4 hours.
Instant Pot Method
- Start the instant pot in SAUTE mode and heat it. Add ghee and all the whole spices. Sauté them for 30 seconds.
- Add the onions, ginger and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent.
- Add the rinsed basmati rice to the pot. Drain the water from the soaked Chana Dal and add it to the pot. Then add all the spices.
- Add water and give it a good stir. Press Cancel and close the instant pot lid with vent in sealing position.
- Set the instant pot to RICE mode for 12 mins (low pressure). When the instant pot beeps, quick release the pressure manually.
- Add lime juice, and fluff the rice. Garnish with cilantro and Chana Dal Pulao is ready to be served.
Stovetop Pressure Cooker Method
- For stovetop pressure cooker, add 2 cups of water and cook for 2 whistles. Let the pressure release naturally.
Stovetop Method
- Follow the same steps as in the above method until adding water on medium-high flame.
- Add 2 ¼ cups of water for this method. Then let the ingredients come to a boil. Now simmer to low flame and cover the pot with a lid. Cook until the water is completely absorbed.
- The Chana Dal Pulao is ready to be enjoyed. Sprinkle lime juice and garnish with cilantro.
Notes
- Soaking chana dal for 1 hour in hot water reduces cooking time and improves tenderness.
- For a vegan option, substitute ghee with your preferred plant-based oil.
- Add vegetables like green beans, bell peppers, peas, or carrots to increase the dish’s nutritional value.
- Serve with cucumber raita, masala papad, and pickles for a traditional accompaniment.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 343 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 212g | |
| Calories | 343kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 58g | 19% |
| Protein | 8g | 16% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5g | 3% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 19mg | 6% |
| Sodium | 598mg | 25% |
| Potassium | 210mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 8g | 32% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 301IU | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 36mg | 40% |
| Calcium | 86mg | 9% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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