Chana Pulao Recipe - Spicy Chickpea Rice Pilaf for a Quick and Healthy Meal
Ingredients
- Rice - 2 cups
- Water - 4 cups
- Oil - 1/2 cup
- Chickpeas - 1 1/2 cups (cooked)
- Ginger Garlic Paste - 1 Tbsp
- Tomatoes - 2 medium (chopped)
- Onion - 1 large (sliced)
- Green Chilies - 3-4 qty
- Black Pepper - 1 tsp
- Red Chili Flakes - 1 1/2 tsp
- Salt - to taste
Chana Pulao is a simple and flavorful dish made with basmati rice, tender chickpeas, and aromatic spices. This one-pot meal offers the perfect blend of protein and carbs, making it ideal for quick lunches or weeknight dinners. With bold flavors from garlic, green chilies, and tomatoes, it’s a satisfying vegan and gluten-free option that’s easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.
Versatile and convenient, Chana Pulao can be enjoyed on its own or paired with yogurt, raita, or curry for a more complete meal. It’s great for meal prep too, staying fresh and delicious for days. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or guests, this dish is sure to impress.
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Chana Pulao. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our Chana Pulao calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.
Instructions
1) Rinse 2 cups of rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 20–30 minutes, then drain and set it aside.
2) In a large pot or deep pan, heat 1/2 cup of oil over medium heat. Add 1 large sliced onion and sauté until golden brown, stirring occasionally to ensure even browning.
3) Add 1 tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste to the sautéed onions and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in 2 medium chopped tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 1/2 teaspoons of red chili flakes, and salt to taste. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the tomatoes soften and the mixture thickens.
4) Mix in 1 ½ cups of cooked chickpeas and 3-4 whole green chilies, stirring everything together to combine the flavors.
5) Add the soaked and drained rice to the pot, stirring gently to coat the grains with the spiced mixture. Pour in 4 cups of water, stir once, and bring the mixture to a boil.
6) Once the water starts to boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice cook for 18–20 minutes. Avoid opening the lid during cooking to allow the steam to cook the rice evenly.
7) After 20 minutes, turn off the heat and let the pulao rest for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving.
8) Serve the Chana Pulao hot, accompanied by yogurt, raita, or a side of curry. Enjoy!
Chana Pulao is a simple and flavorful dish made with basmati rice, tender chickpeas, and aromatic spices. This one-pot meal offers the perfect blend of protein and carbs, making it ideal for quick lunches or weeknight dinners. With bold flavors from garlic, green chilies, and tomatoes, it’s a satisfying vegan and gluten-free option that’s easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.
Versatile and convenient, Chana Pulao can be enjoyed on its own or paired with yogurt, raita, or curry for a more complete meal. It’s great for meal prep too, staying fresh and delicious for days. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or guests, this dish is sure to impress.
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Chana Pulao. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our Chana Pulao calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.
Leave a review
We value your feedback. Let us know how did you like the recipe.
Recent Recipes
How to Make Aloo Paratha – Easy Paratha Recipe with Potato Filling
Learn how to make Aloo Paratha at home with this easy step-by-step recipe. Soft wheat flour dough stuffed with a spiced potato filling and rolled out to perfection. Cooked on a tawa with ghee until golden and crisp, this classic Indian flatbread pairs great with yogurt, pickle, or chutney. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this comforting dish is simple to make and full of flavor.
Aloo Paratha is a popular Indian flatbread stuffed with a spiced potato filling and cooked on a tawa until golden and crispy. Made with whole wheat flour dough, this dish is a staple in North Indian households, often enjoyed for breakfast or lunch. The dough is prepared with wheat flour, yogurt, salt, and a touch of oil or ghee to keep it soft and pliable.
The vegetarian filling is made with mashed potatoes, onions, green chilies, and a blend of warm spices like cumin, garam masala, and chili powder. When combined, these ingredients create a flavorful and comforting dish that pairs well with yogurt, pickles, or chutney.
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Aloo Paratha. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our Aloo Paratha calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.
Kunafa Recipe – A Crispy, Cheesy Dessert for Eid
Make Kunafa at home this Eid ul Fitr with this easy step-by-step recipe. This Middle Eastern dessert has crispy, golden kataifi dough, a soft and cheesy filling, and a sweet sugar syrup drizzle, finished with chopped pistachios. Whether using Nabulsi cheese or mozzarella, this Kunafa comes together with simple ingredients and a few pro tips for a rich, flavorful treat. Serve it warm and enjoy a festive dessert that brings everyone together for the celebration.
Kunafa (Knafeh) is a delicious Middle Eastern dessert made with crispy kataifi dough, a rich and gooey cheese filling, and a fragrant sugar syrup drizzle. This festive treat is especially popular during Eid celebrations, bringing together layers of texture and flavor in every bite. The crispy golden strands of kataifi dough are soaked in butter, wrapped around a creamy cheese filling, and cooked until perfectly golden. A drizzle of homemade sugar syrup adds just the right amount of sweetness, while a garnish of pistachios gives it a nutty crunch.
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Knafeh. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our Knafeh calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.
Homemade Chicken Bread Recipe – Ramadan Iftar Stuffed Chicken Bake
This delicious Chicken Bread recipe is a must-try for Ramadan! Made with soft, fluffy dough and a creamy, savory chicken filling, this braided bread is packed with flavor. With a golden, crispy crust topped with sesame seeds, it's perfect for Iftar or any special gathering. Follow our step-by-step guide to make this impressive yet easy-to-bake stuffed bread that everyone will love. Serve warm with your favorite dips or enjoy it on its own. A comforting and satisfying dish to share with family and friends during Ramadan!
This homemade Chicken Bread is a deliciously soft and golden-baked bread stuffed with a creamy, savory chicken filling. Perfect for Ramadan, this bakery-style bread is made with a rich, fluffy dough that is braided over a flavorful mixture of shredded chicken, bell peppers, olives, and spices.
The creamy texture comes from a lightly thickened white sauce, making every bite indulgent yet satisfying. Topped with sesame seeds for a delightful crunch, this stuffed bread is a showstopper at any Iftar table, served warm with your favorite dips or on its own.
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Chicken Bread. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our Indian Chicken Bake calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.
