Chana Pulao: A Biryani For Vegetarians

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Most vegetarians complain that pulaos and biryanis are for non-vegetarians. But if you are looking for a pulao recipe that is an equivalent of meat biryani, then we can give you one. Chana pulao is an Indian rice dish that can equal the taste and nutrient content of biryanis. The kabuli chana used in this pulao recipe is full of proteins.

The spices used in chana pulao give a very Mughlai flavour to this dish. Pulaos are ideally cooked with basmati rice and you should try to use the finest quality of rice for preparing this dish. Chana pulao is one of those Indian rice dishes that is famous for its richness. You will be adding generous amounts of ghee and masala to make this chana recipe authentic.

Serves: 4
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• Kabuli chana- 1 cup
• Ghee- 2tbsp
• Cumin seeds- 1tsp
• Peppercorns- 6
• Cloves- 5
• Cinnamon stic- 1inch
• Black cardamom- 1 (cracked)
• Basmati rice- 2 cups
• Onion- 1 ?(sliced)
• Ginger garlic paste- 1tbsp
• Tomato- 1 (chopped)
• Green chillies- 2 (chopped)
• Red chilli powder- 1/2tsp
• Pulao masala- 1/2tsp
• Salt- as per taste

Procedure

1. Soak the kabuli chana over night. In the morning pressure cook in the pressure cooker for the duration of 2 whistles.
2. In a deep bottomed pan, heat ghee. Season it with cumin seeds, peppercorns, cloves, cardamom and cinnamon sticks.
3. After 30 seconds, add green chillies and onions. Saute for 3-4 minutes on a low flame.
4. Add ginger garlic paste and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
5. Add tomato and sprinkle salt from the top. Allow it to cook till the tomato melts (4-5 minutes).
6. Add the boiled chana (strained from water) and all the powdered masalas like red chilli and pulao masala.
7. Cook for 3-4 minutes more on a low flame.
8. Pour the washed basmati into the pan and add 3 cups of water. Cover and cook for 15 minutes on a low flame.

Chana pulao is ready to serve. You can garnish it with chopped coriander and mint leaves.