Recipe

Chana Pulao Recipe - Spicy Chickpea Rice Pilaf for a Quick and Healthy Meal

Prep: 
15 mins
Cook: 
30 mins

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.

Your Recipe rating*

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Recent Recipes

Pista Milk with Saffron & Cardamom – Holiday Drink Recipe

Celebrate the season with our festive Pista Milk recipe! This luxurious recipe combines creamy milk, aromatic cardamom, golden saffron, and crushed pistachios for a hot and flavorful holiday beverage. Easy to make and perfect for warming up your celebrations, it’s a delightful treat similar to badam milk that will impress your guests and add a touch of comfort to any gathering.

Prep: 
10 mins
20 mins

This holiday season, elevate your celebrations with the luxurious Pistachio Saffron Milk. A delightful blend of creamy milk, aromatic cardamom, vibrant saffron, and crunchy pistachios, this festive beverage is as beautiful as it is delicious. 

The golden hue from saffron and the rich nutty flavor of pistachios create a heartwarming drink that's perfect for cozy gatherings or a Christmas morning treat. Simple to prepare and packed with festive flavors, it’s a beverage that brings elegance and warmth to your table.

Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Pista Milk. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our Pistachio Saffron Milk calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.

Irresistible Chai Spiced Sugar Cookies with Espresso Glaze

Indulge in the rich, cozy flavors of chai spices paired with a luscious espresso glaze in these irresistible sugar cookies. Soft, buttery, and bursting with warmth, they’re perfect for holiday gatherings, tea parties, or satisfying your sweet cravings. Easy to make and impossible to resist, these dirty chai sugar cookies are a hit for the holidays!

Prep: 
30 mins
15 mins

Warm, aromatic, and irresistibly delicious, Chai Spiced Sugar Cookies bring the comforting flavors of chai tea straight to your kitchen. Infused with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves, these christmas cookies deliver a perfect balance of sweet and spice in every bite. 

The soft, buttery texture makes them an instant favorite, whether enjoyed as an afternoon treat or shared during festive gatherings. Topped with a decadent espresso glaze, these cookies offer a delightful dirty chai twist, blending the bold richness of coffee with the cozy warmth of chai spices.

Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Chai Spiced Sugar Cookies. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our Chai Spiced Sugar Cookies calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.

Carrot Cucumber Ribbon Salad - Quick, Fresh & Flavorful!

Discover the perfect blend of crunch and creaminess with this Carrot and Cucumber Ribbon Salad! Thinly sliced ribbons of fresh veggies are tossed in a luscious Greek yogurt dressing made with garlic, lemon, honey, and a touch of spice. This healthy, easy-to-make salad is ideal for light lunches, picnics, or as a side dish. Serve chilled for a burst of flavor in every bite!

Prep: 
15 mins
0 mins

Looking for a refreshing and healthy dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious? This Carrot and Cucumber Ribbon Salad is the perfect choice! With thin ribbons of fresh cucumber and carrot, this salad offers a delightful crunch in every bite. Tossed in a creamy Greek yogurt dressing infused with garlic, lemon, honey, and a touch of spice, it strikes the perfect balance between tangy and sweet. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a light meal, this salad is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and eye-catching presentation.

Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Carrot & Cucumber  Salad. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our Carrot & Cucumber Salad calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.