Chana Pulao
Chana Pulao is a fragrant and wholesome one-pot rice dish made with chickpeas and aromatic spices, perfect for a satisfying vegan lunch. This dish combines the nutty flavor of chickpeas with the warmth of spices, making it both delicious and nutritious.

30 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Indian
380 kcal
Ingredients
- Basmati rice - 1 cup
- Chickpeas (cooked or canned) - 1 cup
- Onion (thinly sliced) - 1 medium
- Tomato (chopped) - 1 medium
- Garlic (minced) - 3 cloves
- Ginger (grated) - 1-inch piece
- Green chili (slit) - 1
- Cumin seeds - 1 teaspoon
- Coriander powder - 1 teaspoon
- Garam masala - 1/2 teaspoon
- Turmeric powder - 1/4 teaspoon
- Vegetable broth or water - 2 cups
- Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
- Salt - to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves (chopped) - for garnish
Steps
- Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it in water for 20 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add the sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
- Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and green chili. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the chopped tomato and cook until it softens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Mix in the coriander powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Cook for another minute.
- Add the cooked chickpeas and stir to combine with the spice mixture.
- Pour in the vegetable broth (or water) and bring to a boil.
- Add the soaked and drained basmati rice to the pan. Stir gently to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
- Once cooked, remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork.
- Garnish with chopped fresh coriander leaves before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 12 g
- Carbs: 68 g
- Fiber: 12 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Total Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Water: 0.5 L
Health Benefits
- Rich in protein and fiber, which aids in digestion and keeps you full longer.
- Contains a variety of vitamins and minerals from chickpeas and vegetables, supporting overall health.
Tags
IndianVeganLunch