Punjabi Chana Pulao Recipe
Punjabi Chana Pulao Recipe : Punjabi Chana Pulao is a wholesome, fragrant rice dish bursting with earthy spices and the rich flavor of chickpeas. Perfect for a hearty lunch or cozy dinner, this one-pot wonder combines the goodness of protein-packed chana with aromatic basmati rice. A comforting taste of Punjab in every bite!
📝 Ingredients for Punjabi Chana Pulao Recipe
1 cup basmati rice (soaked 30 mins)
1 cup boiled chickpeas (chana)
1 large onion (sliced)
1 tomato (chopped)
2 green chili (slit)
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
2 tbsp oil or ghee
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 bay leaf
1-inch cinnamon stick
2-3 cloves
2-3 black peppercorns
1/2 tsp turmeric
1 tsp red chili powder
1 tsp garam masala / Chole masala
Salt to taste
2 cups water
Fresh coriander for garnish
Stepwise making of Punjabi Chana Pulao Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Rice and Chana
- Soak basmati rice in water for 30 minutes.
- Boil chickpeas (chana) if using raw; canned chickpeas also work fine.
Step 2: Sauté Whole Spices in pressure cooker
- Heat oil or ghee in a pressure cooker.
- Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cloves, and peppercorns.
- Let them splutter.
Step 3: make gravy for pulao
- Toss in sliced onions and sauté until it turns golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté till raw smell disappears.
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft.
- Mix in turmeric, red chili powder, Chole masala and salt.
- Cook until masala leaves oil.
Step 5: Add Chana and Rice
- Add boiled chickpeas, stir well.
- Drain and add soaked rice.
- Mix gently without breaking rice grains.
Step 6: Simmer and Cook for 2 whistles on pressure cooker.
- Pour in 2 cups water.
- Check seasoning like salt and spiciness.
- Cover and cook on for 2 whistles.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle fresh coriander.
- Fluff rice gently.
- Serve hot with curd or pickle.
Serving Suggestions for Punjabi Chana Pulao:
🥣 Raita Options
Boondi Raita – Cool and crunchy with a hint of spice
Mint-Cucumber Raita – Refreshing and balances the pulao’s warmth
Onion-Tomato Raita – Tangy and colorful with a North Indian touch
🥬 Side Dishes
Aloo Tamatar Sabzi – Light potato curry pairs beautifully with the pulao
Paneer Butter Masala – For a richer, festive meal
Baingan Bharta – Smoky eggplant adds rustic depth
🫓 Paratha or roti
Tandoori Roti or Missi Roti – Great for scooping up pulao bites
Papad – Roasted or fried papad adds a crispy texture contrast
Pickles (Achar) – Mango or lime pickle for a spicy-sour punch
🥤 Beverages
Chaas (Buttermilk) – Light and digestive-friendly
Sweet Lassi or Salted Lassi – Traditional Punjabi drinks to round off the meal
🧁 Desserts (optional)
Kheer or Gulab Jamun – Classic North Indian sweets for a complete thali feel.