Chana pulao is a simple and tasty meal. It has rice chickpeas and light spices that give a warm flavor. It is very easy to make at home. Just cook everything together and it is ready. It keeps you full for a long time so it is a good option when you want to eat healthy. You can eat it with raita salad or chutney and it tastes even better. If you enjoy biryani or pulao then you should try this dish. You can also freeze it and eat it later when you do not want to cook.

Ingredients
| Ingredients | 0.5 kg | 1 kg | 2 kg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oil | 1.5 tbsp | 3 tbsp | 6 tbsp |
| Bay Leaf (Tez Patta) | ½ | 1 | 2 |
| Cumin (Jeera) | ½ tsp | 1 tsp | 2 tsp |
| Star Anise (Chakri Phool) | ½ | 1 | 2 |
| Green Cardamom (Chhoti Elaichi) | 2 | 4 | 8 |
| Black Cardamom (Badi Elaichi) | ½ | 1 | 2 |
| Cinnamon (Dalchini) | ½ stick | 1 stick | 2 sticks |
| Mace (Javitri) | ½ | 1 | 2 |
| Onion (Pyaaz, Bareek Kati) | ½ | 1 | 2 |
| Tomato (Tamatar, Bareek Kati) | ½ | 1 | 2 |
| Green Chili (Hari Mirch) | 1.5 | 3 | 6 |
| Ginger Garlic Paste (Adrak Lehsan Paste) | ½ tsp | 1 tsp | 2 tsp |
| Salt (Namak) | Apne taste ke mutabiq | Apne taste ke mutabiq | Apne taste ke mutabiq |
| Kala Chana (Paka Hua) | ½ cup | 1 cup | 2 cups |
| Basmati Rice (Chawal) | ½ cup | 1 cup | 2 cups |
| Water | ½ cup + ¾ cup chana ka pani | 1 cup + ½ cup chana ka pani | 2 cups + 1 cup chana ka pani |
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How to make:
- Soak Chana – Take kala chana and soak it overnight in water. In the morning, drain the water.
- Cook Chana – Put the soaked chana in a pressure cooker. Add fresh water and a little salt. Close the lid and cook for 15 to 20 whistles until the chana becomes soft. After that, drain the water but save ½ cup of this water for later use.
- Soak Rice – Wash basmati rice well and soak it in water for 30 minutes.
- Start Cooking – Heat oil in a pressure cooker. Add whole spices like bay leaf, cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, and star anise. Fry them for a few seconds until they smell nice.
- Cook Onions & Chilies – Add sliced onions and green chilies. Fry until onions turn golden brown.
- Add Flavor – Put in ginger-garlic paste and salt. Stir well.
- Add Tomatoes – Now, add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and mix with the onions.
- Mix Chana & Rice – Add the cooked chana and mix well. Then, add the soaked rice (drain the water first) and stir everything together.
- Add Water & Cook – Pour ½ cup of saved chana water and fresh water as needed. Close the cooker, let it cook for 1 whistle, then simmer for 5 to 8 minutes on low flame.
- Final Step – Turn off the heat and let the steam release on its own.Lift the lid and lightly stir the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
- Ready to Serve! – Your tasty chana pulao is ready. Serve hot and enjoy!
FAQ’s
How to make chana pulao at home?
To make chana pulao, cook onions, tomatoes, and spices in oil. Add soaked chickpeas and rice, then pour water. Let it cook until the rice is soft and fluffy.
Is chana pulao healthy?
Yes! Chana pulao is full of protein, fiber, and good carbs.It keeps you satisfied and boosts your energy.
What to serve with chana pulao?
You can serve it with yogurt, raita, salad, or pickle. Some people also enjoy it with chutney.
How many calories are in 1 plate of chana pulao?
One plate of chana pulao has around 300-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used.
What are the ingredients for pulao?
Pulao needs rice, chickpeas (chana), onions, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, salt, spices, and water. Some people also add yogurt and green chilies.
Can I boil chana without soaking?
Yes, but it will take a long time to cook. Soaking makes them soft and easy to cook.
Is pulao better than biryani?
It depends on your taste! Pulao is lighter and simpler, while biryani is spicier and richer.
What do we call chana in English?
Chana is called chickpeas in English.
Is chana rice good for weight loss?
Yes! Chana and rice together give protein and fiber, which help in weight loss if eaten in the right portion.
In which country pulao is famous?
Pulao is famous in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, and many Middle Eastern countries.
Can you freeze chana pulao?
Basmati rice is the best for pulao because it stays fluffy and does not stick together.
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Hi, I’m Emma, a passionate home chef and the heart behind MasterTastes.com. With over 5 years of hands on experience in the kitchen. I specialize in creating simple flavorful and foolproof recipes that bring restaurant quality taste to everyday home cooking.
From quick weeknight meals and traditional Pakistani & Indian classics to modern fusion dishes and indulgent desserts my recipes are tested budget friendly and designed for real life kitchens especially for beginners and busy home cooks.
My goal is simple: to help you cook with confidence impress your family and guests and turn every meal into a delicious memory.
Chana Pulao is truly a dish that brings together history and flavor in every bite. Its versatility makes it a go-to meal for any occasion, whether it’s a quick lunch or a festive dinner. The blend of spices and ingredients creates a harmony of taste that’s hard to resist. Have you ever tried experimenting with different spices to give it your own unique twist? How do you think the dish’s evolution reflects the cultural exchanges between regions? Given the growing economic instability due to the events in the Middle East, many businesses are looking for guaranteed fast and secure payment solutions.