Chana Dal Pulav

Chana Dal Pulav is a delightful Indian rice dish that effortlessly combines the nutty goodness of soaked chana dal with the fragrant elegance of basmati rice, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite. This one-pot wonder is a culinary journey that begins with the earthy aroma of cumin seeds, bay leaves, and the rich sizzle of onions dancing in a harmonious blend of ghee and oil. The addition of minced garlic, whole cloves, and a cinnamon stick contributes a depth of warmth, infusing the dish with layers of complexity.

As the spices mingle and create a tantalizing melody, the chana dal takes center stage, joining the ensemble in a water ballet that brings out its natural essence. Boiling the chana dal for a brief 3 to 4 minutes ensures a perfect al dente texture, maintaining a satisfying bite throughout the dish. Raisins, those sweet jewels, join the party alongside the rinsed basmati rice, introducing a delightful contrast of sweetness that weaves through each grain.

The instant pot takes over, its pressurized magic transforming this concoction into a symphony of flavors and textures. The result is a pulav that beckons with an irresistible aroma, promising a journey through the heart of Indian cuisine. Once the lid is lifted, the steam carries the essence of the spices, releasing a fragrant cloud that entices the senses.

A final touch of freshness comes in the form of coriander leaves, their vibrant green hues adding a burst of color to the dish. A squeeze of lemon juice adds a zesty note, elevating the flavors to a crescendo of perfection. This Chana Dal Pulav is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of Indian culinary artistry, a blend of tradition and innovation that invites you to savor the essence of each carefully curated ingredient.

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Chana Dal Pulav

Chana Dal Pulav is a fragrant one-pot Indian dish where soaked chana dal and basmati rice are cooked with aromatic spices, cashews, and raisins in an Instant Pot. The result is a flavorful, comforting meal garnished with coriander leaves and a hint of lemon juice.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Indian

Keyword chana dal, Chana dal rice, Indian rice dish, Instant pot pulav, protein packed, Pulao recipe, rice recipe, Vegetarian pulav, vegetarian recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 45 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Ingredients

• ¾ cup chana dal soaked in hot water
• 1½ cups basmati rice rinsed
• 1 tbsp ghee
• ½ tbsp oil
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Handful of chopped coriander leaves
• 1 large onion thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 cloves
• 10 cashews
• 20 raisins

Instructions

• In the instant pot on sauté mode, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee and 1/2 tablespoon of oil.
• Once the fats are hot, add cumin seeds, bay leaf, sliced onions, minced garlic, cashews, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Sauté until the onions are golden brown.
• Add red chili powder, garam masala, and salt to the pot. Sauté for another minute until the spices release their aroma.
• Add soaked chana dal and water to the pot. Boil for 3 to 4 minutes.
• Add rinsed basmati rice and raisins to the mixture. Combine well.
• Close the instant pot lid and set it to pressure cook on high for 4 minutes.
• Once the cooking is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, and then do a quick release.
• Fluff the pulav with a fork, add lemon juice, and garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
• Serve your delicious chana dal pulav hot with a side of raita or your favorite yogurt-based dish.

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