Here is the recipe of one of our go-to dinner idea – Chickpea Pulao – because it is a quick, easy, Protein-Rich, Healthy, and Tasty Recipe. You can even make it for a quick lunch. It is perfect for the days when you are busy or don’t want to spend much time in the kitchen.
When I first made it for Jatin, he just loved it and he keeps asking for this recipe every now and then. That is why, whenever I make chhole at home, I always cook little extra chickpeas so that I can make chickpea pulao too. Sometimes, I even keep the cans of chickpeas in my refrigerator because then I can make it anytime. When I feel tired or we are having a busy and hectic workday, we simply make it for dinner. It gets ready in 20 minutes. What a treat 😀
You must check out our collection of delicious rice recipes.
Story Time
My mom used to make this pulao a lot. It was an easy and quick recipe for our school lunch box. All four of us (my three siblings and I) loved taking rice recipes in school. It was easy to eat and if we had some leftovers, we could easily eat on our bus while going back home. I remember, my classmates also loved this chickpea pulao a lot. When we used to have our potluck party in our class (Yes. We used to do that even when we were kids.), my friends always wanted me to bring extra chickpea pulao. My mom used to make it in an iron pan and that makes it different in taste and color. Yummy.
After 20 years 😀 I made it for my husband, Jatin. Without a doubt, it became an instant hit. Now whenever I am unsure about what to cook for lunch or dinner, he simply tells me to make this recipe. There is minimal chopping involved and you end up eating something very delicious and healthy too. So, you also give it a try and let me know how it turned out in your home.
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Easy Swaps
- Chickpea: Instead of chickpea, you can use Kala chana. You just need to pre-soak them and them directly with rice and cook them together.
- Vegetables: Veggies like carrots and beans are optional. You can skip them. You can even add any other veggie of your choice like peas, or bell peppers. Or you can simply skip them. It tastes good even with just chickpeas and potato.
How to cook chickpeas?
Chickpeas take a long time to cook. For this recipe, follow the below instructions to cook them:
- Soak them in water for 6 to 8 hours or overnight.
- Drain the water and wash them well.
- You can cook it either in the pressure cooker or in a pan. For the pressure cooker, add them with some water (around 1 cup) and cook for 5 to 10 minutes. They will be later cooked with the rice. We just need to soften them a little because while cooking it with rice, it doesn’t cook that well. That is why use either the partially cooked chickpeas or the canned ones. To cook them in a pan, add some water and let it cook for around 15 minutes. That will be enough.
If you are making chickpea curry, then you need to cook it for a long time (30 to 40 minutes).
Is this recipe Vegan?
Yes. This chickpea pulao recipe is totally plant-based and vegan.
Can we make this Pulao in the pressure cooker?
Yes. Of course. You can make it in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot too. I prefer to make pulao in a pan because that way my pulao doesn’t get sticky and mushy.
To make it in the pressure cooker, you don’t need cooked chickpeas. Chickpeas and rice can be cooked together. You will also need lesser water to cook (around 1.5 Cups). Cook for a whistle only and it will be done. Let it depressurize itself.
More Rice Recipes
Now grab all the ingredients because you are ready to make this Indian vegetarian/vegan meal at home. It is perfect for lunch or dinner. If you try this recipe & like it too, please share the photo on Instagram and tag us @marriedfriends. We just love to see your recreation of our recipes.
Happy Cooking 🙂
Love from us
Richa & Jatin
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