Tuesday, September 12, 2017

Chana Dal Pulao


Chana Dal pulao is a rice recipe that is wholesome and delicious. Its a quick one pot meal that can be prepared  quickly and is a great lunch box option. Serve this rice with curry of your choice or just a simple raita...you will have a perfect meal on the table:)






Now that the schools have started in full swing here, time is just flying by.. Most days, I resort to one pot meals that can be put together in no time. Chana Dal Pulao is whole some meal with vegetables and the Chana dal in it makes it very fulfilling. Chana Dal is a very protein rich lentil that I try to use in my day to day cooking.



INGREDIENTS:
Note: All measurements are based on the US measuring cup and spoon sizes where 1 cup = 235 ml
  • Chana Dal / Split Bengal gram : 1/2 cup
  • Basmati rice : 1 cup
  • Onion (thinly sliced) : 1 cup
  • Ginger (grated) : 1 tbsp
  • Garlic (grated) : 1 tbsp
  • Coriander seeds : 1/2 tsp
  • Cumin seeds : 1/2 tsp
  • Cinnamon stick : 1 inch
  • Star Anise : 1
  • Green cardamom : 2
  • Bay leaf  / Tej patta : 2
  • Mixed vegetables (carrots, green beans, peas) : 1 cup (I have used frozen mixed vegetables)
  • Red chilli powder : 1/2 tsp (adjust according to taste)
  • Turmeric powder / Haldi : 1/4 tsp
  • Garam masala : 1/4 tsp
  • Fresh Cilantro leaves : 1/3 cup
  • Oil : 2 tbsp
  • Salt as per taste
PROCEDURE :
  • Wash and soak the chana dal in boiling water for 2-3 hours. Wash and soak the rice for 30 mins.
  • Heat oil in a deep bottomed pan. Add the bayleaf, green cardamom, star anise, cinnamon stick. coriander seeds and cumin seeds. 

  • Once the seeds start to splutter, add the sliced onions, ginger and garlic.

  • Once the onions become translucent, add the mixed vegetables. Mix well.

  • Add the turmeric powder, red chilli powder and garam masala. Add in the chopped cilantro.



  • Add the soaked rice and soaked lentils. 

  • Add 2.5 cup of boiling water. Add salt. Mix gently.  (Note: It is very important not to over-mix as it will break the rice grains).



  • Once the mixture comes to boil, reduce the heat to low. Cook covered.

  • Once most moisture is gone, turn off the heat. Keep the vessel closed and let it rest for 15 minutes.Using a fork fluff the rice. 


  • Serve Chana Dal rice with the curry of your choice or a simple raita:)

NOTES: 
  • If you soak  the lentil in boiling water , the 2-3 hours of soaking time is enough. If soaking in room temperature water, then increase the soaking time to 6 hours.
  • The amount of water mentioned  (2.5 cups)is  enough when you soak the lentils in boiling water for 2-3 hrs. 
  • The amount of red chilli powder can be adjusted as per taste.
  • You can use a pressure cooker to cook the rice- lentil mixture.

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