Chickpea Pulao, a fragrant and flavorful rice dish, is a beloved staple in many Indian kitchens. This hearty vegetarian meal is surprisingly easy to make, offering a delicious and satisfying alternative to traditional rice preparations. The combination of fluffy basmati rice, tender chickpeas, and a vibrant blend of aromatic spices creates a culinary experience that's both comforting and exciting. This recipe elevates the classic Pulao, delivering restaurant-quality results with minimal effort, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Forget complicated methods and long cooking times; this Instant Pot Chickpea Pulao recipe simplifies the process while maximizing flavor. Using the convenience of your Instant Pot, you'll achieve perfectly cooked rice and chickpeas every time, infused with the warm spices of cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. Ready to experience the magic of this quick and easy recipe? Let's dive into the step-by-step guide below.
Tools Needed
- Instant Pot
- Pressure cooker
Ingredients
- Oil
- Tomato paste: 1
- Green chili paste
- Cumin seeds
- Cloves
- Black pepper
- Ginger paste
- Garlic paste
- Chickpeas: 2 cups
- Yogurt: 1 tablespoon
- Salt
- Coriander
- Mint
- Water: 3 1/2 cups
- Basmati rice: 1 cup
- Chicken powder: optional
- Fried onions
- Biryani essence: 1/2 teaspoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Sauté Aromatics and Chickpeas
- Heat oil in the Instant Pot.
- Add tomato paste, green chili paste, cumin seeds, cloves, and black pepper.
- Add ginger and garlic paste.
- Mix well, then add chickpeas, yogurt, salt, coriander, and mint.
Step 2. Combine Rice and Liquids
- Add 3 1/2 cups of water.
- Add soaked basmati rice and 1 1/2 cups of water.
Step 3. Season and Finish
- Bring to a boil, then add salt and optional chicken powder to the rice.
- Add fried onions and biryani essence.
Step 4. Pressure Cook and Rest
- Pressure cook for 7 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally until the rice settles.
Read more: Spicy Tava Pulao Recipe: Easy Indian Rice Dish
Tips
- You can chop the green chilies finely instead of using paste.
- Soak the basmati rice in water for about 15 minutes before adding.
- Chicken powder is optional but adds a restaurant-like flavor.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of chickpeas?
Yes, you can use canned or dried chickpeas. If using dried, soak them overnight for best results.
2. What if my Instant Pot doesn't have a 'Sauté' function?
You can sauté the onions and spices in a separate pan on the stovetop before adding them to the Instant Pot.
3. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add more chili powder or a few finely chopped green chilies to adjust the spice level to your preference.
This Instant Pot Chickpea Pulao recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal with remarkable ease and speed. Enjoy the satisfying flavors and comforting warmth of this delicious dish, perfect for any occasion. Impress your family and friends with this simple yet elegant vegetarian option.