Chickpea pilau, also known as chana pulao, is a popular and delicious dish in Pakistani cuisine. This flavorful dish is made with tender chickpeas, fragrant basmati rice, and a blend of aromatic spices. It's a one-pot meal that is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion. In this article, we will take a closer look at the ingredients and steps to make this mouth-watering Pakistani chickpea pilau recipe.
Main Ingredients: Basmati Rice, Chickpeas, Medium Onion, Cumin Seeds
If you're looking for a hearty and flavorful dish, look no further than this Chana Pilau recipe. This Pakistani-inspired dish combines fluffy basmati rice with tender chickpeas, fragrant spices, and juicy tomatoes. The result is a satisfying meal that will leave your taste buds dancing.
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Main Ingredients: Quinoa, Water, Chickpeas, Cucumber, Red Bell Pepper
Quinoa is a staple in many healthy diets, and for good reason. This versatile grain is loaded with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. This recipe takes quinoa to the next level by combining it with fresh vegetables, chickpeas, and a zesty citrus dressing. It's the perfect side dish or light lunch option.
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5 Ingredient Coconut Curry
Main Ingredients: Coconut Milk, Red Curry Paste, Broccoli, Chickpeas
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Pakistani Chickpea Pulao
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, Coarse Sea Salt, Basmati Rice, Water
This traditional Pakistani dish is a must-try for any chickpea lover. The chickpeas are cooked with aromatic spices and then simmered with basmati rice until perfectly tender. The result is a rich and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion.
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Main Ingredients: Hummus, Garlic Cloves, Chickpeas, Kosher Salt, Tahini
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Chickpea Salad
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Lemon Juice, Garlic Clove, Sea
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Main Ingredients: Canola Oil, Ginger, Green Chilli, Chilli Powder, Cumin
This Indian-inspired dish is a flavorful twist on classic chickpea curry. The creamy tomato-based sauce is packed with spices and tender chickpeas, making it the perfect comfort food. Serve it over rice or with naan for a satisfying meal.
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Peanut Tofu Buddha Bowl
Main Ingredients: Tofu, Cooked Brown Rice, Shredded Carrots, Spinach
For a protein-packed and nutritious meal, look no further than this peanut tofu buddha bowl. The crispy tofu and roasted chickpeas complement the fresh vegetables and creamy peanut sauce perfectly. It's a filling and flavorful option for any meal of the day.
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Pakistani-Style Curried Chickpeas
Main Ingredients: Ghee, Small Onion, Ginger Garlic Paste, Green Chilli
If you're craving a taste of Pakistan, this Pakistani-style curried chickpea recipe is a must-try. The chickpeas are simmered in a fragrant and flavorful curry sauce, resulting in a dish that is rich and satisfying. Serve it with naan or rice for a complete meal.
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Chickpea Curry
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic, Onion, Ginger Root
This simple and delicious chickpea curry is a go-to for busy weeknights. The combination of spices, coconut milk, and tender chickpeas creates a flavorful and comforting dish. Serve it over rice and top it off with cilantro for a pop of freshness.
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Roasted Chickpea Snack
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, Olive Oil Spray, Kosher Salt, Chili Pepper
Looking for a healthy and satisfying snack? These roasted chickpeas are the perfect option. Simply toss them with your favorite spices and roast them in the oven until crispy. They're a great alternative to chips or other processed snacks.
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Chicken And Chickpea Curry Pakistani
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Chickpeas, Onion, Ginger Garlic Paste, Red
For a protein-packed twist on traditional curry, try this chicken and chickpea curry recipe. The tender chicken and hearty chickpeas are simmered in a fragrant and flavorful sauce, resulting in a dish that is both satisfying and delicious. Serve it over rice for a complete meal.
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Quinoa Salad with Citrus Dressing
Main Ingredients: Grated Orange, Orange Juice, Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Another quinoa salad option, this recipe combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with fresh vegetables and a tangy citrus dressing. The addition of chickpeas adds a boost of protein and fiber, making it a well-rounded and nutritious meal.
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Hummus-Hummus with Tahini
Main Ingredients: White Sesame Seeds, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Chick Peas
Take your hummus to the next level with this recipe that includes not one, but two types of hummus. The classic hummus is mixed with a flavorful hummus made from tahini and topped off with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika. It's a crowd-pleasing and delicious option for any gathering.
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Orange Chickpeas
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, Orange Juice, Soy Sauce, Sesame Oil, Rice
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Chick Pea Curry with Green Pea Pilau
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, Onion, Black Mustard Seeds, Cumin Seeds
This flavorful chickpea curry is taken to the next level with the addition of a green pea pilau. The combination of tender chickpeas, fragrant spices, and fluffy rice creates a dish that is both comforting and satisfying. Top it off with crispy onions for an extra crunch.
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Chickpea Salad with Cucumbers and Tomatoes
Main Ingredients: Cucumbers, Tomato, Diced Red Onion, Fresh Lemon Juice
This simple and refreshing salad is perfect for summer picnics or as a light lunch option. The combination of fresh cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tender chickpeas creates a light and flavorful dish. Serve it with a lemon vinaigrette for a burst of tangy flavor.
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Main Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Fresh Spinach, Oil, Onion, Garlic
Sweet potatoes and chickpeas are a match made in heaven in this flavorful and hearty curry. The sweetness of the sweet potatoes balances out the savory spices and tender chickpeas, creating a dish that is both satisfying and nutritious. Serve it over rice for a complete meal.
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Harvest Buddha Bowl with Lemon Tahini Dressing
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potato, Beet, Granny Smith Apple, Extra Virgin
This harvest-inspired buddha bowl is loaded with seasonal vegetables, chickpeas, and a creamy lemon tahini dressing. It's a great option for a filling and nutritious meal that is perfect for any time of year.
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Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Main Ingredients: Quinoa, Red Bell Pepper, Cucumber, Chickpeas, Red
This Mediterranean-inspired quinoa salad is packed with fresh flavors and nutritious ingredients. The combination of quinoa, chickpeas, vegetables, and a zesty dressing creates a dish that is both flavorful and satisfying. Serve it as a side dish or add your favorite protein for a complete meal.
The Ingredients You'll Need
Chickpeas
The star ingredient of this dish is chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans. They are packed with protein and are a great source of fiber, making them a healthy addition to any meal. In this recipe, we will be using canned chickpeas for convenience, but you can also use dried chickpeas that have been soaked and cooked beforehand.
Basmati Rice
Basmati rice is a long-grained, aromatic rice that is commonly used in Pakistani and Indian cuisine. It has a delicate flavor and fluffy texture, making it the perfect choice for this dish. Make sure to rinse the rice before cooking to remove any excess starch and achieve perfectly separated grains.
Spices
The key to the rich and complex flavors of this dish lies in the spices. The main spices used in this recipe are cumin, coriander, garam masala, and red chili powder. These spices add warmth, depth, and a touch of heat to the dish. You can adjust the amount of spices according to your taste preference.
Onion, Garlic, and Ginger
The trio of onion, garlic, and ginger forms the base of many Pakistani dishes. They add a savory and aromatic flavor to the dish. Be sure to chop the onions finely and mince the garlic and ginger to release their flavors.
Ghee or Oil
Traditionally, ghee (clarified butter) is used to make this dish, but you can also use any neutral-flavored oil. The ghee or oil adds a rich and buttery taste to the dish.
The Cooking Process
Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating ghee or oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and ginger and cook for a minute until fragrant.
Add the Spices
Next, add the spices - cumin, coriander, garam masala, and red chili powder - to the pot and toast them for a minute. This step helps to release the flavors of the spices.
Add Chickpeas and Rice
Now, add the canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed) and basmati rice to the pot and stir well. Then, add water and salt and bring the mixture to a boil.
Cook and Serve
Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the dish simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked. Once done, fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious Pakistani chickpea pilau!
In conclusion, this Pakistani chickpea pilau recipe is a must-try for all food lovers. It's a simple yet flavorful dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with your favorite curry or raita. Give this recipe a try and experience the rich and aromatic flavors of Pakistani cuisine.
