Do I need to soak the chana dal?

Yes, soaking helps the dal cook evenly with the rice.

Can I make this in a pressure cooker?

Absolutely — cook for 2 whistles and let the pressure release naturally.

Can I use regular rice instead of basmati?

Yes, but basmati gives the best aroma and fluffy texture.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes — peas, carrots, or potatoes work well.

What to serve with Chana Dal Pulao?

Raita, curd, papad, or a simple salad.

Chana Dal Pulao (Punjabi-Style)

Name: Chana Dal Pulao (Punjabi-Style)
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 75 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 cup chana dal (Bengal gram); 2 cups basmati rice; 0.33 cup oil; 2 small bay leaves; 1 in cinnamon stick; 4 clove cloves; 2 black cardamoms; 4 green cardamoms; 2 dry red chillies; 1 mace flower (optional); 1 tsp cumin seeds; 1 tbsp ginger, chopped; 3 green chillies, chopped (adjust to taste); 1 cup onion, chopped; 1 tbsp kasuri methi; 1 cup tomatoes, chopped; 1 tbsp salt (adjust to taste); 4 cups water; 1 tsp garam masala powder; 2 tbsp ghee; Fresh coriander, for garnish

Leena Kohli (@leenakohli)

Indian Lunch Dinner Main Course Vegetarian Gluten-Free

Punjabi-Style Chana Dal Pulao, also known as Chana Dal Khichdi, is a comforting North Indian rice dish made with chana dal, basmati rice, and aromatic whole spices. It’s a healthy, protein-rich one-pot meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or days when you want something delicious without spending too much time cooking.

The slow-cooked masala—ginger, chillies, onions, tomatoes, and kasuri methi—gives this pulao a beautiful depth of flavour. Once steamed with ghee, every grain becomes fluffy and...

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Prep Time

30min

Cook Time

45min

Total Time

1hr 15min

How to make Chana Dal Pulao (Punjabi-Style)

Soak the Dal & Rice

Step 1
Wash the chana dal well and soak for 4–5 hours. For a quick soak, use hot boiling water and soak for 1 hour.
Step 2
Rinse the basmati rice and soak for 30 minutes.
Step 3
Drain both and set aside.

Prepare the Tempering

Step 1
Heat oil in a large pan, pot, or kadhai over medium heat.
Step 2
Add bay leaves, cinnamon, cloves, black cardamoms, green cardamoms, dry red chillies, mace, and cumin seeds. Sauté until the spices turn fragrant.
Step 3
Add ginger and green chillies. Cook until the raw smell goes away.

Cook the Base

Step 1
Add the chopped onions and kasuri methi. Cook until the onions turn light golden.
Step 2
Add the soaked chana dal and sauté for 4–5 minutes.
Step 3
Add tomatoes and salt. Cook until the tomatoes soften and turn mushy.

Add Rice & Simmer

Step 1
Gently mix in the soaked rice, being careful not to break the grains.
Step 2
Pour in the water and stir in the garam masala. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 3
Cook on high heat until most of the water evaporates and only small bubbles remain on the surface.

Dum Cook

Step 1
Reduce the heat to low, drizzle ghee on top, cover with a tight lid, and place a weight over it.
Step 2
Let it cook (dum) for 10–12 minutes.
Step 3
Turn off the heat and rest for 15 minutes without opening the lid.

Finish & Serve

Step 1
Fluff the pulao gently with a fork.
Step 2
Garnish with fresh coriander.
Step 3
Serve hot with raita, curd, pickle, or fresh salad.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

337.5kcal (16.88%)

Protein

10.4g (20.84%)

Carbs

39.4g (14.33%)

Sugars

3.0g (6.06%)

Healthy Fat

11.3g

Unhealthy Fat

4.3g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

Add a little extra salt as rice absorbs salt while cooking, so the final pulao tastes perfectly seasoned.
For a pressure cooker method, follow the same steps and cook for 2 whistles, then let the pressure release naturally.
Soak the chana dal well as dal takes longer to cook than rice, so soaking helps both cook evenly together.

FAQS

Do I need to soak the chana dal?
Yes, soaking helps the dal cook evenly with the rice.
Can I make this in a pressure cooker?
Absolutely — cook for 2 whistles and let the pressure release naturally.
Can I use regular rice instead of basmati?
Yes, but basmati gives the best aroma and fluffy texture.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes — peas, carrots, or potatoes work well.
What to serve with Chana Dal Pulao?
Raita, curd, papad, or a simple salad.