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Chana Dal Pulao

4.60 from 15 votes
Total: 40 minutes
Serves 4

Here is my staple today, an extremely easy-to-make Instant Pot Chana dal pulao that requires no fancy ingredients and comes together in less than 40 minutes. It’s a perfect dump-n-go kind of a light meal, and everything from lentils to rice is cooked together in one pot with minimal effort.

Pair the pulao with cucumber raita and sit down to a mouthwatering meal. The stovetop method is also included.

Chana dal pulao on a tray garnished with mint leaves

If you have been following my post for a while, you must have guessed already that I am an avid fan of one-pot meals. Whether it be Matar paneer, dum aloo, Instant pot spinach dal, or Bharwan baingan, I love my Instant Pot.

So, today I am sharing with you another extremely easy-to-make Chana dal pulao recipe in Instant Pot.

This one-pot meal is a no-fuss, flavorful dish that comes together in minutes using just pantry staples.

Instant Pot Chana Dal pulao

This Instant Pot chana dal pulao has the simplest ingredient list and is made with ingredients you already have in your pantry. You will love the:

  • Simplicity
  • Versatility
  • Vibrant colors
  • Refreshing taste, and
  • The earthy flavor of this pulao. 

So, try this Instant Pot Chana Dal pulao tonight along with some cucumber raita and sit down to a mouthwatering meal.

Ingredients for Chana dal pulao

» Long grain Basmati rice – for pulao and biryanis, I always use long grain rice. This fragrant rice holds its shape well during cooking, and that’s why it is commonly used in Indian cuisine. 

» Chana Dal – Indian Split Yellow Chickpea Lentils – the star ingredient. 

» Whole spices – cloves and bay leaf. These spices lend a nice deep flavor to the pulao. Therefore, don’t omit these spices as, without the whole spices, pulao will lack in taste and flavor. 

» Staples – Onion and garlic – add a delicious flavor.

» Spices – cumin seeds, salt, red chili, garam masala powder. Combined, it gives the pulao just the right amount of flavor.

» Liquid – Use water or vegetable broth to cook this chana dal pulao.

» Cilantro leaves – flavor booster. No Indian pulao is complete without a garnish of cilantro leaves. 

How to make Chana Dal pulao?

1. Rinse and soak chana dal for 30 minutes in lukewarm water. Set aside. After the resting time is over, drain the dal and rinse again. Set aside.

2. Start the Instant Pot in ‘SAUTE’ mode and heat oil in it. Once the oil is hot, add cloves and bay leaves. As they start to crackle, add cumin seeds. 

3. Cook the cumin seeds for few seconds. 

4. Add chopped garlic to the insert. Cook for a minute. 

Instant Pot Chana Dal Pulao

5. Add diced onions to the Instant Pot insert. 

6. Sauté for 2-3 minutes. Chana Dal Pulao

7. Stir in the rinsed chana dal and cook for another 2 minutes. 

8. Stir in all the spices – salt, red chili powder, and garam masala powder. 

How to cook Chana Dal Pulao in Instant Pot

9. Sauté the spices for a minute. 

10. Stir in rinsed rice. Cook the rice with the rest of the ingredients for a minute. 

11. Pour in water. Chana Dal Pulao

12. Mix to combine. 

Chana Dal Pulao in pressure cooker

13. Seal the lid of the Instant Pot with the vent in the sealing position. Cancel the saute mode. Select the ‘PRESSURE COOK OR MANUAL’ mode. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes.

14. After the instant pot beeps, let the rice rest for 4 minutes in its own steam then release the pressure (QPR – quick pressure release). When the pin drops, carefully open the lid. 

15. Fluff the rice with a fork. Chana Dal Pulao

16. Serve hot with your favorite raita. 

Cooked Chana Dal Pulao

Cooking tips to make the most fragrant Chana dal Pulao

» Chana dal takes longer to cook, therefore, do soak the dal for 20 minutes in lukewarm water. 

» Don’t skip the garlic. It lends a lot of flavor to this Instant Pot Chana dal pulao. You can substitute chopped garlic with minced garlic.

» To increase the spice level, feel free to add a small chopped green chili to this pulao. Chana Dal Pulao

» Once the rice is added to the Instant pot, do cook the rice with the rest of the ingredients for a minute or so. This way, you will end up with non-sticky, separated, fluffy rice.

» For non-sticky pulao, always follow the rice to water ratio. I have used long grain basmati rice. Therefore the ratio for long grain basmati rice is 1:1. If you add extra water, you will end up with mushy rice. 

» Do not release the pressure right away, after the Instant pot beeps. Let the rice rest for 4 minutes in its own steam then release the pressure (QPR). 

» No vegetable stock on hand, no worries, use tap water instead. 

» Like to add a royal touch to your chana dal pulao, sprinkle some toasted cashews on top. 

Chana Dal Pulao in a  bowl

Now for some faq’s

» What rice should you use to make this chana dal pulao? 

Always use long-grain rice to make pulao. This kind of rice usually turns out non-sticky if the water ratio is balanced. 

» What is the ideal rice to water ratio? 

Every recipe is different. So, follow the instructions, as mentioned in the recipe. For the Instant pot, I always keep my tested and tried the ratio of 1:1 with long grain rice. This ratio works like a charm for me. 

» How to store chana dal pulao? 

Once prepared and cooled, Chana dal pulao will store for 5-7 days in an airtight container. Chana Dal Pulao

» What can I serve with Chana Dal Pulao? 

This pulao is typically served with homemade pickles, cucumber raita, and green chutney. 

» Can you cook this pulao on a stovetop?

Absolutely! To pressure cook chana dal –

  • Wash and clean dal, pressure cook it by adding salt and turmeric powder for 2 whistles.
  • Once cooked drain and save its water – use it for cooking pulao. Why let all the protein go waste by draining its water.
  • Heat oil in a saucepan.
  • Add cloves, bay leaves, and cumin seeds.
  • Add the garlic along with onions. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
  • After sauteing onions, stir in the spices, add water, rice, and then mix in the dal. 
  • Bring it to a boil. Let it cook for 3-5 minutes.

Stovetop Chana Dal PulaoCooking pulao on Stovetop

  • When rice rises to the surface and water is somewhat reduced, cover it with a lid. Chana Dal Pulao
  • Lower the flame and allow it to get it to cook in its own steam for another 2 minutes. Take it off the heat.
  • Sprinkle dried mint leaf powder and cover it again. Let the pulao soak in all the flavor of dried mint leaves. The aroma of dried mint leaves added at the end will add more flavor to this recipe.

This is the kind of food my family loves – quick, simple, and packed with protein richness and unique flavors. 

Pulao in a bowl

Let me know in the comments if you try this recipe. Feel free to contact me with any questions or inquiries, and I would be happy to answer them.

CRAVING FOR MORE, TRY MY OTHER FLAVOR-PACKED MEALS LIKE – 

This recipe post has been updated from the archives, first published on    April 15th, 2015

Chana Dal Pulao

4.60 from 15 votes
Turn your weeknight meal into one that's satisfying and delicious with this Instant pot Chana Dal Pulao. This one-pot meal is a no-fuss, flavorful dish that comes together in less than 40 minutes and uses pantry staples.
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Rest: 20 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
Calories: 419 kcal
Servings: 4

INGREDIENTS 

SOAK CHANA DAL

  • ½ cup Chana dal Split Yellow chickpea lentils
  • 2 cups Water

COOK PULAO

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Rinse and soak chana dal for 30 minutes in lukewarm water. Set aside.
  • After the resting time is over, drain the dal and rinse again . set aside.
  • Start the Instant Pot in ‘SAUTE’ mode and heat oil in it. Once the oil is hot, add cloves and bay leaves. As they start to crackle, add cumin seeds. 
  • Cook the cumin seeds for few seconds. 
  • Add chopped garlic to the insert. Cook for a minute. 
  • Add diced onions to the Instant Pot insert. Sauté for 2-3 minutes. 
  • Stir in the rinsed chana dal and cook for another 2 minutes. Stir in all the spices – salt, red chili powder, and garam masala powder. 
  • Sauté the spices for a minute. Stir in rinsed rice. Cook the rice with the rest of the ingredients for a minute. 
  • Pour in water. Mix to combine. 
  • Seal the lid of the Instant Pot with the vent in the sealing position. Cancel the saute mode. Select the ‘PRESSURE COOK OR MANUAL’ mode. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes.
  • After the instant pot beeps, let the rice rest for 4 minutes in its own steam then release the pressure (QPR – quick pressure release). When the pin drops, carefully open the lid. 
  • Fluff the rice with a fork.
  • Sprinkle some lemon juice and serve hot with your favorite raita. 

VIDEO

RECIPE NOTES

 
Cooking tips to make the most fragrant Chana dal Pulao
 
» Chana dal takes longer to cook, therefore, do soak the dal for 20 minutes in lukewarm water. 
 
» Don’t skip the garlic. It lends a lot of flavor to this Instant Pot Chana dal pulao. You can substitute chopped garlic with minced garlic.
 
» To increase the spice level, feel free to add a small chopped green chili to this pulao.
 
» Once the rice is added to the Instant pot, do cook the rice with the rest of the ingredients for a minute or so. This way, you will end up with non-sticky, separated, fluffy rice.
 
» For non-sticky pulao, always follow the rice to water ratio. I have used long grain basmati rice. Therefore the ratio for long grain basmati rice is 1:1. If you add extra water, you will end up with mushy rice. 
 
» Do not release the pressure right away, after the Instant pot beeps. Let the rice rest for 4 minutes in its own steam then release the pressure (QPR). 
 
» No vegetable stock on hand, no worries, use tap water instead. 
 
» Like to add a royal touch to your chana dal pulao, sprinkle some toasted cashews on top. 
 

NUTRITION

Calories: 419kcal | Carbohydrates: 74g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 24mg | Potassium: 368mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 120IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 61mg | Iron: 3mg
Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided above is approximate. Variations may exist due to the ingredients/brands used. These numbers should be considered estimates, as they are not calculated by a registered dietician.
Author: Ruchi
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian

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Comments

  1. Kathryn says:

    This is the best rice dish I ever made and ate. Got lentils from Indian store. I will make this again and again.Thank you for this amazing recipe!

    • RK says:

      Thanks Kathryn! I’m so happy that you liked this recipe. It’s my family favorite too. Thank you for stopping by and hope to see soon.

  2. haseen says:

    this is amazing rice i have been eating sice childhood when my mummy was cocking. we always cock this chanadaal pulao in special occasion. just try it really it is good

  3. Priyanka says:

    5 stars
    This turned out perfect! I was searching timings for chana dal pulao in instant pot and came across your recipe. The rice came out perfect and even chana dal(was scared it wouldn’t be cooked well).

  4. Debora says:

    5 stars
    This tasted great! I didn’t have basmati rice so I used jasmine rice, 1:1 ratio , and it came out wonderful! Looking forward to making more of your recipes. Thank you!

  5. RK says:

    Sonal, nothing changes for brown rice. Cook it the way, its shown in the recipe.