From the recipe box
Kadala Pulao
Rice, dal, legume, and soup formats cooked in a single vessel — the weeknight comfort lane.
- Protein
- Black chana
- Meal format
- One-Pot Wonder
- Base
- Rice, Millets, Grains
Onion, Tomato
From my kitchenCook this meal
Ingredients & method
- Prep
- 15 mins
- Cook
- 38 mins
- Total
- 53 mins
- Serves
- 2
Kadala & Rice
- ½ cupdried black chickpeas (kala chana / kadala), soaked overnight
- ½ cupbasmati rice
- 1½ cupswater (adjust slightly depending on rice and chickpea moisture)
- to tasteSalt
- 1 tablespooncoconut oil or any cooking oil
- 8–10curry leaves
- 1medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1medium tomato, chopped
- ½ teaspoonturmeric powder
Blend together:
- ¼ cupfresh or frozen grated coconut
- 1–2green chilies (adjust according to spice preference)
- 1 teaspoonfennel seeds (saunf)
- ½ inchcinnamon stick
- 5–6black peppercorns
- 2–3 tablespoonswater (as needed to blend)
Step by step
Method
- 01
Add the dried kadala (black chickpeas) to a bowl and soak them in plenty of water for at least 8 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse well before cooking.
- 02
Wash the basmati rice 3 times with fresh water and drain well.
- 03
Prepare the coconut masala paste by blending together the coconut, green chilies, fennel seeds, cinnamon, peppercorns, and a little water until smooth.
- 04
Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add the coconut oil (or oil of choice).
- 05
Add curry leaves and allow them to splutter. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they become soft and lightly golden.
- 06
Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften.
- 07
Add the soaked kadala, washed basmati rice, and coconut masala paste. Mix gently so everything is well combined.
- 08
Add the turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, garam masala (if using), salt, and water. Stir well.
- 09
Close the lid, set the valve to Sealing, and cook on Pressure Cook (High) for 8 minutes.
- 10
Allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure.
- 11
Fluff the pulao gently with a fork and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- 12
This flavorful Kadala Pulao is delicious on its own and pairs beautifully with raita, a simple yogurt side, or some pickled onions on top. It is a comforting one-pot meal with the richness of coconut and the earthy flavor of black chickpeas.
