Chole Pulao Veg Recipes Of India: Easy & Delicious Ideas

Chole Pulao is a vibrant and hearty dish that beautifully combines the rich, spicy flavors of North Indian chole (chickpea curry) with the fragrant, aromatic pulao rice. This comforting one-pot meal is a favorite across India, especially in vegetarian households where it’s cherished for its wholesome nutrition and satisfying taste.

Whether you’re looking for a filling lunch or a festive dinner option, chole pulao stands out as an excellent choice. The interplay of spices in the chickpea curry, combined with the subtle flavors of basmati rice cooked with whole spices, creates a symphony of taste that’s both nourishing and indulgent.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through a detailed recipe for making authentic Indian-style chole pulao, with tips and variations to customize it to your liking. If you love experimenting with Indian vegetarian dishes, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chole Pulao is a perfect blend of flavors, textures, and nutrition. Here’s why it deserves a spot on your table:

• Wholesome and filling: Packed with protein-rich chickpeas and aromatic rice, it keeps you energized and full for hours.
• One-pot convenience: This recipe is designed to be mostly made in one pot, making it easy to prepare and clean up.
• Customizable spice levels: Whether you prefer mild or spicy, you can easily adjust the heat to suit your taste.
• Vegetarian and vegan-friendly: No dairy or meat, making it ideal for plant-based diets.
• Perfect for meal prep: It reheats well and makes great leftovers for busy days.

Ingredients

Equipment

• Pressure cooker or large pot
• Heavy-bottomed pan or deep skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Fine sieve (for rinsing rice)
• Knife and chopping board

Instructions

1. Soak the chickpeas: Rinse 1 cup of chickpeas thoroughly and soak them overnight or for at least 8 hours in enough water. This softens the chickpeas and reduces cooking time.
2. Cook the chickpeas: Drain the soaked chickpeas and add them to a pressure cooker with 3 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Pressure cook for 15-20 minutes or until chickpeas are soft but not mushy. If using a pot, cook until tender, which may take up to 1.5 hours.
3. Prepare the rice: Rinse 1.5 cups of basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice for 20-30 minutes, then drain.
4. Make the chole masala base: In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat 3 tbsp of oil over medium heat. Add 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 bay leaf, 1 cinnamon stick, 3 cloves, and 2 cardamom pods. Sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
5. Sauté onions and spices: Add the finely sliced onions and sauté until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste and 1 slit green chili, cooking for another 2 minutes.
6. Add tomatoes and yogurt: Mix in the pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil starts to separate from the masala, about 7-8 minutes. Next, add 2 tbsp of yogurt, stirring continuously to prevent curdling.
7. Spice it up: Add 2 tsp chole masala powder and salt to taste. Cook for 2 minutes, then add the cooked chickpeas along with their cooking liquid. Simmer for 10 minutes on low heat to let the flavors meld.
8. Combine rice and chole: In a separate deep pan or large pot, layer half of the cooked chole mixture at the bottom. Spread the drained basmati rice evenly on top, then cover with the remaining chole. Add an additional 1 cup water if needed to cook the rice fully.
9. Cook the pulao: Cover with a tight-fitting lid and cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the flavors of the chole.
10. Finish and garnish: Turn off the heat and let the pulao rest for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Sprinkle with freshly chopped coriander leaves and 1 tbsp lemon juice for a bright finish.
11. Serve hot: Dish out the chole pulao onto plates or bowls and enjoy with a side of yogurt, pickle, or salad.

Tips & Variations

Tip: For an even richer pulao, roast the basmati rice lightly in ghee or oil with whole spices before adding it to the chole.

Variation: Add vegetables like diced carrots, peas, or potatoes to the chole for a more colorful and nutritious meal.

Make it vegan: Replace yogurt with coconut yogurt or skip it altogether and add a splash of coconut milk for creaminess.

Spice level: Adjust green chilies and chole masala powder to suit your preferred heat intensity.

Pressure cooker pulao: You can cook the entire pulao in a pressure cooker by layering the chole and rice inside and cooking for 1 whistle on medium flame. Let the pressure release naturally.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Chole Pulao pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments to elevate your meal experience:

• Cooling Raita: A cucumber or boondi raita complements the spicy pulao perfectly.
• Fresh Salad: Sliced onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers with a dash of lemon juice add crunch and freshness.
• Pickles: Indian pickles, especially mango or lime pickle, add tangy and spicy notes.
• Papad: Crisp papadums provide a delightful textural contrast.
• Chutney: Mint or coriander chutney adds vibrant flavor.

If you’re interested in exploring more delicious recipes, be sure to check out our Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe for a comforting veggie side, or try the hearty Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe for a protein-packed dinner.

For a tangy twist, our Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe is a must-try!

Conclusion

Chole Pulao is a quintessential Indian vegetarian dish that brings together the best of flavorful chickpea curry and aromatic rice. Its balanced nutrition and bold taste make it ideal for any occasion, from everyday meals to festive gatherings.

With its easy preparation and customizable spice levels, this recipe is perfect for home cooks of all skill levels. The rich spices, tender chickpeas, and fluffy rice create a delightful harmony that will surely satisfy your taste buds.

Next time you want a fulfilling and comforting meal, give this chole pulao recipe a try. It’s not only delicious but also packed with protein and fiber, ensuring a healthy and tasty dining experience.

Don’t forget to explore more recipes on our site to expand your culinary adventures!

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