Chole Pulav Veg Recipes of India: Easy & Delicious Ideas

Chole Pulav is a delightful fusion of two beloved Indian classics — the spicy, tangy chickpea curry called chole and the fragrant, flavorful rice dish known as pulav. This wholesome vegetarian recipe brings together the best of both worlds, offering a perfect balance of protein-packed chickpeas and aromatic rice, seasoned with traditional Indian spices.

Whether you’re looking for a fulfilling lunch or a comforting dinner, chole pulav promises a hearty and satisfying meal that is easy to prepare and sure to impress.

Originating from North India, this recipe is a staple in many households and festive occasions, loved for its robust flavors and vibrant colors. Packed with nutrients and bursting with taste, chole pulav is a great way to enjoy Indian cuisine in a single pot meal.

Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, making it easy to tweak to your taste preferences or dietary needs.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chole Pulav combines the rich, spicy flavors of chole with the delicate texture of a vegetable pulav, creating a fusion dish that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s perfect for vegetarians and those looking to add more plant-based meals to their diet.

This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients and can be prepared in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. The mix of aromatic spices like cumin, garam masala, and coriander adds depth, while the colorful vegetables bring freshness and nutrition.

Additionally, chole pulav is a complete meal packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, making it both delicious and nutritious.

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed and soaked for 20 minutes
• 1 cup boiled chickpeas (chole) or canned chickpeas, drained
• 1 medium onion, finely sliced
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, diced)
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil or ghee
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 2 green chilies, slit
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 cups water
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
• Juice of half a lemon (optional)

Equipment

• Medium-sized heavy-bottomed pot or pressure cooker
• Frying pan or skillet
• Strainer (for rinsing rice and chickpeas)
• Mixing spoon and ladle
• Knife and chopping board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

1. Prepare the rice: Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for about 20 minutes, then drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the spices and aromatics: Heat oil or ghee in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Add the sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.
3. Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies: Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Cook the tomatoes and spices: Add chopped tomatoes, turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes soften and the oil starts to separate from the mixture.
5. Add vegetables and chickpeas: Mix in the diced vegetables and boiled chickpeas. Stir well to coat everything in the spices. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.
6. Combine rice and water: Add the soaked and drained rice to the pot, gently stirring to mix it with the vegetable and chickpea mixture. Pour in 2 cups of water and add garam masala. Give it a gentle stir.
7. Cook the pulav: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is cooked and water is absorbed.
8. Rest and fluff: Turn off the heat and let the pulav rest for 5-10 minutes. Then, gently fluff the rice with a fork.
9. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh coriander leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice over the pulav before serving for an extra burst of freshness.

Tips & Variations

For best results, use aged basmati rice as it cooks fluffier and has a better aroma.

You can customize your chole pulav by adding your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, corn, or even baby potatoes. For a richer flavor, substitute water with vegetable broth or add a few saffron strands soaked in warm milk to the rice before cooking.

If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the green chilies or add a pinch of black pepper. For a milder taste, reduce chili powder and garnish with yogurt or raita.

To save time, canned chickpeas work wonderfully, but if using dried chickpeas, soak overnight and pressure cook until soft.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Chole Pulav is perfect as a standalone meal, but you can elevate your dining experience by serving it with a side of cooling cucumber raita or fresh salad. A dollop of plain yogurt or a tangy pickle will balance the spices beautifully.

For festive occasions, pair the pulav with crispy papadums or a simple dal to complete your traditional Indian feast.

Looking to spice up your meal even more? Check out this Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe for a zesty accompaniment that complements the flavors perfectly.

Conclusion

Chole Pulav is a fantastic way to enjoy the rich flavors of India in a wholesome, vegetarian dish that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Its blend of aromatic spices, tender chickpeas, and colorful vegetables makes it a feast for the senses and a comforting meal for any occasion.

This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also highly adaptable, allowing you to tailor it according to your preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this chole pulav will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.

For more delicious vegetarian recipes, explore our Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe or discover hearty options like the Personalized Recipe Book Stand. And if you’re craving something sweet after your meal, don’t miss the creamy Peanut Butter Gelato Recipe.

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Chole Pulav”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A flavorful North Indian dish combining spicy chickpeas (chole) with fragrant basmati rice. Perfect as a wholesome vegetarian meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT40M”, “totalTime”: “PT55M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup basmati rice”, “1 cup cooked chickpeas (chole)”, “2 tablespoons oil”, “1 large onion, finely sliced”, “1 large tomato, chopped”, “2 green chilies, slit”, “1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste”, “1 teaspoon cumin seeds”, “1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder”, “1 teaspoon garam masala”, “1/2 teaspoon red chili powder”, “2 cups water”, “Salt to taste”, “Fresh coriander leaves for garnish”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Rinse and soak basmati rice for 20 minutes, then drain.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds until they splutter.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add sliced onions and saut\u00e9 until golden brown.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies; cook for 2 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add chopped tomatoes, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt; cook until tomatoes soften.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in cooked chickpeas and garam masala; mix well.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add drained rice and gently stir to coat with spices.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour water and bring to a boil.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until rice is cooked and water is absorbed (about 15 minutes).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Turn off heat and let it rest covered for 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Fluff the pulav with a fork and garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “320 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “10 g”, “fatContent”: “6 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “55 g”}}