Vegetarian Kabuli Pulao Recipe – A Royal Treat for Your Tastebuds!
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Main Course
Diet: High Protein Vegetarian
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Servings: 4
Kabuli Pulao is a delectable and aromatic rice dish that traces its roots to the rich culinary traditions of North India and Central Asia. This vegetarian version of the classic dish retains all the charm and deliciousness while being an excellent choice for a protein-packed, wholesome meal. Let’s take a culinary journey through this recipe and bring the magic of Kabuli Pulao to your table!
Ingredients
For the Rice Layer
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Basmati Rice | 2 cups (soaked 10–15 min) |
| Bay Leaf | 1 |
| Cinnamon Stick | 2-inch piece |
| Cloves | 4 |
| Green Cardamom | 2, crushed |
| Black Cardamom | 1, crushed |
| Ghee | 1 tbsp |
| Salt | As per taste |
For the Kabuli Masala Layer
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Kabuli Chana (Chickpeas) | 2 cups (boiled) |
| Onion | 2, finely chopped |
| Tomato | 2, pureed |
| Ginger-Garlic Paste | 2 tbsp |
| Paprika Powder | 1 tsp |
| Coriander Powder | 2 tsp |
| Cinnamon Powder | ½ tsp |
| Cumin Powder | 2 tsp |
| Garam Masala Powder | 2 tsp |
| Ghee | 1 tbsp |
| Salt | As per taste |
For Garnish
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onion | 2, thinly sliced and fried until golden brown |
| Mint Leaves | 5 sprigs |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Kabuli Chana (Chickpeas):
- Wash the Kabuli Chana thoroughly and soak them overnight in water.
- In the morning, transfer the soaked chickpeas to a pressure cooker. Add enough water to submerge the chickpeas and cook for 3 whistles on medium heat.
- Let the pressure release naturally. Drain the water and set the cooked chickpeas aside.
2. Cook the Rice:
- Wash the Basmati rice thoroughly and soak it in water for 10–15 minutes.
- Heat ghee in a deep pan. Add bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cloves, green cardamom, and black cardamom. Sauté for a few seconds until aromatic.
- Add the soaked rice, salt, and 1½ cups of water. Cover the pan with a lid and cook the rice on medium heat for 15–20 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked.
- Once done, fluff the rice gently with a fork and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Masala Layer:
- Heat ghee in a separate pan. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 2 minutes until the raw aroma disappears.
- Stir in the tomato puree and cook for 3–4 minutes until the oil starts separating.
- Add paprika powder, coriander powder, cinnamon powder, cumin powder, and garam masala powder. Mix well and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add the boiled chickpeas, 1 cup of water, and salt to the pan. Let it simmer on low heat for 10–12 minutes. Once done, turn off the heat and set it aside.
4. Assemble the Kabuli Pulao:
- In a deep-bottomed pan, layer half the cooked rice evenly at the base.
- Spread half the Kabuli Chana masala over the rice. Sprinkle half of the fried onions and some mint leaves on top.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining rice, Kabuli Chana masala, fried onions, and mint leaves.
- Cover the pan with a lid and cook on low heat for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Serve:
- Once the Kabuli Pulao is ready, gently fluff the layers with a fork to mix slightly.
- Serve hot with a side of Tadka Raita or Tomato-Onion-Cucumber Raita and crunchy papad for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 70 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 8 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
Cooking Tips
- Rice Soaking: Soaking the rice ensures it cooks evenly and remains fluffy. Use aged Basmati for the best results.
- Chickpeas: If you’re short on time, canned chickpeas can be used. Rinse them thoroughly to remove excess sodium.
- Layering: For the perfect pulao, ensure even layers and don’t mix the dish until serving.
With its aromatic spices, perfectly cooked rice, and the nutty goodness of chickpeas, this Vegetarian Kabuli Pulao is a showstopper at any gathering. Pair it with your favorite raita and watch your guests go back for seconds!
