The best part is Chana Dal Khichdi can be served to toddlers and kids as well. For all those who are looking for a simple and scrumptious gluten-free and vegan Indian lunch recipes this chana dal pulao recipe is worth bookmarking. In a Punjabi household, chana dal khichdi is often prepared for the lunch along with tasty side-dishes and condiments. After an indulgent breakfast, light and easy to digest dishes like chana dal khichdi are a welcoming sight.

It is such a straightforward recipe that even novice cooks can make it with a blink of an eye. All you need to remember before preparing this recipe is that you need to soak the dal few hours before making the khichdi. You must soak the rice for an hour as well. It can also be packed for the lunchbox along with raita and salad. Perfect for a lazy weekend lunch or a busy weekday night. You can easily make this Indian lunch recipe under half and hour and make an otherwise boring day light up!

It is prepared in a pressure cooker. But in case pressure cooker is not available you can make it in an instant pot as well. This lunch recipe will surely be a treat to you and your family for lunch.

Recipe:

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:
1 cup rice
1/2 cup chana dal (split Bengal gram)
2 medium-size onion fine chopped
2 green chillies finely chopped
Salt to taste
1 teaspoon red chili powder
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
2 tablespoon cooking oil

Method:
To make Chana Dal Pulao, first wash and soak rice in enough water.
Similarly clean, wash and soak bengal gram in water for at least 1 hour.
Next heat oil in pressure cooker over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and saute for few seconds. Add the chopped onion, green chilies and saute till the onion turn golden brown in color.
Add salt, turmeric powder, red chili powder and saute once again for few seconds.
Now drain the soaked Bengal gram dal and add it in the pressure cooker along with 1 Cup of water.
Pressure cook the dal for two whistles over medium heat. Turn off the heat. Let the steam release naturally from the pressure cooker.
Open the lid, add the soaked rice without water and stir to combine.
Now add enough water in the pressure cooker to cook the rice.
Reduce the heat to low and let the rice cook over slow heat.
Turn off the heat and cover the pressure cooker with a lid. Let the pulao sit in this mode for 5 – 10 minutes.
Open the lid of the pressure cooker and fluff the rice with a fork or spoon.
Serve Chana Dal Khichdi along with raita, green chutney, papad and salad.