Channa Pulao

Chana Pulao is a simple one pot dish that’s flavoured with lots of spices. This is a staple North Indian dish. Studded with protein-rich chickpeas, the pulao is cooked in a masala prepared from a specific blend of spices to give it that earthy flavour. It is extremely tasty and different from the other pulao. Served with any raita of your choice, this is one delicious pot of rice.

Ingredients

Basmati rice – 1 cup ( I used Normal rice)

White Kabuli channa – ½ cup

Cumin Seeds-1/2 tsp

Cinnamon – 1 inch piece

Cardamoms – 2

Cloves – 3

Bay leaf – 1

Ginger – Garlic Paste- 1 tsp

Green chilli-2

Tomatoes – 1/2 cup chopped

Potato- 1diced into cubes

Onion- 2 sliced

Chili powder– ½ tsp

Turmeric Powder- ½ tsp

Garam masala powder – ½ tsp

Oil – 3 ½ tbsp

Coriander leaves – 2 tbsp Garnish

Kasoori methi – 1 tbsp

Salt as per taste

 

Method:

1.To begin making the Chana Pulao Recipe, rinse and soak the chickpeas/chole overnight or for 8 to 9 hours in enough water.

2.Drain them well and then add to the pressure cooker with the water.

3.Add about 1/2 teaspoon of salt and pressure cook fit till the cooker releases 8-9 whistles or till the chickpeas are tender and cooked well.

4.Drain the cooked chickpeas/chole and keep them aside. Rinse the rice very well in water till the water runs clear of starch.

5. Then soak the rice in enough water for 30 mins. Strain and keep it aside.

6. Make a smooth paste of the ginger, garlic and green chilli in a grinder with a very little water. Once done, keep this also aside.

7. Heat oil in a wide pan and add sliced onions. Fry them till they change their colour to golden brown.

8. In a pressure cooker heat oil and add all the whole spices which include Jeera, cardamoms, cinnamon, cloves and bay leaf.

 9.Sauté the whole garam masala or whole spices for some seconds till fragrant, and then add sliced onions.

10. Sauté the onions until it turns golden brown. Add the ginger-garlic-chilli paste and saute till the raw aroma of the ginger-garlic goes away. Add the chopped tomatoes, red bell pepper and saute for two minutes.

 11. Next, add the turmeric powder, red chilli powder and garam masala powder.

12. Add the kasuri methi and saute the tomatoes for a minute or so and then add the drained cooked chickpeas.

13. Mix well and saute the entire mixture for about 7-10 minutes and let the chickpeas soak in the masala.

14. Add the rice, and again mix everything well. Then Add 1 ½ cup water. Season with salt and pressure cook for 1 whistle. Don't open the cooker.

 15. Once the pressure settles down on its own, then open the lid of the cooker and gently mix the rice.  Garnish with coriander leaves

16. Serve Chana Pulao along any raita of your choice and a roasted papad for your everyday meals.

Eggless Choco chips Banana Bread

Banana bread that’s made with whole wheat flour with mildly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, filled with milk chocolate chips. This banana bread is moist, soft and full of flavour. The brown sugar in the bread only intensifies the banana flavour. The tiny bits of chocolate when you bite into it only makes it better with every bite. The texture is beautiful and the aroma makes it irresistible. As it bakes, the fruity aroma which fills the air. Enjoy a slice of this flavorful bread for breakfast or as a snack with your evening freshly made cup of coffee or Tea!

Ingredients:

Whole wheat flour- 1 cup

Baking powder-1 tsp

Baking soda-1 tsp

Cinnamon powder-    ¼ tsp

Nutmeg powder-¼ tsp

Ripe bananas, -2 medium to large

Butter, melted-100 gm (1/2 cup)

Granulated brown sugar-1/2 cup

Granulated white sugar-  1/2 cup

Vanilla essence-1 tsp

Milk- ¼ cup

Dark chocolate chips-1/2 cup

 

Method:

1. Lightly grease a medium sized loaf pan with oil or butter. Dust it with flour, turn it over and tap on the base to remove excess flour.

2. Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Mix in the spices. Set aside and preheat the oven to 180 C.

3. In a large mixing bowl, Beat the butter and add sugar powder and blend well.

4. Grind the bananas into a fine puree. Add the pureed bananas to the sugar and butter mixture.

 5. Add the pureed bananas to the sugar and butter mixture.

6. Mix in the wet mixture into the flour mixture and beat with a whisk until well blended.

7. Then Add the milk and vanilla and mix till combined.

 

8. Add the chocolate chips, mix lightly and pour the batter into the loaf pan

9. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes at 180 C or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

10. Allow the cake to cool before slicing and serving.Enjoy!