Chana Biryani: A Flavorful Vegetarian Delight for You

News Desk

Islamabad: This protein-packed Chana Biryani is perfect for a healthy, satisfying vegetarian meal. Follow this recipe to bring restaurant-style Chana Biryani to your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

For Boiled Chickpeas:

• 7–8 cups of water
• 3 cups white chickpeas (safaid chanay)

For Chana Masala:

• 1/2 cup oil
• 1 tbsp cumin seeds
• 2–3 black cardamoms
• 3–4 green cardamoms
• 8–10 cloves
• 2–3 cinnamon sticks
• 1 cup chopped onions
• 1 cup tomato puree
• 1 tbsp red chili powder
• 1 tbsp red chili flakes
• 1 tbsp coriander powder
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 cup yogurt
• Boiled chickpeas
• 7–8 dried plums
• 3–4 pieces of tamarind

For Boiled Rice:

• 7–8 cups water
• 7–8 cloves
• 3–4 green cardamoms
• 2–3 star anise
• 1 tbsp salt
• 3 cups soaked rice

For Assembly:

• Prepared chana masala
• Boiled rice
• Green coriander (as needed)
• Lemon slices (as needed)
• Green chilies (as needed)
• 1/2 tsp yellow food color
• 1/2 tsp orange food color
• 1/2 tsp kewra water

Directions:

1. Prepare Chickpeas: In a large pot, boil water and add chickpeas. Cook until about 90% done, then drain and set aside.
2. Cook Chana Masala: In a pot, heat oil. Add cumin seeds, black cardamom, green cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon sticks, cooking for about a minute. Add chopped onions and cook until soft, then add tomato puree, red chili powder, red chili flakes, coriander powder, salt, and cumin powder. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, then add yogurt and cook until oil separates. Add the boiled chickpeas, dried plums, and tamarind, cooking for another 5-10 minutes.
3. Prepare Rice: In a separate pot, bring water to a boil, adding cloves, green cardamoms, star anise, and salt. Add soaked rice and boil until about 80% cooked. Drain and set aside.
4. Assemble the Biryani: In a large pot, layer the prepared chana masala and boiled rice. Garnish with fresh green coriander, green chilies, and lemon slices. Sprinkle yellow and orange food colors and add kewra water for fragrance.
5. Steam: Cover the pot tightly and steam on low heat for 10-12 minutes to let flavors meld.

Serve this aromatic Chana Biryani hot, accompanied by raita or salad for a complete meal. Enjoy this vibrant vegetarian dish that’s sure to please!