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Time for cooking: Prep 45 min (approx. including the prep)

Servings:  4 portions 

 

Tomato Chana Pulav (an easy leftover rice makeover)

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups Black chana or Bengal gram( soaked & boiled until soft but not mushy) 
  • 1.5 cups cooked rice (leftover)
  • 2 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper powder
  • 1 medium size onion thinly sliced 
  • 1.5 inch pc julienne fresh ginger  
  • 2 green chili chopped (optional) 
  • 1 cup thinly sliced coloured peppers (pick your colour) 
  • 1 medium sized carrots cubes
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • 2 tsp tomato paste 
  • 1/2 cup water or vegetable broth 
  • Lemon wedges to garnish
  • Toasted cashews for garnish 
  • Fresh coriander to garnish 
  • Salt to taste

Method:

Soak black gram beans overnight. Next day in a pressure cooker , give 2 whistles or until soft. You can alternatively boil it too in some water in a pot for about 30 min or so. 

 

Drain the excess water and let the beans sit aside.

 

Heat a wide pan, add the onions , sauté until light down. Now add the carrots and stir for another 5 minutes on low heat.

 

Now go on adding the peppers and ginger. Sprinkle some water if you find the veggies sticking to the pan.

 

After about 2-3 minutes, when the veggies look a little soft , add the spices. Incorporate  the spices and let it sit for 3-4 minutes.

 

Now add the tomato paste and the remaining water. Mix everything well. Now add cherry tomatoes . Give a good stir. Cover and let it cook for 5 min.

 

Meanwhile, in a fry pan, add 8-10 cashews and toast until sprightly brown. Let it cool and then break them into small pieces. Keep aside.

 

Uncover the rice, stir again. Turn the heat off. Squeeze lemon juice. Garnish with coriander leaves and cashews. Serve immediately. 

 

It’s really an easy way to have a protein rich warm meal during the winter weeknights. Get creative with your veggies choice. Any veggies your family likes can be added to this recipe.

 

Would you also try our comforting Rissotto recipe?  Here is the link https://nurtureyourselfnow.com/green-light-risotto/”  Its a surprising way to add greens in your meals. Give a try!