Pilaf is rice cooked in a flavored broth. Chickpea pilaf is a vegan dish with buttery chickpeas in lightly flavored soft grains of Basmati rice. It can be served as a one-pot meal with a few accompaniments or along with grilled kabobs or other protein. This instant pot version only needs about 10 minutes of active cook time and makes an easy and healthy weeknight meal with little fuss.
Course Dinner, Side Dish
Cuisine Asian, Indian
Diet Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Keyword Gluten Free Meal, Instant Pot Chickpea Pilaf, One Pot Meal, Vegan Dinner
Prep Time 10 minutesminutes
Cook Time 30 minutesminutes
Servings 6
Calories 481kcal
Author Syama
Equipment
Instant Pot
Ingredients
2CupsBasmati rice
1 ½CupsCooked Chickpeas15 oz can drained
3TbspOil (Notes)
1CupsOnionthinly sliced
4ClovesGarlicgrated or finely minced
1InchFresh Gingergrated or finely minced
1-2Bay Leaves
1Cinnamon stick2 inch piece
3PodsGreen Cardamom
4Whole Cloves
1TspCumin Seeds
1TspFennel Seeds
1 1/2Tspsaltadjust to taste
2 1/2Cupswater
Optional
½CCarrotsDiced
2TbspGolden Raisins
½CPeas
Instructions
Wash and drain the rice. Slice the onions thin. If adding carrots chop them into small pieces. Assemble all ingredients.
Instant Pot
Turn on the sauté mode. Add 3 tbsp oil. Add the sliced onions and whole spices. Sauté the onions stirring often until the onions turn golden on the edges (see notes). Add the garlic and ginger.
Once the onions reach the desired color add the vegetables, chickpeas, salt, raisins (if using), and the drained rice. Mix and add the water. Close the lid and seal the vent. Turn on the manual mode and set the time to 5 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally. Open the lid and fluff the rice before serving.
Stove Top pressure cooker
Follow the recipe above but use 11/2 C water for 2 C rice. Turn off once the whistle blows. Wait for at least 5 minutes before releasing the pressure to open the lid.
Notes
Traditionally ghee or a mix of ghee and oil was used. Any neutral vegetable oil will work in this recipe.
If you want darker color and caramel flavor to the rice let the onions cook till browned nicely. Optionally you can add a ½ tsp sugar to help with caramelization. In this case wait for the onions to begin browning before adding the spices.
The order of adding vegetables and whole spices does not matter much in pressure cooking. Other than caramelizing onions you can add all the other ingredients together and cook.