Chickpea and Onion Biryani is a delicious and aromatic rice dish that combines the nutty flavor of chickpeas with the sweetness of caramelized onions. This vegetarian dish is packed with flavors and makes for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you will need to make Chickpea and Onion Biryani:.

2 cups basmati rice
1 cup cooked chickpeas
2 large onions, thinly sliced
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1-inch piece of ginger, grated
2 green chilies, slit
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon garam masala
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
1/4 cup chopped coriander leaves
1/4 cup chopped mint leaves
2 tablespoons ghee
Salt to taste

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare Chickpea and Onion Biryani:.

Step 1: Cook the Rice

Wash the basmati rice thoroughly and soak it in water for 30 minutes. In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the boiling water. Cook the rice until it is 70% cooked. Drain the rice in a colander and set it aside.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook them until they turn golden brown and caramelized. This process may take around 15-20 minutes. Keep a close eye on the onions to prevent them from burning.

Once caramelized, remove the onions from the pan and set them aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Biryani Masala

In the same pan, add another tablespoon of ghee and heat it over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them splutter. Then, add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and slit green chilies. Sauté them for a minute until the raw smell of garlic disappears.

Next, add the garam masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Mix well and cook the masala for a minute to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Combine the Rice, Chickpeas, and Masala

Add the cooked chickpeas to the pan with the masala and mix well. Gently fold in the cooked rice, ensuring that the masala coats every grain of rice evenly. Be careful not to break the rice while mixing.

Step 5: Dum Cooking

Place a tawa (or a flat griddle) on the stovetop and heat it on low flame. Place the pan with the rice and masala on top of the tawa. This indirect heat method, known as dum cooking, allows the flavors to infuse slowly.

Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid to seal in the steam. Cook the biryani on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the flavors have developed. Avoid lifting the lid frequently to retain the heat.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the biryani is cooked, remove it from the heat. Sprinkle the caramelized onions, chopped coriander leaves, and mint leaves on top. Cover the pan again and let it rest for a few minutes for the flavors to meld together.

Fluff the biryani gently using a fork, taking care not to break the rice grains. Serve hot with raita (yogurt-based side dish) or a cucumber-mint salad.

Variations

Chickpea and Onion Biryani can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Here are some variations you can try:.

1. Vegetable Biryani

You can add a medley of vegetables like carrots, beans, peas, and bell peppers to make a flavorful Vegetable Biryani. Just sauté the vegetables along with the chickpeas before adding the rice.

2. Spicy Biryani

If you prefer your biryani to be on the spicier side, increase the quantity of red chili powder or add some chopped green chilies to the masala.

3. Nut Biryani

To add a nutty crunch to your biryani, you can toss in some toasted cashews or almonds along with the caramelized onions.

Tips

Follow these tips to make the perfect Chickpea and Onion Biryani:.

1. Soak the Rice

Soaking the rice for 30 minutes before cooking helps to achieve long, fluffy grains of rice.

2. Caramelize the Onions Slowly

Take your time to slowly caramelize the onions as it adds a rich, sweet flavor to the biryani.

3. Use Whole Spices

Add whole spices like cloves, cinnamon sticks, and cardamom pods to the biryani for a fragrant aroma.

4. Seal the Lid Properly

Ensure that the lid of the pan fits tightly to trap the steam and allow the biryani to cook evenly.

5. Let the Biryani Rest

Allowing the biryani to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps the flavors to meld together and enhances the taste.

Conclusion

Chickpea and Onion Biryani is a delightful rice dish that brings together the earthiness of chickpeas and the sweetness of caramelized onions.

This aromatic and flavorful biryani is a vegetarian delight that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with raita or a salad. Don’t hesitate to customize the recipe to suit your taste buds and enjoy the rich flavors of this classic Indian dish.