Rajma chawal

Making Rajma Chawal is a two-part process involving slow-cooked kidney beans in a spiced gravy and fluffy steamed rice. For the best results, use Basmati rice and soak your rajma overnight. 

Making Rajma Chawal is a two-part process involving slow-cooked kidney beans in a spiced gravy and fluffy steamed rice. For the best results, use Basmati rice and soak your rajma overnight. 

1. Ingredients

Rajma: 1 cup red kidney beans (soaked for 8–10 hours).

Aromatics: 1 large onion (chopped), 2–3 tomatoes (pureed), 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste,

2 green chillies.

Whole Spices: 1 bay leaf, 1-inch cinnamon stick, 1 black cardamom, 1 tsp cumin seeds.

Powdered Spices: 1 tsp red chilli powder, 1 tsp coriander powder, ½ tsp turmeric, 1 tsp garam masala, and salt.

Rice: 1 cup Basmati rice, 2 cups water, 1 tsp cumin seeds (for Jeera rice). 

2. Cooking Instruction

Step 1: 

Boilling the Rajma

Drain the soaking water and add the rajma to a pressure cooker with 3–4 cups of fresh water and a pinch of salt.

Pressure cook for 20–30 minutes (roughly 5–6 whistles) until the beans are soft and mash easily between your fingers. 

Step 2: 

Preparing the Masala

Heat 2 tbsp oil or ghee in a pan. Sizzle the whole spices (bay leaf, cinnamon, cardamom, cumin).

Add onions and sauté until golden brown. Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and green chillies for a minute.

Pour in the tomato puree and cook until the oil separates from the masala.

Add the powdered spices (turmeric, chilli, coriander) and a splash of water so they don't burn. 

Step 3: 

Simmering

Add the boiled rajma (with its cooking water) into the masala.

Mash a few beans with the back of your spoon to thicken the gravy.

Simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes until the gravy reaches your desired consistency. Finish with garam masala and fresh coriander. 

Step 4: 

Making the Chawal

Rinse and soak rice for 20 minutes.

In a pot, heat ghee, add cumin seeds, then add the rice and water (1:2 ratio).

Cover and cook on low heat until the water is absorbed and grains are fluffy.