Rajma Chawal
Rajma Chawal is a comforting North Indian dish featuring kidney beans simmered in a spiced tomato gravy, served with fluffy basmati rice. It's a hearty meal that is both nutritious and satisfying, perfect for lunch or dinner.

60 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Indian
450 kcal
Ingredients
- Kidney beans - 200 grams (soaked overnight)
- Basmati rice - 150 grams
- Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
- Tomato - 2 medium, pureed
- Garlic - 4 cloves, minced
- Ginger - 1 inch piece, grated
- Green chili - 1, slit
- Cumin seeds - 1 teaspoon
- Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
- Red chili powder - 1 teaspoon
- Garam masala - 1 teaspoon
- Coriander powder - 1 teaspoon
- Salt - to taste
- Vegetable oil - 2 tablespoons
- Fresh coriander leaves - for garnish
- Water - 4 cups (for cooking beans) + 2 cups (for rice)
Steps
- Drain the soaked kidney beans and rinse them under cold water.
- In a pressure cooker, add the kidney beans and 4 cups of water. Cook for about 15-20 minutes after the first whistle or until soft. Set aside.
- In a pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
- Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and slit green chili. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the pureed tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook until the oil separates from the mixture, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the cooked kidney beans (along with some water if the mixture is too thick) and garam masala. Simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- While the rajma is simmering, rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil, add the rice, and a pinch of salt. Cover and cook on low heat for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed.
- Once the rajma is ready, garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot with the basmati rice.
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 20 g
- Carbs: 75 g
- Fiber: 15 g
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Total Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Water: 0.5 L
Health Benefits
- Rich in protein and fiber, promoting digestive health.
- Contains antioxidants and vitamins from tomatoes and spices, supporting overall health.
Tags
IndianVeganLunch