Rajma Chawal | Indian Style Bean Curry with Rice | Easy Gluten Free Vegan Indian Dishes

Rajma Chawal is - at its simplest - Beans and Rice - How many zillion combos can you make with that ?  

Rajma Chawal is a popular combo of steamed long grained rice served with kidney beans cooked in a tomato-onion base.

But Rajma-Chawal (Kidney Beans curry + Rice  : an Indian favourite) fit the bill appropriately and here’s my version of making the ever-popular dish from India. Rajma a.k.a Kidney beans features regularly in my house in other dishes, so this dish got made exclusively for the blog 🙂

The spice levels in the dish are medium, and as it's a very forgiving recipe , it can be made in bulk, stores well and also feeds a crowd. 

How did Rajma Chawal originate ?

Rajma chawal is a popular dish in the Indian subcontinent, particularly in the northern regions of India, including Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir. The dish consists of kidney beans (rajma) cooked in a spicy tomato-based sauce and served with rice (chawal).

The exact origin of rajma chawal is not clear, but it is believed to have originated in the northern regions of India, where kidney beans are widely grown and used in various dishes. It is also possible that the dish was influenced by Mughal cuisine, which was known for its rich and spicy dishes.

Today, rajma chawal is a beloved dish in many parts of India and is often served in restaurants and at home as a hearty and comforting meal.

Tips to make the best Rajma Chawal!

Can Rajma be made in Instant Pot?

 Yes, pre - soaked beans can be cooked in an Instant Pot too (that recipe coming up shortly)

Can I use Raw beans to make Rajma (without soaking)?

Soaking helps the beans soften and quicken the cooking process. Soaking also helps remove phytic acid which prevents absorption of nutrients.

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So, let’s get cooking! 

Considering that this bean is not so popular at my family, I have found the following ways to feed the uber-protein-rich bean to the family :

Rajma Pulav (One pot Indian meal with rice and kidney beans)   

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Kidney bean+ Sweet Potato Tikki ( vegan patty)

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In Indian households, there are a zillion ways to make today’s dish. This is a method I learnt from a neighbour and considering I make it rarely, it works for me. Some purists would add Kaali Urad dal (black Split gram) also to Rajma, but I make it only with the beans.

Soak time - 10 hours, Cook time - 15 + 15 mins ; serves - 2 to 3 

What you need:

Rajma ( I used the Kashmiri / small variety) - ⅔ cup (1 cup=200 ml)

Salt - 1 tsp

Oil - 2 tsp

turmeric - ½ tsp

Whole spices - Bay leaf - 1 , whole cardamom - 1 , cinnamon - 1 inch

Garnish - lemon juice 1 teaspoon + chopped cilantro 1 tsp

Masala / spice paste:

Onions - 2 large

Tomato - 1 large

Red chilli - 2 medium

Ginger garlic paste - 1 tsp

Dry spices :

garam masala - 1 tsp

Red Chilli powder  - 1 tsp

Amchur / Dry mango powder - 1 tsp

Coriander powder - 2 tbsp

Jeera / cumin powder - 1 tsp

How to:

Wash and soak the beans for 8 hours or overnight. After that, drain all the water, add fresh water and cook till tender (and slightly mushy). Drain and retain the water in which you cooked the bean. 

In a pan, heat oil. Add the whole spices, saute for 1 min. 

Then, saute the onion-tomato paste till oil leaves the sides - about 2-3 mins on medium heat. 

Now add the turmeric, dry spices, salt and the cooked beans along with some of the cooked water.

Mix well and let it simmer on low flame for 8-10 mins till the dish turns creamy

Garnish with chopped cilantro and lemon juice and serve hot with steamed Rice / any flatbread