Rajma for Rajma Chawal

Rajma chawal is a classic every Indian home should know, and it has been my favourite since I was a child. It is hearty, comforting and full of protein and fibre.

I used Chitra rajma. The onions, tomatoes and ginger are blended into a smooth gravy, and a little of the cooking water goes in for body.

Rajma

Quick Details
Serves: 3
Soaking time: at least 4 hours
Cooking time: about 40 minutes
Diet: Vegetarian

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Course Main Course

Cuisine Indian

Ingredients

  

• 3/4 cup Chitra rajma soaked for at least 4 hours
• 4 tomatoes chopped
• 2 onions large, chopped
• 2 inch ginger
• 2 1/2 tablespoons oil
• salt to taste
• 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 1/2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon raw mango powder
• coriander chopped
• kasuri methi crushed

Instructions

 

• Cook the rajma. Pressure cook the soaked rajma with enough water for 1 whistle, then reduce the heat and cook for 8 minutes.
• Make the gravy. Blend the tomatoes, onions and ginger with water in batches.
• Cook the gravy. Heat the oil in a kadai, add the blended gravy, salt and chilli powder and cook well.
• Add the rajma. Drain half the rajma water and add the rajma to the gravy. Add the turmeric and garam masala and simmer for 5 minutes.
• Finish. Adjust the salt, add the raw mango powder, coriander and kasuri methi.
• Serve. Serve hot with basmati rice.

Video

Keyword Rajma, Rajma Chawal, Kidney Bean Curry

Tips for the Best Rajma

• Soak the rajma for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.
• Keep half the rajma cooking water. It thickens the gravy naturally.
• Simmer the gravy well so the rajma soaks up the masala.
• Finish with crushed kasuri methi and coriander.

Storage

Keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days. It tastes even better the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which rajma is best?
Chitra rajma cooks soft and creamy. Red kidney beans work too, but need longer soaking.

Can I make it without onions?
Yes. Use more tomato and ginger.

Make rajma chawal this weekend and tell me how it turned out. Watch the recipe video on YouTube and follow @askdeepa_ on Instagram for more.