Ingredients:
For Rajma (Red Kidney Beans):
- 1 cup dried rajma (red kidney beans)
- 4 cups water (for soaking)
- 4 cups water (for cooking)
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons Kashmiri red chili powder (or as per your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
For Chawal (Rice):
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 2 cups water
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon ghee (optional)
Instructions:
For Rajma (Red Kidney Beans):
- Rinse the dried rajma beans in cold water. Soak them in 4 cups of water overnight or for at least 8 hours. This will help soften the beans and reduce cooking time.
- Drain the soaked rajma beans and rinse them again.
- In a pressure cooker or large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and turn mushy.
- Add Kashmiri red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well and cook the spices for a minute to release their flavors.
- Add the soaked and drained rajma beans to the pot. Mix well to coat the beans with the spice mixture.
- Add 4 cups of water to the pot. If using a pressure cooker, close the lid and cook the rajma beans on high pressure for about 15-20 minutes or until they are tender. If using a regular pot, cover and simmer for 1-2 hours until the beans are soft and cooked through, adding more water if needed.
- Once the rajma beans are cooked, add garam masala powder and mix well. Adjust the salt and spices according to your taste.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
For Chawal (Rice):
- Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a separate pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rinsed rice, salt, and ghee (optional).
- Cook the rice on medium heat until it is 70-80% cooked (parboiled). The grains should still have a slight bite to them.
To Serve:
- Serve a portion of cooked rajma beans over a plate of steamed rice (chawal).
- Garnish with additional fresh coriander leaves, if desired.
- Enjoy Rajma Chawal with a side of yogurt, pickle, or papad (Indian crispy flatbread) for a complete meal.
Rajma Chawal is a comforting and delicious dish that can be enjoyed as a main course in North Indian cuisine.