Rajma Chawal is not just food—it’s a feeling. From North Indian households to hostel kitchens, this dish is a comfort classic. It combines protein-rich kidney beans (rajma) cooked in a delicious masala curry, served with steaming hot rice.
If you’re searching for an easy, healthy, and budget-friendly dinner, this Rajma Chawal recipe is your answer. Let’s make it step by step—even beginners can master this!
🛒 Ingredients - What You’ll Need
For Boiling Rajma:
1 cup rajma (kidney beans) – soaked overnight
4 cups water
½ tsp salt
For Rajma Curry:
2 tbsp oil or ghee
1 large onion – finely chopped
2 ripe tomatoes – pureed or grated
1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
1 green chili (optional) – chopped
1 tsp cumin seeds
½ tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp red chili powder
1½ tsp coriander powder
1 tsp garam masala
Salt to taste
2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves
How to Make Rajma Chawal – Step-by -Step
Step 1: Soak and Boil Rajma
Wash rajma well and soak overnight (8 hours or more).
Drain the water and pressure cook rajma with 4 cups water and ½ tsp salt for 4–5 whistles.
Rajma should be soft and mash easily. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Onion-Tomato Masala
Heat oil or ghee in a deep kadhai or pan.
Add cumin seeds and let them crackle.
Add chopped onions. Cook until golden brown.
Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute.
Add green chili and tomato puree. Cook until oil separates.
Step 3: Add Spices & Simmer
Add turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt.
Cook the masala for 2–3 minutes on medium flame.
Add the boiled rajma along with the water in which it was cooked, and everything nicely.
Mix well.
Mash a few beans to thicken the gravy.
Simmer for 10–12 minutes, sti
rring occasionally.
Step 4: Final Touch – Simple & Tasty
Thoda sa garam masala chhidak do upar se, aur sab kuch achhi tarah mila lo.
Ab thoda hara dhaniya kaat kar garnish karo.
Garam-garam rajma chawal ko plate mein nikaalo, saath mein lemon wedge ya pyaaz ka slice bhi rakh sakte ho — aur ho gaya ready ekdum d
esi dinner!
🍚 Best Rice to Pair with Rajma
Time-saving Tip: While your rajma simmers to perfection, prepare a simple batch of fluffy rice:
1. Rinse 1 cup of basmati rice thoroughly until the water is clear.
2. In a pot, bring 3 cups of water to a boil with a pinch of salt.
3. Add the rice, lower the flame, and cook until the grains are tender but not mushy.
4. Drain the water completely, then cover and let it rest for 5 minutes.
5. Gently fluff with a fork to separate the grains.
Serve your flavorful rajma over hot steamed rice for a complete, protein-
rich and soul-satisfying Indian dinner.
💡 Pro Cooking Tips (Especially for Beginners)
✅ While the rajma simmers, lightly mash some of the beans using a spoon to naturally thicken the curry and boost its flavor.
✅ Use ghee instead of oil for a richer North Indian taste.
✅ No tomato? Use 1 tbsp tomato puree or ketchup in emergencies.
✅ Want less oil? Use just 1 tsp or go oil-free – flavor still remains strong.
🥗 Health Benefits of Eating Rajma Chawal
Rajma Chawal isn’t just delicious — it’s also packed with nutrients that support a healthy lifestyle:
✅ Benefit 🌿 Why It’s Good for You
🧠 Rich in Protein Kidney beans provide plant-based protein essential for body repair and muscle growth.
🍽️ High in Fiber Helps in smooth digestion, promotes gut health, and prevents constipation.
💪 Keeps You Satisfied The combo of fiber and complex carbs keeps hunger away for longer.
❤️ Supports Heart Health Low in cholesterol and full of antioxidants that protect the heart.
✨ Bonus: Rajma Chawal is a wholesome, vegetarian, gluten-free meal that fits any budget and fuels y
ou with lasting energy.
👨🍳 Who Should Try This Recipe?
🏠 Home cooks looking for easy dinner ideas
👨🎓 Students or bachelors learning to cook
🥗 Health-conscious people needing high-protein meals
👶 Kids – just reduce chili and they’ll love it
💼 Busy professionals – it’s mea
l-prep friendly too
🙋♀️ FAQs – Your Questions, Answered
Q. Can I use canned kidney beans (rajma)?
Absolutely! Just rinse them well and cook with the prepared masala for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Q. Which rice is best to serve with rajma?
Traditionally, fragrant basmati rice is preferred. However, jeera rice or even brown rice works great as a healthier alternative.
Q. Is it possible to make rajma without oil?
Yes, you can! Use a non-stick pan and dry-roast the spices. The dish remains flavorful and nutritious ev
en without oil.