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Rajma Chawal

Creamy kidney bean curry paired with fluffy basmati rice, a beloved North Indian comfort meal. Mild, warming, and deeply satisfying.

60 minEasyServes 4420 cal/serving

IndianDinnerStovetopVegetarian

Ingredients

  • 2 cans kidney beans (15 oz cans)
  • 1.5 cups basmati rice, uncooked, rinsed
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 3 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1/2 tsp red chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp coriander powder
  • to taste salt
  • 4.5 cups water
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 tsp garam masala powder

Instructions

  1. 1

    Rinse 1.5 cups basmati rice, uncooked until water runs clear.

  2. 2

    Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 tsp cumin seeds and let it crackle for 30 seconds.

  3. 3

    Add 1 diced onion and sauté until golden, about 5 minutes.

  4. 4

    Stir in 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

  5. 5

    Mix in 3 tbsp tomato paste, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, 1/2 tsp red chili powder, and 1/2 tsp coriander powder. Cook for 2 minutes.

  6. 6

    Add 2 cans kidney beans (15 oz cans) and stir well.

  7. 7

    Pour in 4.5 cups water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until thickened.

  8. 8

    Season with to taste salt and finish with 1/4 tsp garam masala powder.

  9. 9

    In a separate pot, bring 4.5 cups water to a boil. Add 1.5 cups rinsed basmati rice, uncooked and cook for 12-15 minutes until tender. Drain any excess water.

  10. 10

    Serve the kidney beans (15 oz cans) curry over basmati rice, uncooked, garnished with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro.

Questions

How long does Rajma Chawal keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Can I halve or double Rajma Chawal?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

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