🍚 Rajma Chawal – Easy Punjabi Home Recipe
A classic comfort dish from Punjab — thick, flavorful rajma served with steamed rice.
Easy and Delicious Rajma Chawal Recipe
Rajma Chawal is a classic comfort food from Punjab, loved across India. It combines soft, spiced red kidney beans (rajma) cooked in a rich tomato-onion gravy with fluffy steamed basmati rice. This protein-rich dish is simple to make at home and perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner.
The secret to flavorful rajma is soaking the beans overnight and slow-cooking them with spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. Serve hot with a dollop of butter, fresh coriander, and a side of pickles or salad for a true Punjabi experience.
Whether it’s a weekday meal or a special occasion, Rajma Chawal never fails to satisfy cravings and bring warmth to the table.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 3–4)
For Rajma:
- 1 cup rajma (kidney beans)
- 3 cups water (for pressure cooking)
- 2 tbsp oil or ghee
- 1 large onion (finely chopped)
- 2 medium tomatoes (pureed or finely chopped)
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- ½ tsp garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander (for garnish)
For Rice:
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 2 cups water
- Salt (optional)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Method
1️⃣ Soak & Boil Rajma
- Wash and soak rajma overnight (8–10 hours).
- Drain and pressure cook with 3 cups water & a little salt for 4–5 whistles (until soft).
2️⃣ Make Masala
- Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and cook 1 minute.
- Add tomato puree and cook until oil separates.
- Add turmeric, chili powder, coriander powder, and salt.
3️⃣ Add Rajma
- Add boiled rajma with its water into the masala.
- Mash a few beans for thicker gravy.
- Simmer on low flame for 15–20 minutes.
- Add garam masala and fresh coriander.
👉 The longer it simmers, the better it tastes!
4️⃣ Cook Rice
- Wash rice 2–3 times.
- Boil with 2 cups water until soft and fluffy.
🍽️ Serving Tip
Serve hot rajma over steamed rice with:
- Sliced onions
- Lemon wedge
- Mango pickle
- A spoon of butter (optional)