This Rajma recipe is a lightly spiced, creamy and delicious Punjabi style curry made with protein-rich kidney beans, aromatics like onions, ginger, garlic, fragrant spices, and tangy tomatoes. A perfect comfort food that pairs beautifully with steamed rice, bringing the authentic taste of Punjab to your plate.

Rajma Chawal recipe
Prep Time
20min
Cook Time
40min
Total Time
1hr

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 1 bowl of rajma curry with rice)

For the curry

  • Oil
    Oil
    2tbsp
  • Onion
    Onion
    2cup
  • Red Chilly Powder
    Red Chilly Powder
    1tsp
  • Turmeric
    Turmeric
    1/2tsp
  • Coriander Powder
    Coriander Powder
    1tsp
  • Hing
    Hing
    1pinch
  • Salt
    Salt
    1tsp
  • Tomatoes
    Tomatoes
    2cup
  • unit Green Chillies
    unit Green Chillies
    2
  • Garlic
    Garlic
    4clove
  • Ginger
    Ginger
    1in
  • Garam Masala
    Garam Masala
    1tsp
  • Desi Ghee
    Desi Ghee
    2tbsp
  • Cooked Kidney Beans
    Cooked Kidney Beans
    2cup

For serving

  • Cooked Rice
    Cooked Rice
    4cup
  • Coriander Leaves
    Coriander Leaves
    2tbsp

How to make Rajma Chawal

Prepare the base

  1. Step 1

    Heat oil in a kadai and add bay leaf and onions. Sauté until the onions turn golden brown.

  2. Step 2

    Add red chilly powder, turmeric, coriander powder, hing, and salt. Cook the spices thoroughly.

Make the tomato paste

  1. Step 1

    Blend tomatoes, green chillies, ginger, and garlic into a smooth paste.

  2. Step 2

    Add the paste to the gravy and simmer for 15-20 minutes until it releases oil and turns red in color.

Finish the curry

  1. Step 1

    Add water to adjust the consistency and mix in the boiled kidney beans.

  2. Step 2

    Enhance the taste by adding garam masala and desi ghee. Leave it on a slow flame for 5 more minutes.

Serve

  1. Step 1

    Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot with cooked rice.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

302.5kcal (15.13%)

Protein

9.6g (19.26%)

Carbs

40.1g (14.57%)

Sugars

5.0g (10.06%)

Healthy Fat

7.9g

Unhealthy Fat

4.2g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Soak kidney beans overnight and cook them until tender for the best texture.

  2. Adjust the spice levels according to your preference.

  3. Adding desi ghee at the end enhances the flavor significantly.

FAQS

  1. Can I use canned kidney beans instead of fresh ones?

    Yes, canned kidney beans can be used. Make sure to rinse them thoroughly before adding them to the curry.

  2. How do I make the curry less spicy?

    Reduce the quantity of red chilly powder and green chillies to make the curry milder.

  3. Can I freeze leftover rajma curry?

    Yes, you can freeze the curry in an airtight container for up to a week. Thaw and reheat before serving.

  4. What can I substitute for desi ghee?

    You can use butter or any neutral oil as a substitute for desi ghee.

  5. Is rajma chawal gluten-free?

    Yes, rajma chawal is naturally gluten-free as it primarily consists of kidney beans and rice.

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Abhishek Boke

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