Rajma Chawal Recipe - Punjabi Kidney Bean Curry with Premium Spices

Rajma Chawal is ultimate North Indian comfort food! Creamy kidney bean curry served with steamed rice. This Punjabi classic uses Phoran Premium Turmeric and Panch Phoran for authentic flavor. Perfect for family meals!

Ingredients

For Rajma:

• 1.5 cups rajma (kidney beans) - soaked overnight
• 3 onions (finely chopped)
• 3 tomatoes (pureed)
• 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 2 tsp Phoran Premium Turmeric Powder
• 2 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tbsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp cumin seeds (or use Panch Phoran for Bengali twist)
• 4 tbsp oil
• Salt to taste
• Coriander leaves for garnish

For Rice:

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 4 cups water
• Salt to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Pressure Cook Rajma

Soak rajma overnight in plenty of water. Next day, drain and add to pressure cooker with fresh water, salt, and 1 bay leaf. Pressure cook for 5-6 whistles until soft but not mushy. Don't drain the water - you'll need it for the gravy!

Step 2: Make the Masala Base

Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan. Add cumin seeds (or for a unique Bengali twist, use our Panch Phoran - it adds amazing depth!). Let them splutter. Add chopped onions and cook until golden brown (12 minutes). This is crucial for rich flavor!

Step 3: Add Aromatics

Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for 2 minutes until raw smell disappears.

Step 4: Add Spices

Add Phoran Premium Turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and cumin powder. Cook for 2 minutes. Our turmeric with high curcumin content (3-5%) gives beautiful color and anti-inflammatory benefits!

Step 5: Add Tomatoes

Add tomato puree and cook until oil separates from the masala (10 minutes). This step creates the rich, thick gravy base.

Step 6: Add Rajma

Add cooked rajma along with its cooking water. The starchy water makes the gravy creamy! Simmer for 20 minutes on low heat. Mash some beans against the side of the pan for extra thick, creamy texture.

Step 7: Final Touch

Add garam masala and mix well. Simmer for 5 more minutes. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. The rajma should be thick, creamy, and richly flavored!

Step 8: Cook Rice

While rajma simmers, cook basmati rice with water and salt until fluffy. Each grain should be separate.

Pro Tips for Perfect Rajma Chawal

• Soak rajma overnight - Essential for soft, creamy beans
• Use Phoran Premium Turmeric - Our high curcumin turmeric adds color and health benefits
• Cook onions until golden - This is the flavor foundation
• Don't drain rajma water - The starchy water makes gravy creamy
• Mash some beans - Creates that signature thick texture
• Tastes better next day - Flavors develop overnight!
• Try Panch Phoran - Our Bengali 5-spice blend adds unique depth

Why Phoran Spices Elevate This Dish

Our Premium Turmeric is selected for high curcumin content, giving you better color, flavor, and health benefits. For a unique twist, try tempering with Panch Phoran instead of cumin seeds - the five-spice blend adds incredible complexity!

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot rajma chawal with:
- Steamed rice or jeera rice
- Papad
- Onion salad with lemon
- Pickle (achaar)
- Yogurt (raita)

Complete Your North Indian Meal

Pair with other Phoran recipes:
- Make Aloo Paratha with Ajwain for breakfast
- Try Biryani with our Complete Spice Kit
- Explore our Indian Spice Starter Kit for essential spices

Health Benefits

Rajma is rich in protein and fiber. Combined with Phoran Premium Turmeric's anti-inflammatory properties, this is a nutritious, wholesome meal!

Variations

Kashmiri Rajma: Use smaller red kidney beans
Spicier Version: Add more green chilies and red chili powder
Creamy Rajma: Add 2 tbsp cream at the end
Bengali Style: Use Panch Phoran for tempering

Make Ahead Tips

Rajma: Can be made 2-3 days ahead. Tastes even better!
Rice: Cook fresh for best texture
Freezing: Rajma freezes well for up to 1 month

Prep Time: 15 minutes + overnight soaking
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (plus soaking)
Serves: 4 people
Difficulty: Easy

This Rajma Chawal is pure comfort food! Order Phoran Premium Turmeric for authentic color and health benefits. Try Panch Phoran for a unique Bengali twist. New to Indian cooking? Our Spice Starter Kit has everything you need!