Rajma Chawal – A Simple Recipe for Everyday Comfort
In the realm of comfort food, few dishes hold a special place like Rajma Chawal. This classic North Indian meal is not just a dish; it’s a warm embrace on a plate, a symphony of flavors that can transport you straight to the heart of India. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a newbie in the kitchen, Rajma Chawal is a recipe that’s easy to master. Let’s dive into this delightful dish, exploring its ingredients, preparation steps, and the method to create a soul-satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
To whip up a delicious serving of Rajma Chawal, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Rajma (Kidney Beans):
- 1 cup of dried kidney beans
- Water for soaking
- 4 cups of water for cooking
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2-3 cloves
- 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
- 2 medium-sized onions, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon of red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala
- 2 tablespoons of cooking oil
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
For the Chawal (Rice):
- 1 cup of long-grain basmati rice
- Water for rinsing and cooking
- Salt to taste
Time Required:
The preparation and cooking time for Rajma Chawal can vary, but on average, it takes about 2 hours. This includes soaking the kidney beans and cooking them until they are tender.
Preparation Steps:
For the Rajma (Kidney Beans):
- Soaking the Kidney Beans: Begin by rinsing the dried kidney beans thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. Then, place them in a large bowl and cover them with enough water. Allow the beans to soak for at least 6-8 hours or overnight. This step is crucial as it helps the beans soften and cook faster.
- Cooking the Kidney Beans: After soaking, drain the kidney beans and transfer them to a large pot. Add 4 cups of water, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, cloves, cumin seeds, salt, and turmeric powder. Bring this to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes or until the beans are tender but not mushy. You should be able to easily smash a bean between your fingers when they are done.
- Preparing the Rajma Masala: While the beans are cooking, heat oil in a separate pan. Add the chopped onions and sauté them until they turn golden brown. Next, add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and green chilies. Cook for a few more minutes until the raw smell disappears.
- Adding Spices: Stir in the chopped tomatoes, red chili powder, ground coriander, ground cumin, and a pinch of salt. Cook this mixture until the oil starts to separate from the spices, and the tomatoes become soft and pulpy.
- Blending the Masala: Allow the cooked mixture to cool slightly, then transfer it to a blender and blend it into a smooth paste. This forms the base of your rich and flavorful Rajma gravy.
- Final Touch: Once the kidney beans are tender, add the blended masala to the pot. Stir everything well and let it simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes. Finally, sprinkle garam masala over the top and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
For the Chawal (Rice):
- Rinsing the Rice: Before cooking the rice, rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch and helps prevent the rice from becoming sticky.
- Cooking the Rice: In a separate pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rinsed rice and salt to taste. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the rice simmer for 15-20 minutes or until it’s tender and each grain is separate.
Method:
Once your Rajma and Chawal are ready, it’s time to plate up this delightful dish. Spoon a generous serving of Rajma over a mound of steaming hot rice on each plate. The marriage of tender kidney beans in a rich, aromatic gravy with fluffy rice is a match made in food heaven. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of freshness.
In just a few simple steps, you can create a heartwarming plate of Rajma Chawal that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds and warm your soul. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a regular weeknight dinner, this recipe brings the flavors of North India to your kitchen with ease. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the aromas, and indulge in the comforting goodness of Rajma Chawal.
Rajma Chawal recipe(youtube)- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_ncAJhIaIU