Kidney Beans Curry w/Rice

Famous North Indian rajma recipe, full of aromatic spices, ginger-garlic, and made in tomato sauce, this kidney beans recipe is great w/rice.

Rajma-Chawal means spicy red kidney beans curry along with rice (chawal). Rajma is one of the most loved dishes in India - it is very famous and one of those recipes that you just can't say no to. It originates from the Northern state of Punjab - even though it is cooked all over Northern India but the most famous version is one made with Punjabi style (same as my recipe - cooked in a tomato puree with spices, garlic-ginger and chopped onion).

Now, enough talk; let's start and I am going to give you some pointers to make this recipe super tasty and health. Let's dig in! So, here is your 1st pointer...read on...

NOTE: Always soak your beans/peas/lentils/legumes overnight. This not only reduces the cooking time but also washes off the phytates that interfere in absorption of the nutrients. Another great aspect of soaking beans overnight is the fact that it makes them more digestible, thus reducing any possibility of gas or indigestion upon consumption. The last benefit of soaking beans and lentils is the taste - it just makes the taste so much better as the beans or the lentils soften up while cooking even more and are able to better absorb the flavors of spices, herbs and vegetables that have been added in the curry along with them. So, do remember to soak your kidney beans overnight! Don't forget!

How To Soak: I simply rinse them first and then in the same cooker that I am going to boil them, I add clean water enough to cover them up to 4 in as they will swell up. I cover the top lightly and leave on the kitchen counter. That is it - I do not close the cover or put them in the fridge. Next day, before boiling, drain any bit of water and add new one and just boil. If using the pressure cooker, then I boil on high for good 6-7 whistles (about 25-30 mins).

Ingredients -
​
1. Organic red kidney beans -soaked overnight & then boiled. 
2. 6 organic tomatoes
3. 2 organic onions
5. Garlic (2 whole garlic)
6. 1 whole bunch organic cilantro/coriander
7. Ginger -1 in

Spices, Seeds & Oils -

1. Organic coconut oil (or even better, mustard oil!)
2. Cumin seeds 
3. Org, turmeric
4. Org. cumin seeds powder
5. Coriander powder
6. Org. red paprika or cayenne
7. Rajma masala (optional)
8. Garam masala (optional)
9. Organic Himalayan sea salt

Top It With -

1. Organic lemon juice
​2. Organic apple cider vinegar

Simple steps -

Watch the video/pics for step-by-step recipe and exact measurements.

NOTE: Keep the red kidney beans water and use it when you boil your rice or quinoa - it is full of nutrients and must not be wasted. You can even use to water your plants, if nothing else! Or as a hair rinse since it only contains beans and bay leaves water. 

How To Pair?

You can use this recipe with one of my rice recipes (click on the categories to the right of this article), you can have it as a wrap in lettuce or kale! Very healthy & super tasty! You can pair it with some gluten-free tortillas or naan. 

Servings -

Single (Adult portion size) - This would serve approx. 4-5 servings.
2 people (Adult portion size) - 2+ serving each.
Family of 4 - Each a good rice bowl and then some. 

All in all, a beautiful, great, tasty rice dish to make anytime or serve guests!

For those with SUGAR issues:-

If you have sugar issues, you can still enjoy this recipe with 4 very simple, easy options!

1. REDUCE the quantity of rice and add some quinoa. So, you can do, say, 30% rice to 70% quinoa.

2. OR, you can eliminate rice completely - make the recipe as is, and mix in quinoa instead of rice.
​
3. And remember, to add some Ceylon cinnamon to your food when cooking AND when ready to eat.

4. Add some bay leaves powder for even more powerful blood sugar balance! Happy Cooking!
​