Rajma Rice Bowl
Hearty North Indian kidney-bean curry over rice. High fiber, high satisfaction, meal-prep friendly.
Rajma-chawal is a complete comfort plate: beans for protein and fiber, rice for energy, onion-tomato masala for depth. This version is fully plant-based with no cream or ghee.
Soaking beans overnight is ideal. Canned or pre-boiled rajma works for weeknights.
Nutrition
Per 1 bowl with rice (one-third recipe)
- Calories
- 420 kcal
- Protein
- 16 g
- Carbs
- 72 g
- Fat
- 8 g
- Fiber
- 14 g
Dietary
plant based · gluten free
Protein sources
rajma · rice
Ingredients
- 11 cup Dried Rajma (kidney beans), soaked overnight — or 2.5 cups boiled
- 21 Onion, finely chopped
- 32 Tomatoes, pureed or finely chopped
- 41 tbsp Ginger-garlic paste (or grated)
- 51 tsp Cumin Seeds
- 61 tsp Coriander powder
- 71/2 tsp Turmeric
- 81 tsp Kashmiri chilli powder
- 91/2 tsp Garam Masala
- 101.5 tbsp Oil
- 11Salt to taste
- 122 cups Cooked Rice for serving
- 13Coriander and onion rings to garnish
Instructions
- 1
Pressure-cook soaked rajma with water and salt until soft (usually 4–5 whistles).
Undercooked beans ruin the dish—beans should mash easily between fingers.
- 2
Heat oil, crackle cumin, saute onion until golden.
Mash a few beans into the gravy for restaurant-style body without cream.
- 3
Add ginger-garlic; cook until raw smell goes. Add tomato and cook until oil separates.
Kashmiri chilli gives color with moderate heat.
- 4
Add turmeric, coriander, chilli powder, and salt. Cook 1–2 minutes.
A longer simmer deepens flavor more than extra oil.
- 5
Add boiled rajma with enough cooking liquid for a thick gravy. Simmer 10–15 minutes.
Day-old rajma often tastes better after flavors settle.
- 6
Finish with garam masala and coriander. Serve over rice.
Diet adjustments
- Lower calorie: use less oil and more gravy liquid; serve with less rice and more salad.
- Higher protein: add extra beans or a side of tofu.
- No-onion/no-garlic: use hing, ginger, tomato, and kasuri methi.
Bowl toppings
- Lemon, raw onion, cucumber salad, or pickled chilli.
- Brown rice or millets instead of white rice.
- A spoon of peanut curd on the side.
Used in diet plans
This recipe can fill a meal slot in these day plans.
- Weight Loss Diet — Fat loss with adequate protein
- North Indian Plan — North Indian staples with protein focus