Name: Punjabi Rajma Chawal
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Rajma (Red kidney beans); 1 no Onion (Chopped, big); 2 nos Tomato (Chopped); 2 tsp Ginger (Chopped); 2 tsp Garlic (Chopped); 1/2 tsp Cumin seeds (Jeerakam); 2 nos Bay leaf (Karuga/Vazhana ela); Salt (As reqd); 1 Cup Curd; 1/4 tsp Sugar; 4 tsp Oil; 2 cups Water; Coriander leaves for garnishing; 4 nos Pepper corns (Kurumulaku); 1 no Cardamom (Elakka); 3 nos Cloves (Grambu); 1" piece Cinnamon (Karugapatta); 1/2 of Onion (Chopped); 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder; 1 1/2 tsp Coriander powder; 1 tsp Chilly powder

Punjabi Rajma Chawal

Punjabi Rajma Chawal, a culinary delight that transcends mere sustenance, is a dish that encapsulates the rich cultural tapestry of Punjab. Beyond being a hearty meal, it serves as a portal to the vibrant traditions and flavors that define Punjabi cuisine. Let’s delve into the essence of Punjabi Rajma Chawal, uncovering its cultural significance, the artistry behind its preparation and the sensory journey it takes us on.

The Cultural Tapestry

Punjab, known as the “Land of Five Rivers,” boasts a cultural legacy that seamlessly weaves history, agriculture and warm hospitality. The Punjabi cuisine mirrors this tapestry, with its robust flavors, aromatic spices and a generous dose of love in every dish. Rajma Chawal, a staple in Punjabi households, is a celebration of this culinary heritage that all the locals enjoy.

A Symphony Of Flavors

At the heart of Punjabi Rajma Chawal lies a symphony of flavors. The red kidney beans, or ‘rajma,’ are slow-cooked to perfection in a thick, aromatic gravy infused with spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala. This melange of spices creates a dance of flavors on the palate, with each bite offering a harmonious blend of earthy, spicy and tangy notes.

The Artistry Of Preparation

The art of preparing Punjabi Rajma Chawal is a ritual passed down through generations. It is a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship that transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece. The slow-cooking process is not just about simmering beans, it’s about infusing each morsel with the essence of tradition, creating a dish that speaks volumes about heritage and love.

A Journey Of Senses

As the aroma of simmering spices fills the air, Punjabi Rajma Chawal beckons on a sensory journey. The vibrant colors of the dish, the sizzle of spices in the pan and the comforting warmth it exudes invite you to partake in a gastronomic adventure. The first spoonful carries the soul of Punjab, transporting you to the lush fields and bustling markets of this culturally rich region.

Culinary Heritage Beyond Borders

Punjabi Rajma Chawal isn’t just a local delight, it has transcended borders to become a global sensation. Its popularity is a testament to the universality of good food, breaking barriers and bringing people together over a shared love for exquisite flavors and cultural diversity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Punjabi Rajma Chawal isn’t just a meal, it’s a cultural experience on a plate. Its preparation is an art form, and each bite tells a story of tradition, flavor, and the warmth of Punjabi hospitality. As you savor this dish, remember that you’re not just eating; you’re immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of Punjab’s culinary heritage.

Punjabi Rajma Chawal

Red kidney beans cooked with ginger-garlic and spices

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Total Time 30

Course Main Dish

Cuisine North Indian

Servings people

Ingredients

1 cup Rajma Red kidney beans
1 no Onion Chopped, big
2 nos Tomato Chopped
2 tsp Ginger Chopped
2 tsp Garlic Chopped
1/2 tsp Cumin seeds Jeerakam
2 nos Bay leaf Karuga/Vazhana ela
Salt As reqd
1 Cup Curd
1/4 tsp Sugar
4 tsp Oil
2 cups Water
Coriander leaves for garnishing

For masala paste:-

4 nos Pepper corns Kurumulaku
1 no Cardamom Elakka
3 nos Cloves Grambu
1" piece Cinnamon Karugapatta
1/2 of Onion Chopped
1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
1 1/2 tsp Coriander powder
1 tsp Chilly powder

Instructions

Soak the rajma beans overnight (or at least for 4 hours).
Pressure cook with 2 cups of water and required salt upto 5 - 7 whistles on low flame or until done.
Drain and keep aside. Retain the water.
Grind the ginger-garlic into a fine paste. Also grind the masala ingredients, listed above, to a fine paste.
Heat oil in a kadai.
Add cumin seeds and bay leaf and saute for 2 mins.
Add ginger-garlic paste and saute, till the raw smell goes off.
Saute onions till light brown.
Add the masala paste and blend well for 5 mins.
Add the chopped tomatoes and sugar and stir well, till the tomatoes are mashed well.
Add the curd and stir well continuously, till the oil separates.
Simmer for 5 - 7 mins.
Add the cooked rajma and salt and mix well.
Add the rajma cooked water and cook on low flame for 7 - 10 mins, till the gravy thickens.
Garnish with coriander leaves. :- Can add a pinch of hing also, if desired.
:- Serve hot Rajma Gravy with steamed white rice and onion rings. Punjabi Rajma Chawal is a lip smacking meal.

Notes

You can visit this link Kala Chana Masala. You can also visit this link Cherupayar Curd Curry.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Response (5)

h

hari March 26, 2006

nice receipe.it turned out to be very good

M

Monica Varghese October 22, 2008

I just tried this Recipe… very good…. Nice taste. Just the right touch of sourness to it to please your appetite taste buds!! good job! Thanks for the recipe.

D

Deepa May 14, 2008

Very good recipe. My husband is not a fan of Rajma, but he liked this recipe.

D

Dish October 8, 2007

Came out wonderful.I made this for my guests and they loved it.They said it was the best rajma they`d ever had.The only changes I made was to add 2 green chillies while frying onions,mashed about 1/3rd of the rajma and also 1 1/2 tbsp of ketchup before leaving it to simmer.Came out perfect.Thnks for the recipe!


Load more replies (1)
P

Priyanka Vinod March 31, 2011

“PERFECT”…thatz the comment i got from hubby dearest….and it is indeed the most genuine taste of the rajma curry we get in the north India..thank you…