Rajma Chawal – My Ultimate Comfort Food in a Bowl

🍛 Intro / Story Section:

Ask any North Indian about comfort food, and chances are they’ll say Rajma Chawal. For me, it’s more than a meal — it’s a feeling. Warm Sunday afternoons, the sound of the pressure cooker, and that unmistakable aroma of slow-simmered kidney beans in a tomato-onion gravy.

It’s a dish that brings everyone to the table — no frills, just love and flavor in every bite. Whether you’re missing home or just want a satisfying meal, Rajma Chawal never disappoints.




🌾 Rajma Chawal Recipe

Serves: 3–4
Prep Time: 10 mins (plus soaking time)
Cook Time: 45 mins




🛒 Ingredients

For Rajma:

1 cup rajma (kidney beans), soaked overnight

2 tbsp oil or ghee

1 bay leaf

1 inch cinnamon stick

1 onion, finely chopped

1 tsp ginger-garlic paste

2 tomatoes, pureed

1–2 green chilies, slit

1 tsp red chili powder

½ tsp turmeric powder

1 tsp coriander powder

1 tsp garam masala

Salt to taste

Fresh coriander for garnish


For Chawal:

1½ cups basmati rice

Water for cooking

Salt to taste





👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook Rajma:
Pressure cook soaked rajma with salt and 3 cups water for 5–6 whistles or until soft. Set aside.


2. Make the Masala:
Heat oil, add bay leaf, cinnamon. Sauté onions till golden. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook till raw smell goes.


3. Add Tomatoes & Spices:
Add pureed tomatoes, chilies, and all dry spices. Cook till oil separates.


4. Combine & Simmer:
Add cooked rajma with water. Let it simmer for 15–20 mins on low flame. Adjust thickness.


5. Cook Rice:
Wash and boil rice with salt till fluffy. Drain and set aside.


6. Serve:
Serve hot rajma over steamed rice, topped with fresh coriander. Add onions or curd on the side if you like.






💡 Tips:

Don’t skip the simmering — that’s where flavor builds.

Use ghee for extra richness.

Soaking rajma overnight ensures better digestion and softness.





❤️ Closing Note:

Rajma Chawal is not just food — it’s nostalgia, simplicity, and love in a bowl. Whether you’re far from home or just craving comfort, this dish will always have your back.