Do you get tired of having simple rice twice in a day whether at lunch or dinner? Spice-up your standard rice meal with a taste and aroma! Wondering how to do it? Make Rajma Pulao! It is a protein-rich, comforting meal made of soft rice and hearty kidney beans, simmered with aromatic spices that give you a feeling of being full and satisfied with a meal that tastily pleases your soul.
The rajma pulao recipe involves the use of high-quality rice, protein-packed kidney beans, and classic Indian spices. It is a nutritious, wholesome meal that is fast and simple to prepare into a filling dish. Although the pulao is incredibly flavorful on its own and provides a complete protein source, you can combine it with curd, a cooling boondi raita, or a fresh onion salad to make it taste even better and more authentic.
Rajma Pulao Recipe Ingredients
- 1 cup rice (Keshar Kali rice recommended)
- 1 cup Rajma (Kidney beans), soaked overnight and boiled (or canned)
- 2 Tbsp ghee or unrefined oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 bay leaf, 2 cloves, and 1-inch cinnamon stick
- 8-10 curry leaves
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1-inch ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups water
- Garnish of fresh coriander leaves
- Squeezer of lemon juice
Preparation Methods of Rajma Pulao
- In a pan on the stove (using pre-boiled rajma)
- In a pressure cooker (the fastest one-pot method)
- In an instant pot
In the Pan on the Stove
- Put one pan on a medium burner and pour in ghee or oil. Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cloves, and cinnamon after it becomes warm.
- Once they splutter, add the sliced onions and fry them until they are a golden brown.
- Add ginger and garlic and cook for 30 seconds until the raw smell disappears.
- Add turmeric, red chili powder, and garam masala. Blend thoroughly to allow the spices to release their aroma.
- Add the boiled rajma and sauté for 2 minutes so they absorb the spices.
- Pour in the soaked rice and stir gently to coat the grains. Pour in 2 cups of water and add salt. Mix well and bring to a boil.
- Cover and cook on medium-low heat for 10-12 minutes until the rice is soft and fluffy. Switch off the stove and leave it to rest for 3-4 minutes.
- Open the lid, fluff with a fork, and garnish with coriander and lemon juice.
- Rinse 1 cup of rice and soak for 20 minutes. Drain.
- Heat ghee or oil in a pressure cooker and add the whole spices (cumin, bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves).
- Add onions, ginger, and garlic, and fry until the onions are translucent.
- Stir in the soaked (not boiled) rajma if you are cooking from scratch, or boiled rajma for a faster version. Add the spices, salt, and soaked rice.
- Add 2 cups of water and seal the lid. If using soaked (not boiled) rajma, cook for 4-5 whistles. If using boiled rajma, cook for 2 whistles.
- Allow the pressure to release naturally. Open the lid, fluff the rice gently, and serve hot with raita.
- Turn on the Saute mode in the instant pot and warm the ghee or oil.
- Add the whole spices, onions, ginger, and garlic. Saute until fragrant.
- Stir in the rajma, turmeric, chili powder, salt, and soaked rice.
- Add 1.5 to 2 cups of water. Close the lid and set to Pressure Cook mode for 5 minutes (if using boiled rajma) or 20 minutes (if using soaked, unboiled rajma).
- Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before opening.
- Use a fork to fluff the rice, garnish with fresh coriander, and serve warm.
Conclusion:
Rajma Pulao is an easy, relaxing, and healthy substitute for ordinary rice. The combination of high-fiber beans and aromatic spices makes a satisfying meal that is not only easy to cook but also incredibly nourishing. It is a classic, nutritious dish suitable for family lunches or a protein-rich dinner.
Pair it with some chilled curd or a spicy pickle for the perfect meal experience. By using the high-quality grains of Keshar Kali, you ensure that your Rajma Pulao is always fluffy and aromatic, bringing a touch of warmth to your dining table. Rajma Pulao is an easy, relaxing, and healthy substitute for ordinary rice. The combination of high-fiber beans and aromatic spices makes a satisfying meal that is not only easy to cook but also incredibly nourishing. It is a classic, nutritious dish suitable for family lunches or a protein-rich dinner.
Pair it with some chilled curd or a spicy pickle for the perfect meal experience. By using the high-quality grains of Keshar Kali, you ensure that your Rajma Pulao is always fluffy and aromatic, bringing a touch of warmth to your dining table.
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