Rajma Urad Dal Recipe

Rajma Urad Dal is a delicious Recipe, hearty dish that mixes kidney beans (rajma) with urad dal (black gram lentils). Originating from North India, it’s especially loved in Punjabi homes, where comfort food is a tradition. I remember enjoying it with my family during special occasions—it’s a perfect blend of creamy beans and earthy lentils, making it a dish everyone loves!

Jump to:

• What is Rajma Urad Dal?
• Health Benefits and Nutritional Value
• What you Need to Make This Rajma Urad Dal Recipe
• How to Make Rajma Urad Dal
• Regional Variations and Twists
• Serving Suggestions
• Meal Prep and Leftover Ideas
• Tips for Perfect Texture
• ❔FAQs

What is Rajma Urad Dal?

Rajma Urad Dal recipe is a delicious, hearty dish made with creamy kidney beans (rajma) and earthy black gram lentils (urad dal). Not only does it have a rich texture, but also it’s packed with protein, making it super filling.

This dish is a favorite in Punjabi and North Indian homes, loved for its comforting and warm flavors. What’s more, it’s made from simple ingredients that come together beautifully.

Typically, Rajma Urad Dal recipe is served with rice or roti, making it the perfect dish for family meals and celebrations. Altogether, it brings joy to every bite!

Why it Works?

Combining Rajma (kidney beans) and Urad Dal (black gram lentils) creates a fantastic dish with flavors that work perfectly together!

The creamy kidney beans and earthy, soft urad dal blend into a hearty, protein-packed meal. It's not only delicious but also super nutritious!

This satisfying combo makes the perfect meal for any occasion, whether it's a cozy family dinner or a celebration.

Health Benefits and Nutritional Value

• Nutritional Powerhouse: Rajma and Urad Dal are rich in plant-based protein, fiber, iron, and folate, making them great for vegetarians and vegans, supporting muscle growth and strength.
• Gut Health Boost: The fiber in both beans aids digestion, keeps you regular, and promotes a healthy gut. Bye-bye, stomach issues!
• Energy-Boosting: Packed with complex carbs and protein, this dish provides lasting energy, keeping you full and active all day. Perfect for fueling your day!

Explore more delicious creations:

Rajma Magic – A cozy, comforting classic that never fails to satisfy!
Rajma Aloo Delight – The perfect blend of beans and potatoes!
Kashmiri Rajma Bliss – A fragrant, spiced journey straight from Kashmir!
Rajma Rice Heaven – The ultimate comfort food combo!
Black Gram Dal – A nourishing, protein-packed delight!

What you Need to Make This Rajma Urad Dal Recipe

Recipe Ingredients-Rajma Urad Dal

Ingredients Notes:

• Rajma (Kidney Beans): These beans are the heart of the dish! I always soak them overnight to get them soft and creamy. Trust me, it makes all the difference!
• Urad Dal (Black Gram Lentils): This adds a wonderful earthy flavor and rich texture, balancing perfectly with the rajma. I love the contrast it creates when cooked together.
• Onions & Tomatoes: The base for our gravy! I sauté them until golden for that deep, sweet flavor.
• Spices: Cumin, turmeric, garam masala, and more. These spices bring warmth and boldness, making the dish absolutely irresistible.
• Ginger & Garlic: These fresh ingredients provide a zing that really elevates the dish. I always crush them fresh to bring out the best aroma while cooking.

See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

How to Make Rajma Urad Dal

Step by Step Instructions

1. SoakSoak the Beans and Lentils

• Start by soaking the kidney beans and urad dal in enough water overnight. This step is crucial because it softens the beans and reduces cooking time. If you forget to soak them overnight, you can do a quick soak by boiling them in water for an hour.

2. Cook the Beans

• Once soaked, drain and rinse the beans and lentils. Then, place them in a pressure cooker or a pot with enough water to cover them.

• If using a pressure cooker, cook for about 20-25 minutes on high pressure. For stovetop cooking, let them simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until they are soft but not mushy.

Tip: Always check the beans for doneness. They should be tender but still hold their shape.

3. Prepare the Masala

• In a separate pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds and let them sizzle.

• Next, add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it turns golden brown. This caramelization adds a depth of flavor to your dish.

• Then, add the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies. Cook until the raw smell disappears.

• After that, add the pureed tomatoes and let it cook until the oil separates from the mixture, indicating that the masala is ready.

Tip: If you want a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

4. Combine and Cook

• Once your masala is ready, add the cooked kidney beans and urad dal, along with a little bit of the cooking liquid. Stir everything together and then add turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt to taste

• Let the mixture simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the beans to absorb the spices and creates a rich, flavorful gravy. Stir occasionally and add water if you prefer a thinner consistency.

Regional Variations and Twists

1. North Indian Variations: Across different regions of North India, Rajma Urad Dal is prepared with unique twists. For instance, some people add paneer (Indian cheese) or methi (fenugreek) leaves, which not only enhance the flavor but also bring a delightful freshness.

2. Kashmiri Twist: In contrast, in Kashmir, they elevate the dish by adding dried ginger and saffron. Consequently, this gives the Rajma Urad Dal a rich, aromatic flavor that makes it truly special and unforgettable.

3. Fusion Fun: If you're feeling adventurous, why not try a fusion version? For example, you can make Rajma Urad Dal Tacos, Wraps, or even stuff it inside a paratha, thus creating a delicious and fun twist on a classic dish.

Serving Suggestions

• Firstly, you can enjoy this hearty dish with rice or roti for a classic combo. In addition, it pairs well with a side of salad or yogurt to balance the flavors.
• Secondly, if you’re looking to get creative, **try stuffing it in a paratha or wrap for a fun twist. Alternatively, you can even serve it as a filling for tacos for a fusion treat!
• Finally, serve it with a squeeze of lemon and some cilantro on top to add freshness.

Meal Prep and Leftover Ideas

Meal Prep Magic: Rajma Urad Dal is the ultimate meal prep buddy! You can easily store it in the fridge for a few days. In fact, the flavors get even better the next day, making it perfect for busy weeks ahead!

Freezing for Later: Want to keep it for longer? No problem! Freeze portions for up to 3 months. This way, you’ll always have a quick, tasty meal ready to go when needed!

Leftover Ideas: Leftovers? Not to worry! You can turn them into Rajma Urad Dal soup, crispy fritters, or even use them as a filling for tacos and wraps for a fun twist!

Tips for Perfect Texture

• Firstly, always soak your Rajma (kidney beans) and Urad Dal (black gram lentils) for at least 6-8 hours or overnight. This way, they cook faster and become soft.
• Secondly, cook the beans and lentils on a medium heat, stirring occasionally. In effect, this prevents them from sticking to the bottom and ensures even cooking.
• Moreover, if you want a creamy texture, you can mash some of the beans and lentils towards the end. This will give your dish a thick and smooth consistency!
• Lastly, let it simmer for a while after adding the spices. As a result, the flavors meld together, and you’ll get the perfect texture!

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❔FAQs