Rajma Pulao (Instant Pot Kidney Beans Rice)

Name: Rajma Pulao (Instant Pot Kidney Beans Rice)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 cups basmati rice; 1 cup red kidney beans (rajma) (or use 2 cups of canned beans); 1 red onion (chopped); 2 cardamoms; 4 cloves; ½ inch cinnamon stick; ½ tsp cumin seeds; 3 tsp cooking oil; ½ tsp red chili powder (use mild spice ); ¼ tsp turmeric powder; Salt to taste; ½ tsp garam masala powder; 2 ¼ cup water (add ¼ extra if you prefer soft texture); 2 green chilies (chopped (optional)); 1 tsp grated ginger; 2 garlic cloves (chopped); 2 tsp cilantro (chopped)

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Get ready for a healthy, nutritional, protein-packed rice recipe that you can prepare right off the pantry….Rajma pulao rice a.k.a Rajma Chawal!

It’s ideal for lunch boxes the next day and picnic options too! Because you could make this from scratch in less than 20 minutes.

A bowl of rajma pulao is on the table with a bowl of raita. — Fluffy Instant pot rajma pulao with vegan raita

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This is a simple concoction of rajma beans (Kidney beans) and supporting spices presented as a one-pot meal to save you time and stress in the kitchen.

With a full serving of protein on every plate, this recipe is among the simplest rice dishes.

Just pair it with a simple vegan raita, and you have yourself a great, balanced meal.

If you like my rajma masala curry, then you must try this red kidney beans pulao.

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Why this recipe works
Ingredients note
Instructions
Expert Tips
Recipe FAQ
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Why this recipe works

This can be a go-to recipe for a busy weekday dinner or a last-minute recipe without compromising on the nutritional value.

What makes beans better than other protein alternatives is that they are plant-based, guilt-free, and inexpensive. Kidney beans, in particular, are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and iron.

This rajma pulao recipe is hugely popular in Punjabi cuisine and is loved by people of all ages. Try it today if you have never tasted it before.

You will love the simplicity of beans while getting wholesome nutrition at the same time.

You can also have your own variations by adding other canned bean varieties or by adding other steamed vegetables.

However, be sure to add more spices if you are adding other vegetables.

Ingredients note

A table is covered with rajma pulao ingredients.

Basmati rice: I used extra long white basmati rice. If you do not have this variety, try other white rice like Sona Masoori.
Rajma or kidney beans: Make sure to cook the soaked rajma first before adding it to the recipe. You can skip the soaking part if you are using canned kidney beans.
Whole spices: Use fresh cumin seeds, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and cardamom.
Spice powders: I used red chilli powder, turmeric powder, and garam masala powder. A pinch of black pepper powder can also help, but it's optional.

See the recipe card for a list of ingredients and quantities, plus recipe instructions. You can find the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Instructions

First, soak the rajma overnight. Cook beans with 4 cups of water for 30 minutes under high pressure.

Alternatively, you can use the bean/chili setting on your instant pot.

Once the kidney beans are ready, drain the water and keep it aside.

Press saute on the instant pot and add 3 teaspoon of oil to the inner pot.

Add cumin seeds, cloves, cardamoms, and cinnamon sticks. Saute them until the cumin seeds start to sizzle.

A pressure cooker filled with spices and vegetables

Add chopped green chilies, onions, grated ginger, and chopped garlic. Saute until the raw smell disappears.

An Instant Pot with Rice and Kidney bean

Add the remaining spices like red chili powder, turmeric, and garam masala. Press cancel to stop sauteing.

Then add rinsed rice, cooked rajma beans, salt, and water.

A bowl of food on a stove, with Rice and Kidney bean

Stir well and press the ‘pressure cook’, and set the time for 4 minutes.

Once the timer goes off, open the lid after 10 minutes by pressing the knob for manual release.

Garnish with coriander leaves and fluff the rice with a spoon or fork.

The Rajma pulao recipe is ready to be served hot and paired with a side of vegan raita or dal tadka.

Expert Tips

Rinse the rice in clean water 3 times to get a vibrant, white steamed rice.
You could also use canned red kidney beans. make sure to rinse and drain the water before adding.
If you don't have garam masala powder, substitute it with coriander powder and cumin powder. (each ¼ tsp)
If you prefer a stronger aroma from spices, try sauteing star anise and other dry spices.
Use ginger-garlic paste if you do not have fresh ginger and garlic
Add a spoonful of tomato paste or lemon juice if the dish turns out too spicy for your liking.
If you are not using an Instant pot, saute the spices and other ingredients over medium heat.
Be sure to adjust the water quantity to match the rice variety.