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Kidney Bean Coconut Curry - Indian Kidney Beans Curry

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Kidney Bean Coconut Curry - Rajma Chawal

This kidney bean coconut curry is healthy nutritious comfort food in a bowl. Spiced with delicate Indian spices and rich coconut cream. These Indian kidney beans also known as rajma chawal can be made with canned or pre-cooked or frozen kidney beans.  Rich, creamy and delicious this recipe takes less than 15 minutes. Serve it over steamed rice or with some crusty fresh baguette.

Pinterest Optimized Image for Kidney Beans Coconut Curry, rajma chawal and Indian spiced kidney beans curry with curry powder and coconut cream.
Kidney Bean Coconut Curry aka Indian Kidney Beans Curry, Kidney Bean Recipes, rajma chawal

How did you celebrate Valentine's Day yesterday? Ziv and I went out for breakfast to a new restaurant. But it's really wasn't specific to Valentine's Day per se. As a couple, we often spend mornings together by going out for breakfast rather than dinner.  Dinner becomes really cumbersome for us because we have to find a baby sitter for the kids and not all of them are comfortable babysitting a child with special needs. Both the kids are in school in the morning which makes going for breakfast a lot more simple and easy for us. We go out for breakfast so we can spend the morning together. So this was no different and confirms to my belief that  "if you spend your life with the right person, Valentine's Day is just another day!' Don't you agree?

Have you ever heard the Indian dish Rajma Chawal?

If you've been to a north Indian restaurant then this is often one of the dishes on the menu. 'Rajma' meals kidney bean and 'chawal' means rice. A north Indian classic dish called Rajma chawal. Very delicious, creamy, hearty and wholesome.

If you ever get invited to dinner by a north Indian, they probably make rajma as one of the dishes. That's how popular and proud they are about this dish. Rightly so. The original recipe has a lot more spices like nutmeg, dry mango powder, pomegranate seeds, mace, etc which is why you will find a special rajma spice mix in most Indian shop.

Recently I've been trying to add more lentils, legumes, beans and such in our diet and the kid's seam to really warm up to kidney beans nicely. They love this kidney bean coconut curry which is creamy and mildly spiced with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Aadi loves it over steamed white rice and I especially love it with my steamed cauliflower rice.

A top view of the Kidney Bean Coconut Cream or rajma chawal served with steamed rice in the background and some sliced tomatoes and lemon
Kidney Bean Coconut Curry aka Indian Kidney Beans Curry, Kidney Bean Recipes, rajma chawal

Did you know that the kidney bean is the most popular among all beans?

Well, they are not just popular but also very nutritious and one of the world's healthiest foods whether you eat them out of a can or bulk bin which is one of the reasons I try so hard to get my kids into the habit of eating them often. Not to mention Ziv has issues with high cholesterol and kidney bean is a good source of cholesterol-lowering fiber for him. So I make things like my Kidney Bean Patties or add kidney bean to salads. This curry is the most favored in our home and often eaten like soup for dinner with bread to soak up all that creamy sauce.

As a kid I grew up eating lots of beans, lentils and such dry produce; not because they were healthy but because they were most affordable for my mom. As a single mom, she really struggled with work and home both financially and time.  Buying meat often or expensive grocery was not always a luxury. Back then she didn't buy canned goods either so it was the plain and simple method of soaking the beans overnight and then cook them in the morning. Planning was key for moms back in those days. We on the other today, are so lucky that we have so many options of canned, frozen or fresh. Right?

This kidney bean coconut curry or rajma chawal is healthy nutritious comfort food in a bowl. Spiced with delicate Indian spices and creamy coconut cream. This simple, easy and effortless recipe can be made with canned or precooked kidney beans and can be prepared in less than 15 minutes. Serve it over steamed rice or with some crusty fresh baguette
Kidney Bean Coconut Curry aka Indian Kidney Beans Curry, Kidney Bean Recipes, rajma chawal

Let's talk ingredients and Substitutes (save/pin)

  • Kidney bean - You can use canned kidney bean. I used dried kidney beans that were cooked in a slow cooker overnight without any soaking time required. This is so efficient and effective because it's so much cheaper. I buy a big batch of kidney beans - rinse them and add 4 times the amount of water. Set the slow cooker on low for a good 8 to 10 hours or until they are soft and tender.
    Tip- add 2 tea bags to the beans when cooking them. I do believe they cook faster and add deeper color to the beans. My mom did it so I do it.
  • Coconut Cream - Cream or coconut milk both work for this curry and of course use fresh coconut if it's available. Canned coconut becomes easy to have on hand. The thickness of the curry will depend on the coconut cream or milk you use.
  • Curry Powder - This is a blend of Indian spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and paprika. It is readily available in most supermarkets these days. They come as spicy, mild, or not spicy. Choose one that works for you. I make my own homemade curry powder which is very easy. If you like making homemade spice mixes then you probably already have some of these in your pantry.
  • Paprika - I love adding smoked sweet paprika in addition to curry powder because I love when a curry has a deep rich color that says come eat me. If you like spicy food go ahead and switch the sweet paprika to hot paprika or try cayenne for a more spicy curry. I have to keep it mild because my kids can't handle too spicy.
  • Fresh herbs - A must-have in all curries - these are not only used as a garnish but also as flavor. With Indian food, cilantro is the way to go.

Useful Tips and Tools

A close up of the kidney beans in a spoon for this Kidney Bean Coconut Curry or rajma chawal made in less than 15 minutes.
Kidney Bean Coconut Curry aka Indian Kidney Beans Curry, Kidney Bean Recipes, rajma chawal

How to Make Kidney Bean Coconut Curry - Indian Kidney Beans Curry (Save/Pin) 

  • Saute chopped onions in oil until translucent - about 3 minutes
  • Add garlic and ginger - cook for a minute more.
  • Then add curry powder, paprika, and tomatoes - combine well on medium-low heat
  • Use a splash of water (3 tbsp) to cook the spices until fragrant - about 3 minutes.
  • Then add the canned or cooked kidney bean
  • Followed by the coconut cream
  • Season with salt and pepper - stir well to combine
  • Let come to a boil and simmer for two minutes more.
  • Add Cilantro and lemon juice.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning
  • Serve over steamed white rice or some crusty bread.
  • Enjoy!

What do you serve with this Kidney Beans Curry?

Traditionally this dish is always served with steamed white rice as you can see in the pictures below. Often I will also just eat this with nice crusty bread. If you're in a mood to cook Indian, the options for Indian bread are so many. From simple chapati to exotic butter naan as well as vegetable or prawn rice. 

Of course, when I'm in the mood for a low carb diet then I usually serve this over my cauliflower rice, turmeric rice or mustard dill cauliflower rice.

A vegetarian rice made with fruits and nuts served in a platterRice-Pilaf-with-Fruit-and-Nuts-1-404x500-1
One of my time saving and fun meal is this quick prawn rice, it's the quickest meal you can make for your family in 20 minutes. A delicious Indian Prawn Pilau recipes is a perfect one pot meal and a blessing to busy and working moms like me.Quick Prawn Rice Indian Prawn Pilau Recipe (7)
A garlic butter naan is a variation on the classic Indian naan recipe that is often accompanied with an Indian meal.  This simple, easy and effortless recipe makes a deliciously soft and chewy garlic butter naan that just melts in the mouth.Nigella Garlic Butter Naan Recipe
Indian Chapati is a flatbread recipe made with whole wheat flour. It's much healthier, delicious and easy to make with no special skills or gadgets needed. You can serve them with Indian food or use as a wrap for sandwiches too. This simple easy and effortless recipe will get you hooked onto the Indian Chapati Instantly.Homemade Indian Chapati or Whole Wheat Tortilla

Frequently asked questions

How long with this kidney bean curry keep?

This beans curry will keep in the fridge for 4 to 5 days in the fridge.

Can I freeze this kidney beans curry?

Yes, you can freeze this beans curry for up to a month. If you want to keep it longer do not add the coconut cream/milk. The shelf life without coconut milk will be up to 3 months

What other beans can I use instead of kidney beans?

This is a very basic and yet very versatile recipe that would work beautifully with most soaked and boiled beans such as black beans, black-eyed beans, yellow lentils, red lentils.
Try my kidney beans coconut curry or yellow lentil soup

Can I omit the coconut milk in this kidney beans curry?

Yes, you can. Perhaps you want to try my other black bean curry without any coconut milk and use kidney beans instead.

Can I use dried kidney beans for this instead of canned kidney beans?

Yes, you can. You will need about 1 1/2 cup dried kidney beans for this recipe
Soak the beans in water for 4 to 6 hours until hydrated then cook them using one of the methods I have listed above in this post. Once cooked you can proceed with this recipe.

Can I use canned kidney beans for this recipe

Yes. You can use 1 - 16 oz can or 2 cups of kidney beans for this recipe

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Pinterest Optimized Image for this Kidney Bean Coconut Curry or rajma chawal. Kidney Bean Curry with Indian Spices and coconut cream is comfort food in a bowl.
Kidney Bean Coconut Curry aka Indian Kidney Beans Curry, Kidney Bean Recipes, rajma chawal
This kidney bean coconut curry or rajma chawal is healthy nutritious comfort food in a bowl. Spiced with delicate Indian spices and creamy coconut cream. This simple, easy and effortless recipe can be made with canned or precooked kidney beans and can be prepared in less than 15 minutes. Serve it over steamed rice or with some crusty fresh baguette

Kidney Bean Coconut Curry - Indian Kidney Beans Curry

Author: Veena Azmanov
4.92 from 23 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 2 mins
Cook Time: 13 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Calories: 211kcal
Adjust Servings Here: 4 servings

Description

This kidney bean coconut curry is healthy nutritious comfort food in a bowl. Spiced with delicate Indian spices and rich coconut cream. These Indian kidney beans also know as rajma chawal can be made with canned or pre-cooked or frozen kidney beans.  Rich, creamy and delicious this recipe takes less than 15 minutes. Serve it over steamed rice or with some bread.
ADJUST SERVINGS HERE - 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 can (1 can) Kidney Bean (16 oz or 2 cups)
  • 1 cup (1 cup) Onion 1 large chopped
  • 1 tbsp (1 tbsp) Garlic
  • 1 tbsp (1 tbsp) Ginger
  • 1 cup (1 cup) Tomatoes (1 large chopped)
  • 2 tbsp (2 tbsp) Cooking Oil
  • 3 tbsp (3 tbsp) Curry Powder
  • 1 tbsp (1 tbsp) Sweet Paprika
  • 120 ml (0.5 cup) Coconut Cream
  • 2 tbsp (2 tbsp) Lemon Juice
  • 1/2 cup (0.5 cup) Fresh Herbs (cilantro/parsley/dill)
  • 1 tsp (1 tsp) Salt
  • 1/2 tsp (0.5 tsp) Pepper

Instructions

  • Saute chopped onions in oil until translucent - about 3 minutes
  • Add garlic and ginger - cook for a minute more.
  • Then add curry powder, paprika, and tomatoes - combine well on medium-low heat
  • Use a splash of water (3 tbsp) to cook the spices until fragrant - about 3 minutes.
  • Then add the canned or cooked kidney bean
  • Followed by the coconut cream
  • Season with salt and pepper - stir well to combine
  • Let come to a boil and simmer for two minutes more.
  • Add Cilantro and lemon juice.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning
  • Serve over steamed white rice or some crusty bread.
  • Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Featured recipe below  - Black Beans Coconut Curry 

 

Equipment

Skillet
Cutting boards
Kitchen Knife
Spatula
Nutrition Information
Calories: 211kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 3gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 594mgPotassium: 0mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 0IUVitamin C: 0mgCalcium: 0mgIron: 0mg

The nutrition information and metric conversion are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee its accuracy. If this data is important to you please verify with your trusted nutrition calculator. Thank you

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Author - Veena Azmanov

Veena Azmanov

Veena is the author of three blogs - Veena Azmanov, Cake Decorating Tutorials, and East Indian Recipes.
She writes about cooking, baking, desserts, and cake decorating. Being a professional cake decorator and food blogger for over ten years she has been featured in many online magazines and publications around the world. On her blogs, you will find delicious, easy and practical recipes often with instructional videos and tutorials for the home cook.

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  1. Sam

    what kidney beans do we use? light red or dark red? which do u suggest would be best for this curry?

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Any kidney beans would work for this curry, Sam. I've used the darker ones. Thanks

      Reply

  2. HK

    This was delicious! I added a full can of coconut milk and about 1/4 cup of water and let it simmer a bit longer before adding the cilantro. I like sauce to be a bit thin. I will definitely make this again, thank you for sharing

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Sounds delicious HK. Yes, extra sauce is great over rice. I like extra sauce when I eat this like a soup or over my cauliflower rice.

      Reply

    • Vitoria

      My children are a very hungry bunch. This recipe with rice worked wonderfuly to appease their cravings for the day. I'm very pleased since this is very cheap and extremely tasty! Thankyou!

      Reply

      • Veena Azmanov

        Thank you Vitoria. Yes, we love it with rice too

        Reply

  3. Holly

    Wow! So aromatic... so delicious... Hurried to make it; slowed down to savor every single bite.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you, Holly, So happy you enjoyed this recipe. Thanks for coming back to write this feedback

      Reply

  4. Dave

    This was very delicious. My wife added some crunchy peanut butter to hers, it went next level. I had already finished mine, but i mixed about 4 tablespoons into the leftovers. Today's lunch is going to be awesome.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you, Dave. So happy you enjoyed this recipe. I'm sure the peanut butter tasted delicious. Thanks for coming back to write this feedback. Love hearing from those who try my recipe. Have a great day.

      Reply

  5. Micheal

    Made this last week and it was gone in one sitting. We loved it to the last lick. So easy to make too! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you Micheal. So happy to hear that you had success with this recipe and enjoyed it too. Thank you so much for coming back to write this feedback. Appreciate it so much.

      Reply

  6. Michelle

    That sounds amazing - I love the addition of kidney beans to this. I usually use chickpeas but don't always have them on hand.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you Muchelle. I do love kidney beans, but chick peas would work just as well. not just healthy but delish too.

      Reply

  7. Helen @ Fuss Free Flavours

    This looks so good. Perfect winter warming food and so fast to make after work. I'll be making a double batch and whizzing the leftovers into a soup for the next day.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Really fast to make Helen and definitely comfort food. Thanks

      Reply

  8. Dennis

    I didn't know that kidney beans were the most popular bean, but they're definitely the most popular in my house. I had no idea a curry could be so quick to make, only 15 minutes! Now my biggest decision will be whether to serve it over rice or bread.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you Dennis. Yes it is indeed so easy to make and possible in 15 minutes if you use canned kidney beans. I love this with both crusty bread or rice.

      Reply

  9. Marisa Franca @ All Our Way

    That sounds like such a great dish. The ingredients are so flavorful and we do like our beans. We don't eat enough of them, though. I really would like to try this curry. The coconut milk in it fascinates me. And we're pretty much like you and your Hubby. We don't like to go out in the evenings. Instead we do lunches. I'm going to have to make some flatbread to dunk in the curry.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you Marisa. Flat bread or crusty bread would work a treat in this recipe. I love Indian flavors in beans and this one is really delish. You must try you will love it.

      Reply

  10. Denise

    That sounds like a wonderful Valentine's Day with your honey! I personally am not much of a night person so I think a breakfast date would be much better for us. Will have to try it! I'm also jealous that your kids will eat curry. Mine won't, but my husband and I still do and love it very much. Can't wait to try this !

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thanks Denise. My kids LOVE curry they love eat all types of curry! They are not fond of beans except in curry form. Yeah I have come to love breakfast dates more than dinner dates now a days.

      Reply

  11. Jolina

    We love curry. Such depth of flavour. Perfect for chilly weather!We've never tried kidney beans though. Can't wait to try. PS: love the video too!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Definitely lots of depth of flavor in curry and comfort food. Kidney beans work great. Thanks Jolina

      Reply

  12. Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy

    We love curry here. The addition of kidney beans certainly makes this a hearty, meat free version. Perfect comfort food....especially in this chilly weather we are having in Canada. Easy and delicious....nothing better than that for a quick dinner any night of the week.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Absolutely Gloria. Sure is comfort food ! We love it here on cold winter days too!

      Reply

  13. Elaine @ Dishes Delish

    I love curry!! All types are great in my book but I especially love a good coconut curry! I love the little pans your delicious curry is in!! I can't wait to make your dish and hubby will be happy when I do as he is a kidney bean fanatic! Beautiful photos Veena!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you so much Elaine. I love those little dishes too. Coconut curry is always one of my favorite..! I can eat it every day. Thanks!

      Reply

  14. Patty

    Your curry looks so delicious and easy enough to make, will try your recipe next time I make a curry dish!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thanks Patty. Yes, it is really very easy to make and definitely delish!!

      Reply

  15. [email protected]

    Yum!! I'm loving all the ingredients you used in this curry. Need to put this one on my to do list.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thanks Stephanie. Yes it's all simple easy ingredients. You will love this one.

      Reply

  16. emily| OatandSesame

    Ooh! This looks delish! I have all these ingredients, so I am pinning this for dinner tonight!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thanks Emily. I think you will love this. It sure is simple, easy and delish

      Reply

  17. Sandi

    This looks like a wonderful new curry recipe to try!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thanks Sandi. Let me know what you think if you try.

      Reply