Trying to Conceive Recipe
Lunch
Rajma chawal with cucumber salad
Punjabi-style kidney bean curry served over steamed rice with a simple cucumber and onion salad. A filling, budget-friendly lunch that provides protein, vegetables and whole grains and can form part of a balanced diet while trying to conceive.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 40 min
- Total
- 55 min
- Portions
- 4
- Easy
- Trying to conceive
- Preparing for pregnancy
- Vegetarian
- Fibre-rich
- Budget-friendly
- Iron-containing

Make this recipe
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Only swaps that keep this recipe pregnancy-safe are offered. Allergen information below updates when you choose one.
Ingredients
For 4 portions. Tick items as you go — nothing is changed for anyone else.
This recipe contains foods that can contribute to a varied and balanced diet during pregnancy.
Method
- Step 1. Drain the soaked rajma and pressure-cook with fresh water until soft, about 20–25 minutes (4–5 whistles).
- Step 2. Heat the oil in a pan, add cumin seeds and let them sizzle, then add the chopped onion and cook until golden.
- Step 3. Stir in the ginger-garlic paste, then the tomato puree, turmeric and chilli powder, and cook until the oil separates.
- Step 4. Add the cooked rajma with its liquid, about 1 cup (240 ml) water, and simmer for 15 minutes until thickened. Stir in garam masala.
- Step 5. Toss the diced cucumber with lemon juice and a little salt for the side salad.
- Step 6. Serve the rajma hot over steamed rice, scattered with fresh coriander, with the cucumber salad alongside.
Allergens for your selection
No declarable allergens in the ingredients as currently selected.
Ingredient brands and substitutions can change allergen content. Always check the labels on the products you buy.
