Forgot to soak the kidney beans and chickpeas? Try this simple trick while boiling them in the pressure cooker...

Many people absolutely love eating *Chole-Bhature* and *Rajma-Chawal*. You can find street carts selling *Rajma-Chawal* and *Chole-Bhature* in almost every locality. People consume these dishes with great enthusiasm. *Rajma* (kidney beans) and *Chole* (chickpeas) are highly nutritious legume-based beans. Both *Rajma* and white chickpeas (or *Kabuli Chana*) are rich in protein and fiber. Often, cooking *Rajma* and white chickpeas can be quite time-consuming—

especially if you forget to soak them in water overnight. When you attempt to cook them in a pressure cooker without soaking, they do not cook quickly; instead, they tend to remain tough, undercooked, and hard to chew. No worries! Whenever you happen to forget to soak them overnight, be sure to follow this one simple trick while cooking your *Rajma* or *Chole*: simply add this specific ingredient to the pressure cooker while boiling them.

**Nutrients Found in Rajma**
*Rajma* contains protein, fiber, carbohydrates, iron, potassium, folate, magnesium, and various other nutrients. Consuming *Rajma* helps keep the heart healthy and keeps blood pressure under control. It aids in weight management—preventing weight gain—due to its high fiber content. The protein found in *Rajma* helps strengthen muscles; protein is essential for the body's repair and recovery processes. It serves as an excellent source of protein for vegetarians. Furthermore, it improves digestion, prevents constipation, and provides the body with a boost of energy.

**Nutrients Found in Chole**
*Chole*—also known as white chickpeas or *Kabuli Chana*—are similarly packed with a wide array of nutrients. They are abundant in protein, fiber, iron, carbohydrates, folate, potassium, magnesium, and more. Eating *Kabuli Chana* helps strengthen bones and keeps the heart healthy. Its fiber content helps control appetite, thereby preventing weight gain. Additionally, the potassium present in chickpeas helps keep blood pressure in check. It is recommended to consume *Chole* only after soaking them in water overnight and cooking them thoroughly. Avoid eating excessive amounts in a single sitting, as this may lead to bloating or gas-related digestive issues. 

A Method to Quickly Cook Rajma (Kidney Beans) and Chhole (Chickpeas)
- If you forget to soak Rajma and Chhole overnight, getting them to soften easily can be quite a challenge. Cooking them typically takes 1 to 2 hours, and even after letting the pressure cooker whistle 7–8 times, they often still taste raw and hard. In such a situation, give this simple trick—described below—a try.

- To speed up the cooking process for Rajma and Chhole, you will need a piece of ginger. Simply add this piece of ginger to the pressure cooker while you are boiling the beans or chickpeas. This trick has been circulating on social media, and people are actively trying it out to see if it works.

- Whether you are preparing Chhole or Rajma, rinse them with water and place them in a pressure cooker. Add a glass of water, a small piece of ginger, a pinch of salt, and some turmeric powder. Secure the lid on the cooker. Allow the cooker to whistle 3 to 4 times. When you remove the lid, you will find that the beans are perfectly cooked. You can now proceed to cook them in your preferred style—using oil, spices, tomatoes, and onions—without needing to cover the pot again. Even if you only soak the Rajma or Chhole in the morning, you can still use this ginger trick to ensure they cook quickly.

– In fact, Rajma and Chhole contain a specific type of complex sugar known as oligosaccharides. The digestive system struggles to break down and absorb these sugars easily. These sugars undergo fermentation within the intestines, which is why many people experience issues with gas and bloating after consuming Rajma and Chhole.

– On the other hand, ginger contains a compound called gingerol, which rapidly breaks down these complex sugars. Consequently, this helps Rajma, Chhole, and other grains or legumes cook much faster. Furthermore, using this method helps prevent gas-related issues, and the addition of ginger also aids in the quicker digestion of both these foods. These are not easily digestible. They tend to aggravate the *Vata* dosha. Ginger can help mitigate the *Vata* imbalance present in them. Consequently, this makes them easier to digest.

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