Indian food is one of the best in the world owing to its tantalising flavours which are distinct in each and every region of the diverse country. Given its diversity, one of the prominent dishes that is a favourite in every household is rajma. And now even the world recognises it. The recent rankings by Taste Atlas, the global food catalogue and review website, have placed rajma or kidney bean not once but twice in the Best Bean Dishes in the World list. Grabbing the 18th spot is North Indian favourite rajma, a rich gravy dish. Yet again, since it makes a lip-smacking combination with rice which is devoured as rajma chawal, the ranking placed it again as a dish at number 24. "Although closely associated with North India, where it is a staple food, red kidney bean was actually brought to the country from central Mexico and Guatemala, but the Mexican version of the dish is much different than the Indian one. Hearty and nutritious, rajma remains one of the most loved vegetarian curries in Punjab and North India," mentioned the website. It further reads about the combination of rice with rajma. "Rajma is traditionally made with onions and tomato purée which acts as a gravy for the red beans. This dish makes for a complete vegetarian meal that is suitable for lunch or dinner," it noted. If desired, rajma chawal can be flavored with a variety of spices such as chili peppers, cinnamon, bay leaves, ginger, garlic, coriander, and cumin. "Although the dish is quite simple to prepare, it takes some time because the beans are typically soaked overnight before the preparation," it mentioned. Interestingly, the first spot on the list went to Greece's traditional dish called Gigandes plaki which is a vegetarian fare enjoyed as an appetiser. Taste Atlas website noted that the Greek classic consists of large white beans that are cooked and then baked in a flavorful tomato sauce, which is usually seasoned with various herbs such as oregano, parsley, and mint. "The dish calls for the use of fasolia gigantes, an authentic Greek variety of beans characterized by their large size, hence the name (gigantic). Gigandes plaki can be enjoyed as the main course, but it is also a common meze dish that is best served with bread on the side," it read. It was closely followed by Iranish dish of Khoresh Gheymeh made with yellow split beans. The traditional Iranian meat stew incorporates tomatoes and onions, all combined with traditional Iranian spices such as turmeric and dried lime. According to the rankings site, potatoes, spiced with saffron and fried separately, usually accompany the stew and are served on top of the dish. "Steamed white rice or aromatic Persian rice, which is spiced with traditional Persian spice blends, is usually served alongside the dish. This thick and hearty stew with intense flavors is typically eaten as a nourishing lunch or dinner, and it is prepared throughout the year," it added. View this post on Instagram A post shared by TasteAtlas (@tasteatlas) Here's your guide to the Top 10 on the list. Gigandes plaki Khoresh gheimeh Pasulj Tutu de feijão Feijoada (Brazil) Feijão tropeiro Sopa da pedra Shambar Oxtail with Broad Beans Sopa Tarasca 📣 For more lifestyle news, follow us on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook and don't miss out on the latest updates!
