Rajma Masala Recipe

A Hearty and Comforting Red Kidney Bean Curry

Main Ingredients

For Rajma Masala:

  • 1 cup Red kidney beans (rajma)
  • 2 tablespoons Oil or ghee
  • 1 large Onion (finely chopped)
  • 2 large Tomatoes (pureed)
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger-garlic paste
  • 2-3 Green chilies (slit)
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon Coriander powder
  • 1 teaspoon Garam masala
  • 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon Red chili powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh cream (optional, for creaminess)
  • Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
  • Water as needed

For Optional Tadka (tempering):

  • 1 tablespoon Ghee
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cumin seeds
  • 1-2 dried Red chilies

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Rajma (Kidney Beans)

  • Soak the rajma: Wash the kidney beans thoroughly and soak them in water for 8 hours or overnight. This helps soften the beans and reduce cooking time.

  • Cook the rajma: After soaking, drain the water from the beans and transfer them to a pressure cooker. Add fresh water (about 4 cups) and cook the beans for 4-5 whistles or until they become soft and tender. If you don’t have a pressure cooker, you can cook them in a regular pot, but it will take longer (about 1-1.5 hours). Once cooked, set the beans aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Gravy

  • Heat oil/ghee: In a large pan, heat oil or ghee over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.

  • Cook onions and ginger-garlic: Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become golden brown. Then, add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

  • Add tomatoes and spices: Stir in the pureed tomatoes, red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook this masala for about 5-7 minutes until the oil begins to separate from the tomato-spice mixture.

  • Add cooked rajma: Once the masala is ready, add the cooked rajma (kidney beans) along with a bit of the cooking water to the pan. Stir well to combine everything. Let the rajma simmer in the gravy for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If the gravy is too thick, add more water to achieve the desired consistency.

Step 3: Final Touches

  • Add garam masala and cream: Once the rajma is cooked and the flavors are well blended, add garam masala and fresh cream (optional, for a richer texture). Stir gently and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.

  • Tadka (tempering): In a separate small pan, heat ghee and add cumin seeds and dried red chilies for tempering. Once they splutter, pour this tadka over the cooked rajma for an extra burst of flavor.

  • Garnish: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.

Step 3: Serve

  • Serve hot: Serve your flavorful Rajma Masala hot with steamed basmati rice, jeera rice, or roti. It also pairs wonderfully with a side of yogurt or raita.

Tips for the Perfect Rajma Masala:

  • Soaking the beans: Soaking the beans is crucial for soft and tender rajma. Make sure to soak them for at least 8 hours or overnight for the best results.

  • Masala consistency: If you prefer a smoother gravy, you can blend the tomato-onion mixture before adding the cooked rajma. This gives the gravy a creamier texture.

  • Richness: For a richer dish, you can add a tablespoon of butter or fresh cream at the end. This will give the curry a creamy and indulgent texture.

  • Adjust spice levels: You can adjust the amount of green chilies, red chili powder, or garam masala to suit your taste. Rajma can be made as mild or spicy as you like.

Why You’ll Love Rajma Masala:

  • Comforting and Hearty: The rich, savory gravy combined with the soft, tender kidney beans makes Rajma Masala a comforting and satisfying meal.

  • Protein-Packed: Rajma is a great source of plant-based protein, making this dish perfect for vegetarians and health-conscious individuals.

  • Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create a flavorful, wholesome meal that everyone will enjoy

  • Versatile: Rajma Masala pairs beautifully with rice, roti, naan, or even paratha, making it a versatile dish for any occasion. Enjoy the comforting flavors of Rajma Masala – a perfect blend of spices and beans that will warm your heart and satisfy your hunger!

Yield

6 Servings

Prep Time

25 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Total Time

45 minutes