Rajma Masala is a healthy protein-packed kidney beans curry that pairs damn delicious with a plate of steaming hot rice. Nothing beats this flavor and combination.
Rajma Masala
Let me tell you one thing, that rajma is a staple in our house. It has to be on the menu once in a week and if I don’t do that, the family went on strike and don’t want to eat anything. They literally are crazy for rajma. I have Kashmiri rajma, Punjabi rajma recipe already up on my blog and this Rajma Masala is the one left, so here it is.
Kidney beans aka rajma have an abundant amount of protein and they are so versatile to use in the recipes. Like this Mah Rajma dal or Rajma pulao or if you are looking for starters then you can try Rajma Tikki burger. Other than that you can always add them in your chilli or replace them in Mexican dishes with black beans, the list is endless.
Ingredients Needed for Rajma Masala
- Firstly, Kidney beans: There are many types of kidney beans small and large, red and pink, etc. Try to use the light pink (looks like pinto beans) one for this recipe.
- Onion, Ginger and Garlic: The recipe needs a generous amount of onion, ginger, and garlic, don’t skip it.
- Tomato and Green chili: Use 4-5 medium-sized tomatoes and green chili as per your taste.
- Spices: The basic four spices turmeric, coriander, garam masala, and Kashmiri red chili powder are used.
- Whole spices: Cinnamon, star anise, bay leaves, cloves, and black cardamom.
- Salt: I prefer to use Himalayan pink salt.
- Oil: Any of your favorite cooking oil would do fine.
- Milk cream: To add richness in the gravy., Omit, if want to make it vegan rajma masala curry.
- Coriander leaves: Freshly chopped coriander leaves to add extra flavors.
How to make Rajma Masala?
Step 1. Cook Kidney beans-The first thing is to wash kidney beans and cook them until soft.
Step 2. Make Tempering/Tadka-Next, we need to make tadka. For that fry the onions, garlic-ginger, and whole spices in oil until golden. Now add tomatoes, green chilies, spices, and salt and let it cook until oil comes out from the mixture. Once the tempering is ready, add cooked red kidney beans.
Step 3. Adjust the consistency– Now add more or less water as per your desired consistency and cook for a few more minutes. The more you cook on simmer the more delicious the gravy will become. Finally, add milk cream, stir and serve warm garnished with chopped coriander leaves.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the warm rajma masala with boiled rice, lemon pickle, and or paratha.
Other Punjabi Recipes
Looking for more such rajma recipes to get some ideas for your lunch or dinner? Do not miss my Punjabi Rajma and Dal Makhani and the best one’s Rajma Pulav.
*If you ever try this recipe don’t forget to share your photos with me on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter or tag me on Instagram @cookingwithsapana using the hashtag #cookingwithsapana and stay connected* I would love to see your creations from my space!!
Rajma Masala
Equipment
- Pressure Cooker
- Saucepan
Ingredients
- 2 cups rajma/kidney beans
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 star anise
- 4 cloves
- 1 black cardamom
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 green chili, chopped
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- salt to taste
- 2 tablespoon milk cream, skip if wants to make vegan curry
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 cups water or as required
- 1/4 cup coriander leaves
Instructions
- Wash and cook kidney beans in a pressure cooker with a cup of water. Once it starts boiling add the remaining 5 cups of water and a pinch of salt and close the lid. Pressure cook the beans for 6 whistles or alternatively you can cook them in a pot until soft
- Heat olive oil in a pan and add cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and star anise.
- Add ginger, garlic, and onions. Saute for about 10 to 12 minutes or until golden in color.
- Add all the spices and salt, stir and add tomatoes and green chilies.
- Cook until oil comes out from the edges of the pan. Once done add the cooked rajma into the pan.
- Add more water according to your preference and simmer for a few minutes until the desired consistency is achieved.
- Stir in milk cream and add chopped coriander leaves.
- Serve and enjoy.
Notes
- Adjust the spices as per your taste.
- I never soak the kidney beans but if you like you can soak them overnight to make the cooking easier.
- You can always add more or less water as per your desired consistency.
Nutrition
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Always let me know how this recipe turned out in the comments below and give a ★ rating. I will be so excited to hear how you enjoyed your Rajma Masala and please do share your tips and tricks with me.
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Best Regards,
Sapana Behl
I guess this is the most popular dish in our series, your clicks have turned out so good Sapana…so yummy!
Strike ! Ha ha ! I wish I could do that too :)) I am an ardent fan of Rajma Chawal , and your meal is making me drool , seriously I wish I could get in the screen and finish that bowl .
wow great that how your family likes rajma. Between don’t laugh. Never knew there are this many varieties in rajma.Have bookmarked all three. 🙂
So creamy and delicious.. Love this classic Rajma masala…Always a win Rajma with Rice!!
I am so tempted to have that bowl of rajma. Such a classic dish and yours has turned out so delicious!
A bowl of rajma with some rice is quite enough for me to finish my dinner happily rite now. Delicious rajma there.
Rajma chawal is one classical dish and you have made it perfect Sapana. I usually vary the type of beans according to the preference that day.
On strike??? lol I love that. This rajma masala is delicious my lo will like it.
Rajma Masala with steamed rice and ghee is my favourite.
I also make rajma frequently. Love it with rice and maybe a salad on the side.
Sapna, the rajma looks so so tempting. I love the way you’ve served it in a tea cup…. Now I know how to use my tea cups as we don’t use it for tea 😉
Rajma rice is one mine fav… i never say no to this.. looks amazing and tasty.
awww. loved that plate of rice and bowl of curry. Drooling over here. Interesting classic recipe
Rajma chawal is one classic dish i make often.Yours look creamy and delicious.
This is dish is screaming with flavors. I can’t wait to make it in my kitchen, I have a group friends that I know are going to love it!
Loving all of the flavors and spices going on in this rajma masala recipe! Can’t wait to make this!
I need to try this Rajma recipe! Especially if it is a staple in your house, you know it must be good!
I think I would be craving a bowlful of this bean stew for winter! Yes, please pass on the rice with it! Looks good!
I’ve never tried rajma masala, but it looks so delicious and flavorful! Thanks for sharing the recipe!
This is a fantastic recipe for using all those kidney beans that I have in my pantry. This looks delicious!
Not only was this recipe deliciously filling, it excited me to learn how to say red kidney beans in another language. I love how food does that for us.
I love all kinds of beans and beans with so much flavor like yours are the best. Serving it with rice is such an unbeatable combination. Thanks for sharing!
Love to have this Tamma masala with bowl of steamed rice. Looks so flavorful and delicious. One of my favorite beans.
I love that you served the beans with my favorite kind of rice (Basmati). We cook beans a lot at home and now we have a new recipe your Rajma Masala.
I need to try this recipe! It looks delicious and super colorful. I love how healthy it is too!
I have never tried rajam masala but I love kidney beans. My chili con carne usually has more beans than meat!! haha! So, adding this recipe to next week’s menu it looks so tasty and flavourful!
What a great recipe for Rajma Masala. THe flavors in this were perfect and it’s just the right blend of spices. I loved it and will make again.
I’ve never heard of this before, but it looks so flavourful and delicious! The ingredients included are very interesting and would go perfectly with it. I need to try this out one day. Thank you for sharing this recipe!
Love the Rajma Masala recipe and how it is packed with protein and flavor! Such a great weeknight meal!
Love learning and finding new ways to expand my phone recipe book. this rajma masala look so good and tasty.
Although the rest of my family likes meat in their meals, I could live happily on this bean curry and all those lovely spices.