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    Whisk Affair » Recipes » Dal & Curries » Veg Curries » Punjabi Rajma Masala (Kidney Bean Curry Recipe)

    Published: Nov 9, 2021 | Last Updated On: Nov 10, 2021 by Neha Mathur

    Punjabi Rajma Masala (Kidney Bean Curry Recipe)

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    Jump to Recipe

    Rajma Masala (Kidney Bean Curry Recipe) is a Punjabi curry made using red kidney beans. Cooked beans are simmered in a spicy onion tomato-based gravy. Learn to make this North Indian specialty at home using my easy recipe.

    I am sharing how to cook the rajma in a traditional pressure cooker and an instant pot.

    Here are some more rajma recipes that you may like – Kashmiri Rajma, Sundal, and Old Fashioned Kidney Bean Salad. 

    Rajma masala served in a bowl.
    Jump to:
    • What Is Rajma
    • Health Benefits Of Rajma
    • Rajma Masala
    • Ingredients
    • How To Make Rajma Masala
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Storage Suggestions
    • You Might Also Like
    • Recipe Card

    What Is Rajma

    Rajma is a Hindi word used for Red Kidney Beans and is extensively used in North Indian, Pakistani and Nepali cooking.

    It is also known as Rajmah, Razma, or lal lobia and was introduced in India from Mexico.

    It is high in protein and fiber, making it extremely nutritious and a great ingredient to include in your everyday meals for protein intake, especially for vegetarians. 

    You get a lot of varieties of rajma such as Chitra rajma, Jammu rajma (Kashmiri rajma), and red rajma. Although many people say that Kashmiri rajma is the best, Chitra rajma is my preferred choice, as it cooks perfectly and gives the curry a creamy melt-in-the-mouth texture.

    Buy red kidney beans that are not more than 6 months old. The older beans get very hard and difficult to cook.

    You can store dry rajma beans for up to 6 months in an airtight container. Refrigerate it to increase its’ shelf life even more.

    Health Benefits Of Rajma

    Rajma is a great source of protein, especially for vegetarians. 

    It is also rich in fiber, which improves healthy digestion and also keeps you full for longer. 

    It is great to include in your diet if you are on a weight loss journey. 

    Rajma is also high in folate and magnesium, which promotes heart health.

    It also helps prevent certain types of cancers.

    It is considered one of the best ingredients to stabilize blood sugar levels. 

    Rajma Masala

    Rajma Masala (Kidney Beans Curry) is one of the most popular North Indian curries where rajma (kidney beans) are cooked in a spicy onion tomato masala. It is a vegan and gluten-free curry.

    A bowl of rajma chawal (steamed rice) with some ghee drizzled on top served with a side of masala onions and green chutney is the ultimate comfort food you can enjoy on a lazy Sunday. This hearty and healthy kidney beans curry also tastes great with phulka and paratha.

    The recipe I am sharing today is a Punjabi-style curry. Like many other Indian dishes, each house has its own recipe to make it and with a slight variation here and there, it becomes a family-owned recipe that passes from generation to generation.

    To make the Punjabi rajma recipe, the beans are soaked and then cooked until tender. You can cook them in a traditional pressure cooker or in an instant pot. I am sharing both methods in the post below.

    Ingredients

    Rajma masala ingredients.
    Rajma masala ingredients.

    Rajma – I always prefer Chitra variety, as it cooks really well. You can also go for Jammu Rajma or red rajma whichever is easily available to you. 

    Try to get beans that are less than 6 months old, as the older ones might take a very long time to cook. 

    You can also use canned rajma in place of dry beans. The cooking process will become much faster in this case.

    Oil – I like to use mustard oil to make rajma masala as it adds a nice rustic flavor to the curry. You can also use vegetable oil or ghee (clarified butter) instead.

    Whole Spices – The addition of cloves, green cardamoms, and cinnamon in hot oil will add a nice aroma and flavor to the curry.

    You can also add some cumin seeds, bay leaf, and black cardamom along with the whole spices for added flavor.

    Spice Powders – To spice up this authentic Punjabi Rajma recipe, we will add a few basic spice powders such as coriander powder, turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, roasted cumin powder, dry mango powder (amchoor), and garam masala powder.

    Tomato – This recipe uses both chopped fresh tomatoes and canned tomato puree. You can use the homemade puree in place of canned puree but the canned one is concentrated and gives a lovely flavor to the curry.

    You can also use tomato paste in place to tomato puree, just reduce the amount a little.

    Others – You will also need onions, ginger garlic paste, salt, and cilantro (coriander).

    Adding some Kasuri methi at the end of teh cooking also enhances the taste of this dish.

    How To Make Rajma Masala

    Soak The Beans

    Soaking the beans is very important. It not only makes the cooking faster but also makes them easily digestible.

    Rinse 1 cup of dry rajma with water and soak it in 4-5 cups of water for 6-8 hours or overnight.

    Rajma soaked in water.

    Rinse the beans once again and drain well.

    Rajma soaked in water.

    Cook The Rajma

    You can cook the rajma in a traditional pressure cooker or in an instant pot. We are looking for cooked beans that are very tender but still hold their shape. They should be easy to mash. If the rajma is not cooked well, the curry will not become creamy and it will be difficult to digest too.

    Cooking The Rajma In Pressure Cooker

    Add the soaked rajma to a pressure cooker with 2 teaspoon of salt and 3 cups of water. Put the lid on the cooker and cook on high heat for one whistle. Now reduce the heat to low and cook for 20 minutes. Remove the pressure cooker from heat and let the pressure release naturally. Open the lid and use the rajma to make the curry.

    Cooking the Rajma In Instant Pot

    Add the soaked rajma to the instant pot along with 2 teaspoon of salt and 2 cups of water. Put the lid on and set the valve to the sealing position. Press PRESSURE COOK and set the timer to 20 minutes at high pressure. Once the timer goes off, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. Release the remaining pressure manually and open the lid of the instant pot.

    Make Rajma Masala

    Heat 4 tablespoon mustard oil in a pan over medium-high heat.

    While the oil is heating, roughly crush 2 cloves, 2 whole green cardamoms, and a 1-inch piece of cinnamon stick in a mortar and pestle.

    When the oil is hot, add the crushed whole spices to the pan and let them crackle for 5-6 seconds.

    Crushed whole spices added to hot oil in a pan.

    Add 1 and ½ cups of finely chopped onions and fry until they turn light golden brown in color (8-10 minutes).

    Onions added to the pan.

    Add 2 teaspoon ginger garlic paste and fry till onions turn dark brown in color (8-10 minutes). Stir frequently while frying.

    Ginger garlic paste added to the pan.
    Onions fried until browned.

    Now add ¾ cup finely chopped tomatoes and 3 tablespoon canned tomato puree and cook for a minute. Mash the tomatoes while cooking with the back of a ladle.

    Chopped tomatoes and tomato puree added to the pan.

    Add 3 teaspoon coriander powder, 1 teaspoon turmeric powder, 2 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder, ½ teaspoon cumin powder, 2 teaspoon dry mango powder, and ½ teaspoon garam masala powder and fry for 10-12 seconds.

    Dry spice powders added to the pan.

    Add ½ cup water and cook until the oil starts to separate on the sides of the pan (2-3 minutes).

    Water added to the pan.
    Oil starts to separate from the sides of the pan.

    Now add the cooked rajma along with the water in which it was cooked and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 10-15 minutes. Slightly press a few rajma with the back of a ladle. This step will make the curry very creamy.

    Cooked rajma along with the water added to the pan.

    Add more water and salt if required and bring the curry to a boil. Add 2 tablespoon chopped cilantro and serve hot.

    Ready rajma masala.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How to make rajma masala without onion and garlic?

    To make this red kidney bean curry without onion and garlic, just skip adding these two ingredients and keep the remaining recipe the same.

    Can I use canned rajma to make Punjabi rajma masala?

    Yes, definitely! Use the liquid along with the canned beans as it makes the curry thick and creamy.

    How to soak rajma faster?

    If you have forgotten to soak the rajma, you can soak it in boiling hot water for 2 hours. It will be ready to cook.

    How to fix uncooked rajma?

    Sometimes the old stock of Rajma takes longer to cook, so if your Rajma is still uncooked, then just cook it for 2-3 whistles more.

    Serving Suggestions

    Punjabi rajma curry tastes the best the next day. So if you have time, then cook it a day prior to serving.

    Rajma Chawal (steamed rice) is a combination made in heaven. Serve some sliced onions, green chutney, and lemon wedges on the side. Make it a little more indulgent by drizzling some ghee on top before serving.

    Rajma masala also tastes great with Brown Rice, Jeera Rice, Phulka, Naan, Lachha Paratha, or Tawa Paratha. You can serve some plain yogurt or raita on the side.

    Leftover rajma curry can be used to make pulao. You can also dry out the curry and use it to make rolls and wraps.

    Storage Suggestions

    Rajma Masala will last in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days in an air-tight container.

    Reheat it in a pan or microwave until nice and warm. Add some water while reheating to adjust the consistency. 

    It is also freezer-friendly! You can store rajma in an individual container and freeze it for about 30 days. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it to serve again.

    You Might Also Like

    • Punjabi Lobia Masala (Black Eyed Peas Curry)
    • Creamy Paneer Lababdar (Restaurant Style)
    • Aloo Matar
    • Malai Kofta

    Recipe Card

    Loved this recipe?Click here to leave a review and give us a five star rating ★★★★★
    Rajma Masala is a Punjabi curry made using red kidney beans. Cooked beans are simmered in a spicy onion tomato-based gravy. Learn to make this North Indian specialty at home using my easy recipe.

    Punjabi Rajma Masala Recipe (Kidney Bean Curry Recipe)

    Rajma Masala is a Punjabi curry made using red kidney beans. Cooked beans are simmered in a spicy onion tomato-based gravy. Learn to make this North Indian specialty at home using my easy recipe.
    4.50 from 32 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Indian
    Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 266kcal
    Author: Neha Mathur

    Ingredients 

    • 1 cup dry rajma
    • 4 tablespoons mustard oil (or any other oil that you prefer)
    • 2 cloves
    • 2 whole green cardamoms
    • 1-inch piece of cinnamon stick
    • 1 and ½ cups finely chopped onions
    • 2 teaspoons ginger garlic paste
    • ¾ cup finely chopped tomatoes
    • 3 tablespoons canned tomato puree (or 2 tablespoon tomato paste)
    • 3 teaspoons coriander powder
    • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
    • 2 teaspoons Kashmiri red chili powder
    • ½ teaspoon cumin powder
    • 2 teaspoons dry mango powder (amchoor)
    • ½ teaspoon garam masala powder
    • salt to taste
    • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (coriander)
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    Instructions

    Soak The Beans

    • Rinse dry rajma with water and soak it in 4-5 cups of water for 6-8 hours or overnight.
    • Rinse the beans once again and drain well.

    Cook The Rajma In Pressure Cooker

    • Add the soaked rajma to a pressure cooker with 2 teaspoons of salt and 3 cups of water. Put the lid on the cooker and cook on high heat for one whistle. Now reduce the heat to low and cook for 20 minutes. Remove the pressure cooker from heat and let the pressure release naturally. Open the lid and use the rajma to make the curry.

    Cook The Rajma In Instant Pot

    • Add the soaked rajma to the instant pot along with 2 teaspoons of salt and 2 cups of water. Put the lid on and set the valve to the sealing position. Press PRESSURE COOK and set the timer to 20 minutes at high pressure. Once the timer goes off, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. Release the remaining pressure manually and open the lid of the instant pot.

    Make Rajma Masala

    • Heat mustard oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
    • While the oil is heating, lightly crush cloves, green cardamoms, and cinnamon stick in a mortar and pestle.
    • When the oil is hot, add the crushed whole spices to the pan and let them crackle for 5-6 seconds.
    • Add onions and fry until they turn light brown in color (8-10 minutes).
    • Add ginger-garlic paste and fry till onions turn dark brown in color (8-10 minutes). Stir frequently while frying.
    • Now add tomatoes and tomato puree and cook for a minute. Mash the tomatoes while cooking with the back of a ladle.
    • Add coriander powder, turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, cumin powder, dry mango powder, and garam masala powder and fry for 10-12 seconds.
    • Add ½ cup water and cook until the oil starts to separate on the sides of the pan (2-3 minutes).
    • Now add the cooked rajma along with the water in which it was cooked and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 10-15 minutes. Slightly press a few rajma with the back of a ladle. This step will make the curry very creamy.
    • Add more water and salt if required. Add cilantro and serve hot.

    Video

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0HxKeomXxI

    Notes

    Cooked rajma should be very tender but still, hold their shape. They should be easy to mash. If the rajma is not cooked well, the curry will not become creamy and it will be difficult to digest too.
    You can also use canned rajma instead of cooking it at home. Use the liquid along with the canned beans as it makes the curry thick and creamy.
    If you have forgotten to soak the rajma, you can soak it in boiling hot water for 2 hours. It will be ready to cook.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 266kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 29mg | Potassium: 179mg | Fiber: 14g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 735IU | Vitamin C: 7.7mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 1.1mg
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Hema Athwani

      August 01, 2015 at 5:30 pm

      My family really liked this rajma curry.thanks Neha

      Reply
      • msnehamathur

        August 02, 2015 at 5:25 am

        Awesome. Thnx a lot for trying and leaving your feedback 🙂

        Reply
      • Bela

        April 27, 2020 at 6:13 am

        We loved this recipe. Thanks.

        Reply
        • Neha Mathur

          April 28, 2020 at 1:33 am

          Thanks

          Reply
    2. Swati

      April 20, 2018 at 1:33 pm

      I will try it.Thanks for the recipe.

      Reply
      • Neha Mathur

        April 26, 2018 at 5:02 am

        Do try 🙂

        Reply
    3. Silpa

      July 31, 2018 at 5:29 am

      5 stars
      Wow rajma looking amazing.. nice chitra.

      Reply
      • Neha Mathur

        July 31, 2018 at 1:37 pm

        Thnx.

        Reply
    4. Dhivya

      April 11, 2019 at 4:24 pm

      Tasted yummmmm…thank u

      Reply
      • Neha Mathur

        April 12, 2019 at 1:33 am

        Thnx for liking

        Reply
    5. Robin

      July 02, 2019 at 6:50 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe got me lots of compliments from my husband.
      I made it with Jeera rice we will have chapati tomorrow.
      Thanks!
      We loved it.

      Reply
      • Neha Mathur

        July 05, 2019 at 5:23 pm

        Thanks a lot 🙂

        Reply
        • Usha

          December 11, 2019 at 6:45 pm

          How many whistles need to put
          To cook rajma

          Reply
          • Neha Mathur

            December 12, 2019 at 5:15 am

            Approximately one whistle on high heat. the lower the heat and cook fro 10-15 minutes.

            Reply
    6. Anjali Dayal

      March 28, 2020 at 4:47 pm

      Hey, the recipe was great.. however, it has too much water / gravy by the end of it.. where did I go wrong 🙁

      Reply
      • Neha Mathur

        March 29, 2020 at 4:26 am

        Did you add the mentioned amount?

        Reply
    7. Manal

      March 28, 2020 at 7:44 pm

      5 stars
      I just made this and it was really delishhh! Thanks for sharing your rajma recipe!

      Reply
      • Neha Mathur

        March 29, 2020 at 4:26 am

        Thanks for trying 🙂

        Reply
    8. Steven Ferrie

      March 31, 2020 at 12:59 am

      5 stars
      Hi , can i ask what you mean by tomato puree ? As your recipe looks like blended canned tomatoes and not the actual tomato puree in tube (tomato double concentrate)

      Reply
      • Neha Mathur

        March 31, 2020 at 1:58 am

        Hi Steven, in India we get tomato puree in tetra packs. I think it’s a little thinner and milder than what you get in tubes.

        Reply
    9. Atiilla

      April 03, 2020 at 10:29 am

      5 stars
      Beautiful and very clear instructions ,will be easily understood by a layman,greenhorn cook thank you neha mathur

      Reply
      • Neha Mathur

        April 04, 2020 at 2:20 am

        Thanks for trying 🙂

        Reply
        • Archita

          September 04, 2020 at 7:40 pm

          5 stars
          This is the best rajma recipe I’ve tried!! Reminded me of my childhood when I fell I love with it! Thank you!

          Reply
          • Neha Mathur

            September 11, 2020 at 4:52 am

            Good to know!

            Reply
    10. Rachel

      April 04, 2020 at 2:45 am

      5 stars
      This was THE best rajma I’ve made. It’s creamy without actual cream, sweet and spicy ????. Even my boyfriend was blown away by this recipe! This is going to be my go-to rajma recipe!

      Reply
      • Neha Mathur

        April 04, 2020 at 3:14 am

        Very nice to hear this Rachel 🙂

        Reply
    11. Anjani Ramesh💚

      July 09, 2020 at 11:42 am

      Had a great time cooking ur recipe my fam loved it ❤️❤️

      Reply
      • Neha Mathur

        July 11, 2020 at 12:08 pm

        Thanks

        Reply
    12. Manjari sihare

      July 18, 2020 at 1:16 am

      What is the ratio of canned beans vs the others?

      Reply
      • Neha Mathur

        July 18, 2020 at 4:21 am

        You can take 2 cups of canned beans.

        Reply

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    Hi! I'm Neha, Blogger & Recipe Expert behind Whisk Affair. I've nurtured Whisk Affair since 2012 by trying & testing every recipe published. Be sure that it will turn out good each time! Read More about me…

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