Kidney Beans Curry (Rajma Masala)

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Leena Kohli (@leenakohli)
4.5
From 2 ratings

Kidney beans curry (Rajma masala) is a delicious and nourishing dish many people enjoy in northern India and beyond. The curry has kidney beans, high in protein and fibre, and various aromatic spices that give it a distinct and flavorful taste. Kidney beans curry is a vegan dish often served...

Kidney Beans Curry (Rajma Masala) recipe
Prep Time
10min
Cook Time
40min
Total Time
50min

Ingredients

4 Servings
  • Dried Kidney Beans (Rajma)
    Dried Kidney Beans (Rajma)
    1cup
  • Mustard Oil
    Mustard Oil
    1/4cup
  • Asafoetida
    Asafoetida
    1pinch
  • Black Cardamom
    Black Cardamom
    1
  • Cinnamon Stick (small pieces)
    Cinnamon Stick (small pieces)
    2
  • Bay Leaf
    Bay Leaf
    1
  • Ginger (chopped)
    Ginger (chopped)
    1tbsp
  • Garlic Cloves
    Garlic Cloves
    4
  • Onion (Medium-sized)(roughly chopped)
    Onion (Medium-sized)(roughly chopped)
    1
  • Green Chilli
    Green Chilli
    2
  • Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder
    Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder
    1tsp
  • Tomatoes (Medium-sized) (ground)
    Tomatoes (Medium-sized) (ground)
    2
  • Coriander Powder
    Coriander Powder
    1tsp
  • Turmeric
    Turmeric
    1tsp
  • Red Chilli Powder (optional)
    Red Chilli Powder (optional)
    1/2tsp
  • Rajma Masala
    Rajma Masala
    1/2tbsp
  • Salt
    Salt
    1tsp
  • Water (divided)
    Water (divided)
    5cup
  • Kasuri Methi
    Kasuri Methi
    1tbsp
  • Garam Masala
    Garam Masala
    1tsp
  • Green Coriander (for garnishing)
    Green Coriander (for garnishing)

How to make Kidney Beans Curry (Rajma Masala)

  1. Step 1

    Wash and soak kidney beans (rajma) in 2 cups of water overnight.

  2. Step 2

    Drain the soaking water. Transfer the kidney beans to a pressure cooker and add 2 cups of water to cover them by about 2 inches.

  3. Step 3

    Place the cooker on high flame, close the lid and cook the beans until 3-4 whistles.

  4. Step 4

    Turn off the flame and let the steam release from the cooker.

  5. Step 5

    Transfer the beans and cooking water into a bowl and set aside.

  6. Step 6

    Grind the ginger, garlic, onions and green chillies in a grinder and set aside.

    Step 1.1: Grind the ginger, garlic, onions and green chillies in a grinder and set aside
    Step 1.2: Grind the ginger, garlic, onions and green chillies in a grinder and set aside
  7. Step 7

    Grind the tomatoes and keep them aside.

  8. Step 8

    Heat the cooker on high heat.

  9. Step 9

    Add mustard oil to the cooker.

  10. Step 10

    Wait until the oil begins to smoke, turn off the fire and allow the oil to cool.

  11. Step 11

    Heat the oil in the cooker for a minute.

  12. Step 12

    Once hot, add asafoetida, black cardamom, cinnamon stick and bay leaf and let them sizzle for a few seconds.

  13. Step 13

    Add ground onion paste and cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.

    Step 1.1: Add ground onion paste and cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown
  14. Step 14

    Add kashmiri red chilli powder and cook for another 2-3 minutes until it releases oil.

    Step 1.1: Add kashmiri red chilli powder and cook for another 2-3 minutes until it releases oil
  15. Step 15

    Add the tomato paste and cook for 3-4 minutes.

    Step 1.1: Add the tomato paste and cook for  3-4 minutes
  16. Step 16

    Add coriander powder, turmeric, red chilli powder (if using), rajma masala, and salt. Mix and cook for another minute until oil starts to leave the sides of the cooker.

    Step 1.1: Add coriander powder, turmeric, red chilli powder (if using), rajma masala, and salt
  17. Step 17

    Add only the boiled kidney beans to the cooker. Mix and combine and cook for 2-3 minutes.

    Step 1.1: Add only the boiled kidney beans to the cooker
  18. Step 18

    Now add the remaining cooked water of the boiled beans to the cooker along with 1 cup water and add kasuri methi and bring to a boil.

    Step 1.1: Now add the remaining cooked water of the boiled beans to the cooker along with 1 cup water and add kasuri methi and bring to a boil
    Step 1.2: Now add the remaining cooked water of the boiled beans to the cooker along with 1 cup water and add kasuri methi and bring to a boil
  19. Step 19

    Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook for it to whistle. Lower the heat and cook for about 8-10 minutes.

  20. Step 20

    Once the pressure is released, open the lid, check the seasoning, add gram masala and chopped coriander, and mix.

  21. Step 21

    Let it rest for a few minutes.

  22. Step 22

    Serve hot with rice, roti, or naan.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

170.5kcal (8.53%)

Protein

10.9g (21.76%)

Carbs

22.5g (8.18%)

Sugars

1.0g (2%)

Healthy Fat

6.0g

Unhealthy Fat

1.1g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

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Tips & Tricks

  1. Soak kidney beans overnight to reduce the cooking time and make them easier to digest.

  2. To make the curry spicier, add more chilli powder or use less chilli powder to make it milder.

  3. Always use ripe red tomatoes for the best flavour.

  4. Cook beans until they are soft but not mushy.

  5. If the curry is too thick, add little water after adding kidney beans to the cooker and bring to a boil.

  6. To store leftovers, cool the curry entirely, transfer it to an air-tight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

  7. You can freeze the leftover in a freezer for up to a month.

  8. I have used mustard oil for the recipe, and you can use any vegetable oil.

  9. I have used asafoetida for the recipe, and you can skip it to make this curry gluten-free.

FAQS

  1. How do I cook kidney beans for Rajma Masala from scratch?

    To cook kidney beans for Rajma Masala, start by washing and soaking 1 cup of dried kidney beans in 2 cups of water overnight. Drain the soaking water, then transfer the beans to a pressure cooker with 2 cups of fresh water, covering them by about 2 inches. Cook on high flame until you hear 3-4 whistles. Let the steam release naturally before using the beans in your curry.

  2. Can I make Rajma Masala vegan-friendly?

    Yes, Rajma Masala is naturally vegan as it primarily consists of kidney beans, spices, and mustard oil. This dish is perfect for those following a vegan diet, providing a hearty and nutritious meal that pairs well with rice or roti.

  3. What are some good substitutes for mustard oil in Rajma Masala?

    If you don't have mustard oil, you can substitute it with vegetable oil, canola oil, or coconut oil. Each of these oils will impart a different flavor, but they will still work well in the cooking process of Rajma Masala.

  4. How should I store leftover Rajma Masala?

    To store leftover Rajma Masala, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it in a freezer-safe container, where it can last for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

  5. What dishes pair well with Rajma Masala?

    Rajma Masala pairs beautifully with steamed basmati rice, roti, or naan. You can also serve it with a side of cucumber salad or pickles for added flavor and texture. For a complete meal, consider adding a yogurt-based raita to balance the spices.

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Leena Kohli

(@leenakohli)

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