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🌟 Introduction
Rajma Masala is a traditional North Indian dish made with red kidney beans cooked in a thick, flavorful tomato-onion gravy. It’s one of the most loved comfort foods in India – especially when paired with steamed basmati rice, also known as Rajma-Chawal.
This Special Rajma Masala recipe gives you that authentic Punjabi-style taste right at home, rich in spices, slow-cooked to perfection, and deeply satisfying.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Course: Main Course, Veg
Cuisine: Indian
Servings: 4
Cost: 100

Ingredients

For Pressure Cooking Rajma:

  • 1 cup rajma kidney beans, soaked overnight
  • 3 cups water
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 small cinnamon stick

For the Gravy:

  • 2 tbsp oil or ghee
  • cups onions finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 2 cups tomato puree fresh or canned
  • 1 –2 green chilies slit
  • ½ tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • ½ tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp kasuri methi crushed
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Rajma

  • Drain soaked kidney beans.
  • Add to a pressure cooker with 3 cups water, salt, bay leaf, and cinnamon stick.
  • Pressure cook for 5–6 whistles or until soft. Set aside with the stock.

Step 2: Prepare the Masala

  • Heat oil/ghee in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
  • Add chopped onions and sauté until golden.
  • Stir in ginger-garlic paste and green chilies; sauté for a minute.
  • Add tomato puree and cook until oil separates.
  • Add turmeric, chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Combine & Simmer

  • Add cooked rajma along with the water it was cooked in.
  • Simmer on low flame for 15–20 minutes, mashing a few beans for thickness.
  • Add garam masala and kasuri methi. Mix well and simmer another 2–3 mins.
  • Turn off heat and garnish with coriander leaves.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

  • Serve hot with jeera rice, steamed basmati rice, or butter naan
  • Add a side of onion salad, pickle, and papad
  • Also goes well with roti or paratha for lunch or dinner

💡 Pro Tips

  • Use Kashmiri red chili powder for color without too much heat
  • Simmering longer enhances the flavor – don’t rush it
  • Add a knob of butter at the end for a rich finish (optional)

🧠 Nutritional Benefits

    ✅ High in plant-based protein and fiber

      ✅ Great source of iron, magnesium, and potassium

        ✅ Gluten-free, hearty, and wholesome