Rajma Recipe | Rajma Masala (2024)

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Rajma Masala is a delicious gravy made by cooking red kidney beans with onion, tomatoes and basic spices. Rajma Masala goes well with roti, chapati & rice and a good choice of gravy when we run out of veggies. Let us learn to make Rajma Masala Recipe with step by step pictures and video.

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Rajma Masala is one of the authentic Punjabi dish and it is my comfort recipe anytime. I always stock up Rajma(Red Kidney Bean)in my kitchen. Rajma Masala tastes so delicious both with chapathi and rice. Do try this Rajma Masala or Rajma Curry and enjoy!

Table of Contents

1What is Rajma Masala?

2Rajma Masala Video

3Rajma Masala Ingredients

4Rajma Masala Recipe Step by Step

5Expert Tips

7FAQS

8📖 Recipe Card

What is Rajma Masala?

Rajma Masala or Red Kidney Beans Curry is one of the most popular curries made in North India. I love Rajma Masala so much but sure next to Chole Masala. But my family is not fond of dishes made with rajma so I always try different recipes to impress them. But this Rajma Masala Recipe has become one of my family favorite these days that hubby who has an aversion to rajma loved this gravy.

Since my childhood I have tasted rajma only as sundal and in kurma and I always loved it. So when I started cooking I loved trying different recipes with Rajma especially to make my family enjoy rajma. Rajma Paratha and Rajma Masala are the most family favorites.

I haven’t ordered Rajma Masala at restaurants but always taste it when I find it in any buffet menu. The urge to recreating a recipe that I tasted led to me to this Rajma Masala Recipe which has become a most demanding dish at home. You may ask…What is more special about this Rajma Masala Recipe ? It is the usual onion tomato based gravy right?! Yes I agree but the addition of blanched tomato puree and the slight difference in cooking method makes this Rajma Masala all the more special and tasty.

Over the years I have learnt making a perfect tasting Rajma Masala where the beans is fully merged with the creamy gravy with a soft melt in the mouth texture. I do not like watery gravies much and this creamy Rajma Masala is my absolute favorite.

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Similar Recipes

  • Chana Kurma
  • Rajma Chawal
  • Rajma Sundal
  • Mushroom gravy
  • Rajma paratha

Rajma Masala Video

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Rajma Masala Ingredients

  • Rajma (Red Kidney Beans) – There are many varieties of Rajma also called as Red Kidney Beans. I always buy jamun rajma or the long red bean variety both suits perfectly for this recipe.
  • Onion – Onion is finely chopped and used for this gravy. The quantity of chopped onion is very less when compared to the usual gravies we make.
  • Tomato – Tomatoes should more than double the amount of onion. Also blanched tomato puree is used for this gravy.
  • Herbs & Spices – Jeera, gingergarlic paste, coriander leaves and kasoori methis are used for make the gravy spiced and flavorful.
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Rajma Masala Recipe Step by Step

1.Soak 1 cup rajma in water for 8 hrs minimum or overnight. Soak in water till rajma is immersed fully and water should be at least 1/2 inch above.

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2.Next day rinse well at least twice.

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3.Add it to a pressure cooker along with water till immersing level.

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4.Pressure cook for 5 whistles. Let pressure release by itself.

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5.Open to check, it should be soft when pressed easily mashable this is the right consistency.

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6.Heat 2 tablespoon oil in a kadai. Add 1 teaspoon cumin seeds let it crackle completely.

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7.Add 1/4 cup onion finely chopped.

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8.Saute until transparent then add 1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste.

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9.Saute for a minute.

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10.Reduce flame to lowest. Add 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 heaped teaspoon kashmiri red chilli powder and 1 teaspoon coriander powder. If you want you can add 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder.

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11.Give a quick mix. Do not burn the spice powders.

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12.Immediately add 1 and 1/2 cups blanched tomato puree. I blanched 4 tomatoes, removed the skin then made a fine puree without adding water.

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13.Add 1/2 cup water, then give a quick mix.

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14.Let the gravy boil for 5-7 mins or until raw smell of the tomatoes and masalas leave. It does not take time as tomato is already blanched.

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15.Keep stirring in between to avoid sticking at the bottom.

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16.Add cooked rajma along with little of cooked water. If there is more of cooked water add only half of it.

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17.Give a quick mix.

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18.Cook covered for 7-10 mins.

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19.Give a quick mix. Mash rajma here and there if you prefer.

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20.Add 1/2 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon kasoori methi(crush and add), 1 tablespoon coriander leaves and 1 teaspoon garam masala powder.

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21.Give a quick mix.

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22.Finally add 1 teaspoon butter.

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23.Give a quick mix and Switch off.

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Best Rajma Masala is ready! Serve hot!

Expert Tips

  • Pressure cooking time ofrajmadepends on the variety ofrajma.
  • Switch off the gravy consistency as per your liking.
  • You can add fresh cream at the end to make it more rich.
  • You can use raw tomato puree too but the taste and consistency sure differs, Blanched tomato puree gives it a more creamy gravy.
  • Pressure cookingrajmatill nice soft and then simmering in the gravy makes the bean absorb the gravy well.
  • You can replace blanched tomato puree with raw tomato puree the taste will slightly vary.
  • Add 1/4 cup fresh cream at the end to make it more rich.
  • You can add in boiled cubed potatoes to this gravy which tastes great too.

Serving & Storage Suggestion

Rajma Masala goes well with plain basmati rice, jeera rice, curd rice, pulao & many more. Rajma Masala is a great side for roti, chapati, paratha & other flatbread variations. It keeps well in room temperature for 1 day and in fridge for 2 days.

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FAQS

1.Can I cook rajma in instant pot?

Yes you can cook rajma in instant pot too. Keep in pressure cook mode for 20 mins and let the pressure release by itself. Then cook as per the given instructions.

2.How to make the gravy thick?

You can opt to simmer for few more mins to make the gravy thick or mash the rajma with a ladle to make the gravy thick and more creamy.

3.Can I make rajma without soaking?

No rajma should be soaked well only then it will be cooked soft. Incase if you have forgotten to soak here is a quick soaking tip : Soak rajma in hot water for about 2 hrs, soak in a hot box(casserole) and then you can rinse and cook it.

4.Can I make Rajma Masala in Instant Pot?

Yes first cook rajma in pressure cook mode for 20 mins then remove it. I usually place a container with rajma immersed in water and keep it inside instant pot. After that you can cook Rajma Masala as per the steps directly in the Instant Pot container itself.

5.What can Rajma Masala be served with?

Rajma Masala goes well with rice, roti, chapathi etc. It can be served with mild pulao, rice too.

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If you have any more questions about thisRajma Masala Recipedo mail me at[emailprotected].In addition, follow me onInstagram,Facebook,Pinterest,YoutubeandTwitter.

Tried this Rajma Masala Recipe? Do let me know how you liked it. Also tag us on Instagram @sharmispassions and hash tag it on #sharmispassions.

📖 Recipe Card

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Rajma Recipe | Rajma Masala Recipe

Rajma Masala is a delicious gravy made by cooking red kidney beans with onion, tomatoes and basic spices. Rajma Masala goes well with roti, chapati & rice and a good choice of gravy when we run out of veggies. Let us learn to make Rajma Masala Recipe with step by step pictures and video.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time30 minutes mins

Soak Time8 hours hrs

Total Time8 hours hrs 40 minutes mins

Servings2 people

AuthorSharmilee J

Ingredients

  • 1 cup rajma / red kidney bean
  • 1 teaspoon kasoori methi
  • 1 tablespoon coriander leaves chopped
  • 1/4 cup onion finely chopped
  • 1.5 cups tomato puree
  • 1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 heaped teaspoon red chilli powder
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
  • salt to taste

TO TEMPER:

  • 2 tablespoon oil
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

Instructions

  • Soak rajma in water for 8hrs minimum or overnight. Soak in water till rajma is immersed fully and water should be atleast 1/2 inch above.

  • Next day rinse well atleast twice.

  • Add it to a pressure cooker along with water till immersing level.

  • Pressure cook for 5 whistles. Let pressure release by iself.

  • Open to check, it should be soft when pressed easily mashable this is the right consistency.

  • Heat 2 tablespoon oil in a kadai. Add 1 teaspoon cumin seeds let it crackle completely.

  • Add 1/4 cup onion finely chopped.

  • Saute until transparent then add 1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste.

  • Saute for a minute.

  • Reduce flame to lowest. Add 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 heaped teaspoon kashmiri red chilli powder and 1 teaspoon coriander powder. If you want you can add 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder.

  • Give a quick mix. Do not burn the spice powders.

  • Immediately add 1.5 cups blanched tomato puree. I blanched 4 tomatoes, removed the skin then pureed.

  • Add 1/2 cup water, then give a quick mix.

  • Let the gravy boil for 5-7 mins or until raw smell of the tomatoes and masalas leave. It does not take time as tomato is already blanched.

  • Keep stirring in between to avoid sticking at the bottom.

  • Add cooked rajma along with little of cooked water. If there is more of cooked water add only half of it.

  • Give a quick mix.

  • Cook covered for 7-10 mins.

  • Give a quick mix. Mash rajma here and there if you prefer.

  • Add 1/2 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon kasoori methi(crush and add), 1 tablespoon coriander leaves and 1 teaspoon garam masala powder.

  • Give a quick mix.

  • Finally add 1 teaspoon butter.

  • Give a quick mix and Switch off.

  • Rajma Masala is ready! Serve hot!

Video

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Notes

  • Pressure cooking time of rajma depends on the variety of rajma.
  • Switch off the gravy consistency as per your liking.
  • Adding cream and garam masala is purely optional but gives a nice aromatic flavour.
  • I grinded the tomatoes along with the spices for convenience you can add tomato puree too.
  • Pressure cooking rajma till nice soft and then simmering in the gravy makes the bean absorb the gravy well.

Nutrition Facts

Rajma Recipe | Rajma Masala Recipe

Amount Per Serving (75 g)

Calories 229Calories from Fat 72

% Daily Value*

Fat 8g12%

Saturated Fat 2g13%

Trans Fat 0.01g

Polyunsaturated Fat 2g

Monounsaturated Fat 4g

Cholesterol 8mg3%

Sodium 1957mg85%

Potassium 861mg25%

Carbohydrates 33g11%

Fiber 10g42%

Sugar 8g9%

Protein 9g18%

Vitamin A 1598IU32%

Vitamin C 89mg108%

Calcium 100mg10%

Iron 4mg22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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Rajma Recipe | Rajma Masala (2024)

FAQs

How to enhance the taste of rajma? ›

* When you boil Rajma, add 2 cloves, couple peppercorns, 1 bay leaf, 1 cinnamon stick and cardamom to the water. This will make the Rajma very aromatic.

Is soaking rajma for 2 hours enough? ›

Ideally, the soaking period must be 10-12 hours or overnight, as that softens the rajma and helps in getting the perfect texture and flavour. Also, if someone has forgotten to soak them overnight, make sure that they are soaked for 2-4 hours in hot & boiling water.

What does rajma masala contain? ›

A typical Punjabi rajma or bhuna masala is made with chopped onions, tomatoes & crushed ginger garlic. However onions, tomatoes and ginger garlic can be used in various forms – grated, boiled & pureed or fine chopped for a preferred texture. Read my pro tips section for texture variations and preferences.

Is it OK to cook rajma without soaking? ›

According to Chef Pankaj, all you need to do is, take the rajma in a bowl, add boiling water to it. Make sure the water level is higher than the bed of rajma. Close the lid and leave it for half-an-hour. And you get soft rajma ready to be cooked.

How to reduce masala in rajma? ›

There are a few ways to reduce the spice of a curry:
  1. Add a dairy product: Coconut milk, heavy cream or yogurt can help to cool down the spiciness.
  2. Add a starch: Rice, potatoes or bread can help to absorb the heat from the spices.
  3. Add a sweetener: Sugar, honey or other sweeteners can help balance the heat of the spices.
Mar 7, 2018

Why do I feel bloated after eating rajma? ›

Another reason why eating rajma and chole might lead to gas is the presence of two starches stachyose and raffinose in it. These unusual starches in the intestines cause gas as the bacteria in the lining of our stomach break this starch into hydrogen and carbon dioxide, which can lead to bloating.

How many whistles to boil rajma? ›

Place the vessel in a pressure cooker. Pressure cook on high flame for about 5 whistles or till the rajma is cooked through. Let the pressure release naturally.

Which rajma is better, red or chitra? ›

However, Chitra Rajma has a lighter colour and milder flavour and even tends to retain its shape and texture, while red Rajma has a deeper colour and slightly stronger flavour. The choice of Chitra Rajma vs Red Rajma ultimately comes down to personal preference.

What happens if you over soak rajma? ›

Beans should not be soaked for longer than 12 hours.

Some say that beans should be only be soaked for 4 hours, but 12 hours is the upper limit. If you soak the beans for longer than 12 hours, you run the risk of the beans losing both their characteristic flavor and texture.

What is the shelf life of rajma masala? ›

Rajma Masala
  1. Shelf life. The shelf life of Rajma Masala is 180 days.
  2. Jain Friendliness. This product is suitable for Jains.
  3. Taste. Rajma Masala is medium spicy in taste.

What is the English name for rajma? ›

The English name for rajma is kidney beans.

Is rajma masala and chole masala same? ›

What is the difference between rajma masala and chole masala? The ingredients are very similar if not identical, along with many similar ones like chaat masala.

How to quickly soften rajma? ›

The water level should be about 2-3 inches above the beans. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Let the rajma beans boil rapidly for about 10 minutes.

Why is rajma not getting soft? ›

ASSUMING you soaked them long enough and added a little salt to the water, that's normal. They only soften a little when soaked, cooking afterwards is what really softens their texture.

How to know if rajma is cooked? ›

Check if the rajma is cooked or not by eating or pressing a few beans with your fingers. The cooked beans should not have a bite to them and must be softened. The rajma beans should be completely cooked and have a melt in the mouth texture. They should not be al dente or having a slight bite to them.

How can I make my beans more flavorful? ›

Dried beans cooked with sea salt and water are delicious, but adding an onion, garlic, or other aromatics to the pot will make them even more flavorful!

How to remove bitter taste from rajma? ›

Easy Ways to Reduce Bitter Taste in Any Food
  1. 1 Balance out bitterness with some fat.
  2. 2 Cover the flavor with sweetness.
  3. 3 Sprinkle some salt over your food.
  4. 4 Try a pinch of baking soda.
  5. 5 Squeeze in some vinegar or lemon juice.
  6. 6 Add some spice to your foods.
  7. 7 Cook with herbs to cut through the bitter taste.
Apr 10, 2024

What makes kidney beans taste better? ›

I also love smoked paprika and oregano with my beans. Be sure to taste your beans when they're finished cooking, and add a bit more salt and additional spices if needed. If you're going to add any acidic ingredients such as lemon or tomato, it's best to wait until the end. Fresh herbs are also a great option.

How do you get the sour taste out of rajma? ›

Dilute The Dish

The best thing you can do to save an extremely sour curry is by diluting it. Simply add some water or stock to the dish and allow it to evaporate while cooking. This helps in balancing out the flavours, thus reducing the sourness.

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