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Aerial shot of rajma masala in a white serving bowl on a white background.
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5 from 1 vote

Punjabi Style Rajma Masala Recipe

Rajma Masala is a delicious, one-pot, vegan Indian curry. Learn how to make Punjabi style rajma chawal in a few simple steps.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Servings: 4
Calories: 346kcal
Author: Hina Gujral

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ Cup dried red kidney beans (rajma)
  • 1 Cup chopped onion
  • 1 Cup chopped tomato (fresh or canned)
  • 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 2 ½ teaspoon Salt or to taste
  • 4 tablespoon cooking oil
  • 4 - 5 Cups water
  • 1 teaspoon Garam Masala (get recipe)
  • 2 green chilli sliced
  • 1 tablespoon dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi)
  • ¼ Cup chopped fresh coriander

Instructions

  • Rinse and soak the red kidney beans in enough water for 4 - 5 hours. After 4 hours, discard the water and drain beans in a colander. Set aside.
  • In a stovetop pressure cooker heat oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, asafoetida and ginger-garlic paste, saute till onion turn caramelized and light brown in colour. Keep on stirring the onions while sauteing them, for uniform cooking and also so that they don't get burnt.
  • Next, add the drained beans in the pressure cooker along with salt, chopped tomato and turmeric powder. Stir to combine and saute the mixture for 2 - 3 minutes.
  • Add the 4 Cups of water to the pressure cooker, close the lid, put the weight and let beans cook over medium heat for 2 - 3 whistle. Turn off the heat.
  • Let the steam release naturally from the pressure cooker. Check if the rajma is cooked or not by taking a bite or pressing a bean. If they are not fully cooked completely, then pressure cook again or simmer over low heat for few more minutes. Meanwhile add some water if required to adjust the consistency of the curry.
  • Add kasuri methi, garam masala, green chilli, and coriander. Simmer rajma masala without a lid for 10 -12 minutes or more till the curry thickens slightly, it should not be watery. Mash a few rajma beans with the back of the spoon, this helps to thicken the curry. 
  • Serve rajma masala with steamed basmati rice or jeera rice for lunch. 

Video

Notes

  • Cooking time of rajma may vary according to the quality and size of the bean. It is best to check it for doneness after few whistles. 
  • Soaking dried beans reduces the cooking time. Hence, it is highly recommended. 
  • An authentic rajma masala is made with dried kidney beans soaked in water. Hence, I will not suggest making the curry with canned or pre-cooked beans. 
  • Instant Pot Method to cook rajma curry is explained with step-by-step pictures in the post above. 
  • Adjust the amount of green chilli and chilli powder as per your taste preference. 

Nutrition

Calories: 346kcal | Carbohydrates: 60.6g | Protein: 22.9g | Fat: 1.3g | Fiber: 24.9g