Rajma (Red Kidney Bean Curry)

Dive into the cozy comfort of Rajma, a classic dish loved across North India that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Our Rajma recipe brings together soft red kidney beans in a thick, spiced-up gravy full of flavor. It’s the kind of food that reminds you of home, made with spices that fill the kitchen with inviting aromas. This wholesome, hearty curry is perfect with a plate of fluffy rice or a piece of roti, making it a meal that’s not just satisfying but also packed with feel-good vibes. It’s the kind of dish about sharing and enjoying the simple pleasures of eating together. So, whip up our Rajma and bring a piece of Indian comfort food to your table, making any meal feel a little more like home.

AuthorJulia ForesekCategory, DifficultyBeginner

Yields4 Servings
Prep Time10 minsCook Time50 minsTotal Time1 hr

 1 cup red kidney beans, soaked overnight
 3 cups water (for cooking beans)
 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee
 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
 1 large onion, finely chopped
 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
 2 green chilies, slit (adjust to taste)
 2 medium tomatoes, pureed
 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
 2 teaspoons coriander powder
 1 teaspoon cumin powder
 1 teaspoon garam masala
 Salt to taste
 Fresh coriander leaves, chopped, for garnish

1

Cook the Kidney Beans:

Rinse the soaked kidney beans and transfer them to a pressure cooker. Add 3 cups of water and a pinch of salt.
Pressure cook for about 20 minutes or until the beans are soft and fully cooked. Alternatively, you can cook them in a pot, but it will take longer.

2

Prepare the Masala:

Heat oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, cooking until the raw smell disappears.
Add the pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil starts to separate from the masala.
Add turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for a few minutes.

3

Combine Beans and Masala:

Add the cooked kidney beans along with the cooking liquid to the masala. Stir well to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes. The curry should thicken and the flavors should meld together.
Mash some of the beans slightly to thicken the sauce. Adjust the consistency with water if needed.
Stir in garam masala and cook for an additional minute.

4

Garnish and Serve:

Garnish with chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot with steamed basmati rice, roti, or naan.

Ingredients

 1 cup red kidney beans, soaked overnight
 3 cups water (for cooking beans)
 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee
 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
 1 large onion, finely chopped
 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
 2 green chilies, slit (adjust to taste)
 2 medium tomatoes, pureed
 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
 2 teaspoons coriander powder
 1 teaspoon cumin powder
 1 teaspoon garam masala
 Salt to taste
 Fresh coriander leaves, chopped, for garnish

Directions

1

Cook the Kidney Beans:

Rinse the soaked kidney beans and transfer them to a pressure cooker. Add 3 cups of water and a pinch of salt.
Pressure cook for about 20 minutes or until the beans are soft and fully cooked. Alternatively, you can cook them in a pot, but it will take longer.

2

Prepare the Masala:

Heat oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, cooking until the raw smell disappears.
Add the pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil starts to separate from the masala.
Add turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for a few minutes.

3

Combine Beans and Masala:

Add the cooked kidney beans along with the cooking liquid to the masala. Stir well to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes. The curry should thicken and the flavors should meld together.
Mash some of the beans slightly to thicken the sauce. Adjust the consistency with water if needed.
Stir in garam masala and cook for an additional minute.

4

Garnish and Serve:

Garnish with chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot with steamed basmati rice, roti, or naan.

Rajma (Red Kidney Bean Curry)
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