
Rajma Masala (Punjabi Kidney Bean Curry)
Punjabi-style rajma masala made with tender kidney beans simmered in a rich onion-tomato gravy. A comforting classic perfect with rice or roti.
Method
- 1
Soak kidney beans overnight, then rinse well.
- 2
Pressure cook beans with water until very soft and tender.
- 3
Crush ginger, garlic, and chillies into a paste.
- 4
Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds.
- 5
Add onions and cook until golden and caramelised.
- 6
Add ginger-garlic-chilli paste and sauté briefly.
- 7
Add tomatoes and cook until soft and jammy.
- 8
Stir in turmeric, chilli powder, coriander powder, and garam masala.
- 9
Cook until the masala thickens and oil separates.
- 10
Add cooked beans and water, then simmer for 10–15 minutes.
- 11
Mash a few beans to thicken the gravy.
- 12
Finish with kasuri methi and oat cream if using.
- 13
Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot.
Ingredients
- •1 cup water
- •1 inch ginger, grated
- •2 tbsp oil
- •1 tsp cumin seeds
- •1/2 tsp turmeric
- •1 tsp chilli powder
- •2 tsp coriander powder
- •1 tsp garam masala
- •100 ml oat cream
- •2 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped
- •1 tin kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- •4 garlic cloves, minced
- •2 green chillies, finely chopped
- •1 large onion, finely chopped
- •2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- •a pinch of asafoetida (optional)
- •1 tsp salt
- •1 tsp kasuri methi (optional)
Notes
- •Soaking beans overnight helps reduce cooking time.
- •Adjust chilli powder according to your spice preference.
- •Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- •Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water if needed.
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