Authentic Rajma Masala Recipe: A Flavorful Punjabi Kidney Bean Curry
8 hours 25 minutes
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About Authentic Rajma Masala Recipe: A Flavorful Punjabi Kidney Bean Curry
Indulge in the rich and aromatic flavors of Rajma Masala, a classic Punjabi kidney bean curry. This recipe, shared by our in-house chef and judge, Chef Reetu Uday Kugaji, offers a perfectly balanced blend of spices creating a truly authentic taste experience. Learn how to prepare this comforting and hearty dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. From soaking the kidney beans to achieving the ideal creamy texture, our step-by-step guide ensures a delicious outcome every time.Get ready to savor the delightful combination of tender kidney beans, fragrant spices, and a luscious tomato-onion based gravy. This Rajma Masala recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
Recipe Time & More
Prep8 hours
Cook25 minutes
Total8 hours 25 minutes
Ingredients
Kidney Beans Preparation
- 1 cup Kidney Beans dried, soaked in water for at least 8 hours or overnight
- 4-5 cup Water for soaking and cooking the beans
Aromatics and Spices
- 1 tbsp Refined Vegetable Oil
- 1 large Onion finely chopped
- 1 tbsp Ginger Paste
- 1 tbsp Garlic Paste
- 2 tsp Coriander Powder
- 1 tsp Cumin Powder
- 1 tsp Chili Powder adjust to taste, red
- 1 tsp Garam Masala
- 1/4 cup Tomato Puree
- 1 tsp Salt or to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Kidney Beans
- Soak the kidney beans overnight. Pressure cook the soaked beans with 4-5 cups of water and salt until tender (approximately 5 whistles). Drain, reserving the cooking liquid.
Sauté Aromatics
- Heat oil in a pan. Add the chopped onions and sauté until light brown.
Build the Flavor
- Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for 2 minutes. Stir in coriander powder, cumin powder, and red chili powder. Mix well and sauté for another minute.
Add Tomato and Beans
- Stir in the tomato puree and cook for 5 minutes. Add the cooked kidney beans and mix thoroughly. Pour in 1 cup of the reserved cooking liquid and stir again.
Simmer and Season
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add garam masala and salt. Adjust salt as needed.
Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with fresh chopped coriander leaves and fried dried red chilies. Serve hot with steamed rice or naan bread.
Recipe Notes
Expert Tips for the Perfect Rajma Masala
- For a smoother curry, you can lightly mash some of the cooked kidney beans before adding them to the sauce.
- Adjust the amount of red chili powder according to your spice preference. Start with less and add more if needed.
- Adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a teaspoon of kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) at the end enhances the flavor profile.
- If the curry becomes too thick, add a little more water or reserved cooking liquid to reach your desired consistency.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 133kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 6gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 0.4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.01gSodium: 33mgPotassium: 472mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 671IUVitamin C: 70mgCalcium: 51mgIron: 3mg
7 Comments
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I’m in love with this recipe already!
Such a delicious dish! Thank you.
This looks perfect! Thanks for posting.
This looks so inviting! Thank you.
Delicious one
A true classic recipe
This looks so good! Appreciate the share.