Rajma Masala, a beloved North Indian dish, holds a special place in every Indian household. The rich, hearty red kidney bean curry, slow-cooked with onions, tomatoes, and aromatic spices, is more than just a meal—it’s an emotion. Whether you’re reliving childhood memories or enjoying a comforting weekend lunch, this restaurant-style rajma masala recipe offers the perfect balance of taste, texture, and tradition.

Made with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor, this recipe is ideal for pairing with steamed rice or jeera rice. Best of all, rajma is not just delicious—it’s loaded with nutrients, making it a perfect addition to any healthy Indian meal plan.

Ingredients List:

For Pressure Cooking Rajma:

• 1 cup rajma (kidney beans), soaked overnight
• 3 cups water
• ½ tsp salt

For Rajma Masala Gravy:

• 2 tbsp oil or ghee
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 inch cinnamon stick
• 2 cloves
• 1 green cardamom
• 1 cup finely chopped onions
• 1½ tsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1½ cups chopped tomatoes or purée
• 1–2 green chilies (optional)
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1½ tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 1 tsp kasuri methi (dry fenugreek leaves)
• 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Soak and Cook Rajma

1. Wash and soak 1 cup rajma overnight in 3–4 cups of water.
2. Drain, rinse, and pressure cook rajma with 3 cups water and salt for 15–20 minutes (or 6–7 whistles) until soft.

Step 2: Prepare the Masala Base

• In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat oil or ghee.
• Add bay leaf, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
• Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
• Stir in ginger-garlic paste and sauté for 1–2 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Tomato Masala

• Add tomatoes, green chilies, turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt.
• Cook the mixture until the oil starts to separate from the masala.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

• Add cooked rajma along with its water to the masala.
• Mash a few rajma beans with the spoon to thicken the gravy.
• Simmer for 15–20 minutes on low heat until flavors blend well.

Step 5: Final Touch

1. Add garam masala, kasuri methi, and fresh coriander leaves.
2. Give it a final boil and switch off the flame.

Tips and Tricks:

• Always soak rajma overnight for better digestion and quicker cooking.
• Mashing a few beans enhances the texture of the curry.
• Simmering longer deepens the flavor, just like restaurant-style rajma.
• For a richer version, add a splash of cream or butter.

Nutritional Benefits:

• Protein-Rich: Rajma is an excellent source of plant-based protein.
• High Fiber: Supports digestive health and promotes fullness.
• Low Fat: Naturally low in fat when made with minimal oil.
• Iron and Magnesium: Essential for energy and muscle function.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

1. Can I make rajma without onion and garlic?

Yes! Simply skip the onion and garlic, and increase tomato and kasuri methi for added flavor. Add hing (asafoetida) to boost aroma.

2. What can I serve with rajma masala?

Rajma goes best with steamed basmati rice, jeera rice, or even soft phulkas. You can also pair it with boondi raita and onion salad.

3. Can I freeze rajma curry?

Absolutely. Cooked rajma masala stays good in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

4. Is Rajma good for weight loss?

Yes. It’s high in fiber and protein, which can help manage hunger and support weight management, especially when paired with brown rice or millet.

How to Make Rajma Masala at Home

Homemade rajma masala is easy to prepare and healthier than takeout. The secret lies in slow simmering and freshly ground spices. By making it from scratch, you can control the oil, spice level, and salt to suit your health needs.

Conclusion:

Rajma Masala is a timeless North Indian dish that’s not only deeply flavorful but also loaded with health benefits. Whether you’re cooking for a family lunch or prepping a comforting weekend dinner, this restaurant-style rajma masala recipe will never disappoint. Serve it with steamed rice, salad, and a drizzle of ghee for that authentic touch.

Looking for more? Dive into our collections on KitchenWhisper.in to explore comforting curry recipes, high-protein meals, and quick vegetarian snacks that are as wholesome as they are tasty!