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Bowl of rajma kidney bean curry over steamed rice

North Indian kidney bean curry in a spiced tomato sauce

Rajma

Rajma

1hEasy

Prep Time

10 min

Cook Time

50 min

Total Time

1 hr

Servings

4

5 cups

Difficulty

Easy

Cost

Budget

$

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Rajma

North Indian kidney bean curry in a spiced tomato sauce

Creamy red kidney beans simmered in a thick, warming tomato-onion gravy with cumin, coriander, and garam masala. A Punjabi staple served over steamed rice.

10m

Prep Time

50m

Cook Time

60m

Total Time

4

Servings

Easy

Difficulty

Budget $

Cost

Indian CuisineMain CourseVeganGluten-FreeDairy-Free
Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen

July 6, 2024(Updated April 13, 2026)

Rajma chawal—kidney bean curry with rice—is soul food in Punjab. The beans become creamy and melt-in-your-mouth after slow simmering in a tomato-onion gravy scented with warming spices.

Why This Recipe Works

Soaking beans overnight and cooking until very soft allows them to partially break down, naturally thickening the gravy. Mashing a few beans against the pot adds extra body.

Ingredients

  • 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained (or 1.5 cups dried, soaked overnight)
  • 2 large tomatoes, pureed
  • 1 large onion, finely diced
  • 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 1 tsp each cumin seeds, coriander, garam masala, plus 1/2 tsp turmeric

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat oil, add cumin seeds until they splutter, then sauté onion until deeply golden, about 8 minutes.

  2. 2

    Add ginger-garlic paste and cook 1 minute; stir in coriander, turmeric, and chili powder for 30 seconds.

  3. 3

    Pour in tomato puree and cook until oil separates, about 6 minutes.

  4. 4

    Add kidney beans and 1.5 cups water; bring to a boil, then simmer 30 minutes, mashing some beans.

  5. 5

    Stir in garam masala, adjust salt, and finish with cilantro; serve over steamed basmati rice.

Serving Suggestions

Ways to Serve This Dish

  • Serve with warm naan bread or basmati rice

  • Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime

  • Pair with a cooling cucumber raita on the side

Substitutions

Kidney beansPinto beans or black beans

Similar texture and cooking time

Ginger-garlic pasteFresh grated ginger + minced garlic

Use equal parts of each

FlavorPantry

Test Kitchen Pick

Garam Masala

Helpful Pantry Staple

Why the spice blend matters

A better spice blend gives the recipe more rounded flavor without making you buy ten separate jars first.

This is often the pantry shortcut that makes the result taste more complete.

  • Adds warmer depth quickly
  • Useful across curries, lentils, and vegetable dishes

If you are cooking Indian food more than once, garam masala is a practical pantry anchor.

Shop garam masala for this recipe

Tips & Storage

Pro Tips

  • Mash a few beans against the side of the pot with a spoon to thicken the gravy naturally.

  • A pat of butter stirred in at the end is traditional and adds richness.

Storage

Refrigerate for up to 5 days. Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat with a splash of water on the stovetop; the gravy thickens as it cools.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (0mg) · 4 servings

Calories260
LowModerateHigh

A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet

Protein14g
Carbohydrates42g
Fat4g
Fiber680mg
Sugar12g
Sodium10g

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned beans?
Yes, canned beans work great and cut the cooking time significantly.
How do I make it in a pressure cooker?
Cook soaked beans with all ingredients at high pressure for 15 minutes with natural release.

Explore More

More Indian RecipesMore Main CourseVegan RecipesGluten-Free RecipesDairy-Free RecipesStovetop Recipes
Sarah Chen

About Sarah Chen

Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.

View all recipes →

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