Best Easy Rajma Masala Recipe

Rajma masala is a hearty North Indian kidney bean curry in a thick, spiced tomato gravy. This high protein, high fiber vegetarian dish is perfect for family meals, meal prep, and freezer storage.

Cook 65 min Difficulty NORMAL 375 kcal
#vegetarian #high protein #meal prep #Indian curry
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed 3 cups
  • yellow onion, finely chopped 1 cup
  • roma tomatoes, chopped 1.5 cups
  • ginger, grated 1 tbsp
  • garlic, minced 2 cloves
  • neutral oil (e.g. canola or sunflower) 2 tbsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • ground cumin 1 tsp
  • ground coriander 1 tsp
  • garam masala 1 tsp
  • red chili powder 0.5 tsp
  • turmeric powder 0.5 tsp
  • salt 1 tsp
  • fresh cilantro, chopped 0.25 cup
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 54 g 58%
Protein 14 g 15%
Fat 10 g 27%
Serving size 320g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Heat the oil in a large heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat; add chopped onions and sauté for 7–8 minutes, stirring, until golden brown.

  2. 2

    Add grated ginger and minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, making sure not to let the garlic brown.

  3. 3

    Stir in chopped tomatoes, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili powder; cook over medium-high heat, mashing tomatoes with a spatula and reducing moisture until the mixture becomes a thick paste—about 8–10 minutes.

  4. 4

    Add drained kidney beans, salt, and 1½ cups water. Mix well, bring to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer; cook uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally to let the beans absorb the flavors and the gravy thicken.

  5. 5

    Sprinkle in garam masala and simmer uncovered for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring the masala blends evenly and the gravy reaches the desired thickness.

  6. 6

    Turn off the heat, rest for 5 minutes. Stir in chopped cilantro just before serving for freshness.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What’s the key ingredient in this Rajma Masala recipe?
The star ingredient is kidney beans, which bring heartiness, robust flavor, and provide the high protein and fiber content that define Rajma Masala. The combination of onions, tomatoes, and garam masala delivers the classic curry taste.
Q. Why is slow simmering important in Rajma Masala?
Simmering the beans gently after adding water allows them to absorb the aromatic spices and meld with the tomato-onion gravy. This slow process thickens the curry naturally and intensifies the savory flavors.
Q. How do I prevent mushy or undercooked beans in this curry?
Drain and rinse canned beans thoroughly, then simmer uncovered as directed. Stir occasionally during the 25–30 minute simmer; this keeps the beans intact and prevents the curry from becoming soupy. Avoid overmixing to maintain bean texture.
Q. How many calories and protein are in each serving?
Each 320g serving of this Rajma Masala delivers about 375 kcal and 14g protein, making it a nourishing option for vegetarian and high-protein meal needs.
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