Rajma Masala recipe is a popular North Indian dish made with red kidney beans cooked in a rich and flavorful tomato-based gravy. It is a staple in many households across India and is often served with steamed rice or naan bread.
Rajma Masala is a comforting and hearty dish that is not only delicious but also nutritious, as it is a good source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. It is also a popular vegetarian and vegan option, making it a favorite among those who follow a plant-based diet. This blog will tell you more about a rajma masala recipe and also tell you how to make rajma masala. This blog will tell you more about rajma masala recipe and also tell you how to cook rajma masala.
About Rajma Masala Recipe
Rajma masala recipe is typically prepared by first soaking the red kidney beans overnight, then cooking them in a pressure cooker until they are tender. The gravy is made by sautéing onions, ginger, and garlic in oil, adding tomatoes and spices such as cumin, coriander, and garam masala. The cooked kidney beans are then added to the gravy and simmered together until the flavors meld. You can easily learn how to make rajma masala at home.
Serves | Time | Difficulty |
1-2 | 8 hr 40 min | Moderate |
How To Make Instant Rajma Masala at Home
If you want to know how to make rajma masala recipe at home, then look no further. Here is how you can make instant rajma masala at home. You can make this rajma masala recipe in an instant pot.
Step 1: Put the instant pot in saute mode and let it heat for a while and then add some oil and cumin seeds and green chili.
Step 2: Add ginger garlic and onion and saute for 3 minutes.
Step 3: Now add some tomatoes along with spices to the pot and saute for 2 minutes.
Step 4: Now take the rajma beans and remove all the water if you soaked them earlier and add it to the pot and mix well
Step 5: Close the lid in the sealing position and turn the settings to bean/chili mode. Now set the timer for 30 minutes at high pressure. Once the pot starts to beep let the pressure release naturally.
Step 6: You can also add some lime juice to the rajma. Stir it and mix everything well and garnish with some cilantro. Your rajma masala recipe is ready to enjoy.
Preparation for Rajma Masala Recipe
Doing these preparations before learning how to make a rajma masala recipe will help you to make your recipe a lot better.
1. Take rajma in a bowl and rinse them with clean water and soak them in water for 8-12 hours. Make sure to not cover the bowl while you soak the rajma. This will ensure that the rajma in your rajma masala recipe is soft.
2. Before coking make sure to rinse that rajma once or twice with clean water.
3. Chop the onions and you can also make a puree out of the tomatoes.
Ingredients for Rajma Masala
After knowing the preparation before making an easy rajma masala recipe let’s now look at the ingredients which we will be using to make this recipe.
- 1 cup dry red kidney beans (rajma)
- 3 cups water
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch ginger, grated
- 2 large tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped for garnish
Method/Steps to Cook Rajma Masala
If you don’t know how to make rajma masala recipe at home then worry not, we will help you out. Just follow the steps below for an amazing and easy rajma masala recipe.
Step 1: Soak the dry red kidney beans overnight or for at least 6 hours in enough water.
Step 2: Drain the soaked beans and transfer them to a pressure cooker. Add 3 cups of water and cook on high pressure for 6-8 whistles or until the beans are soft and fully cooked.
Step 3: Once the pressure is released, open the pressure cooker and keep the cooked rajma aside.
Step 4: In a separate pan, heat the oil on medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them crackle.
Step 5: Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
Step 6: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
Step 7: Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and mushy.
Step 8: Add the coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, red chili powder, and salt to taste. Mix well and cook for a few minutes until the spices are well combined.
Step 9: Add the cooked rajma to the tomato mixture and stir well. Add some water if needed to adjust the consistency of the gravy.
Step 10: Let the rajma masala simmer for about 10-15 minutes on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 11: Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with steamed rice or naan bread.
Steps to Make Rajma Masala Dry Recipe
If you craving rajma masala dry then you can easily make it by following the steps below.
Step 1: To make rajma masala dry recipe the initial step will be the same as the regular rajma masala recipe i.e. soaking the rajma in water overnight.
Step 2: Pressure cook the rajma for 5-6 whistles. Grind all the ingredients in and turn it into a semi-fine paste.
Step 3: Now heat some oil in a pan and add cumin seeds and wait till they start to splutter
Step 4: Add ginger, garlic, and onion paste and sate for a while
Step 5: Then add the paste made earlier and saute for a minute. Add spices according to your taste.
Step 6: Now add the pressured cooked rajma and mix. Saute and make sure the gravy turns dry and serve. Your rajma masala dry recipe is ready.
Any Alternate Way to Make Rajam Masala
If you don’t know how to make rajma masala recipe in the traditional way then you can try this alternate method which is easy to make and delicious. You can easily make this recipe in a pressure cooker.
Step 1: Soak the rajma overnight for 8-10 hours but do not cover it.
Step 2: Now pressure cook the rajma in a pressure cooker for about 5 whistles on a high flame and ensure that the rajma is cooked properly.
Step 3: Now make a puree from ginger, garlic, and chopped tomatoes and keep it aside. Also fine chop some onions and keep them aside.
Step 4: Remove the cooked rajma from the pressure cooker and dry the pressure cooker.
Step 5: Now add some oil to the pressure cooker and add cumin seeds and hing. Now add the chopped onions to the pressure cooker and cook on medium flame until they become brown.
Step 6: Now add the ginger garlic puree to the pressure cooker and cook for 3-4 minutes.
Step 7: Now add the cooked rajma along with the water it was cooked in and spices according to your taste.
Step 8: When the rajma starts to simmer close the pressure cooker and cook on high flame for 3 whistles.
Step 9: Release the pressure naturally and when the pressure reduces, give the rajma a gentle stir. Your rajma masala recipe is now ready to enjoy!
Nutritional value in Rajma Masala
Learning how to make rajma masala recipe is great! but it’s as important to know the nutritional value of the food you are consuming. Here are the nutritional values of a rajma masala recipe
Rajma Masala | |
Serving size | 1 cup (250g) |
Calories | 252 |
Fat | 6.5g |
Carbs | 38g |
Protein | 13g |
Pro Tips to Make the Best Rajma Masala at Home
After knowing how to make rajma masala and learning about its nutritional value, here are some pro tips to make the best and easy Rajma Masala recipe.
- Soak the red kidney beans for at least 6-8 hours or overnight to ensure they cook evenly and become tender.
- Cook the kidney beans until they are fully cooked and soft. Overcooked beans will become mushy and lose their texture.
- Add ginger and garlic to the onion-tomato mixture to enhance the flavor and aroma of the dish.
- Roast the spices before adding them to the dish to release their natural oils and enhance the flavor.
- Use fresh ingredients, including tomatoes, onions, ginger, and garlic, for the best taste and flavor.
- Adjust the consistency of the gravy to your preference by adding water or reducing it further.
- Let the dish simmer on low heat for some time to allow the flavors to meld together. You can also let the gravy dry to make rajma masala dry.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or naan bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
By following these pro tips, you can make a delicious and flavorful Rajma Masala that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Health Benefits of Rajma Masala
Rajma Masala recipe is not only a delicious and flavorful dish but also has several health benefits. Here are some of the health benefits of Rajma Masala. Learning how to make rajma recipe can be really beneficial.
- Rich in protein: Red kidney beans used in an easy Rajma Masala recipe are a good source of plant-based protein, making it a great option for vegetarians and vegans. Learning how to make rajma masala and consuming it once in a while can help you fulfill your protein requirement. Learn about How much Protein is needed per day – Know your Protein Intake
- Helps in weight management: Rajma Masala recipe is high in fiber and complex carbohydrates, which can help you feel full for longer and prevent overeating, aiding in weight management.
- Regulates blood sugar: The fiber and protein content of the Rajma Masala recipe helps regulate blood sugar levels and prevents insulin spikes.
- Boosts heart health: An easy Rajma Masala recipe contains a good amount of potassium, magnesium, and fiber, all of which are essential for heart health. These nutrients help regulate blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, and reduce the risk of heart disease. That’s one more reason to know how to make rajma masala recipe. Try this Hearty Italian White Bean Soup
- Provides essential nutrients: Rajma Masala recipe is rich in essential nutrients like iron, folate, and zinc, which are important for maintaining healthy blood cells, brain function, and the immune system.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Some of the spices used in the easy Rajma Masala recipe, such as turmeric and cumin, have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the body.
Overall, Rajma Masala recipe is a nutritious and flavorful dish that can provide several health benefits when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
Tips to limit calories in Rajma Masala
A lot of people know how to make rajma masala but do not know how to reduce the calories in their rajma masala recipe, here is how you can do it.
- Use less oil: Want to know how to make rajma masala recipe low in calories? Reduce the amount of oil used in the recipe to lower the calorie content. You can also use healthier oils like olive oil or coconut oil. This will reduce the calories in your rajma masala recipe to a great extent.
- Use low-fat dairy products: Use low-fat yogurt or skimmed milk instead of full-fat dairy products to reduce the calorie content of the rajma masala recipe
- Reduce the amount of sugar: Some recipes call for sugar to balance the flavors. However, reducing the amount of sugar used can lower the calorie content. Learn more about How to Control Sugar?
- Reduce the amount of salt: High sodium intake can lead to health issues like high blood pressure. Reducing the amount of salt used in the rajma masala recipe can make it healthier.
- Use leaner meat: If you prefer to add meat to your Rajma Masala, opt for leaner cuts like chicken breast or turkey breast.
- Add more vegetables: Adding more vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and spinach to your Rajma Masala can increase its nutritional value and lower its calorie content.
- Serve smaller portions: Limit your portion size to control your calorie intake. Pair it with a salad or steamed vegetables to fill up and reduce the amount of rice or naan bread you eat.
By implementing these tips, you can enjoy a healthier version of Rajma Masala with fewer calories while still enjoying its delicious flavor.
FAQ’s
What are some other dishes I can make with Rajma?
Rajama is really nutritious and one can make many rajma masala recipe such as such as Rajma kebabs, Rajma chaat, and Rajma Tacos.
What’s different in the Rajam Masala Recipe by Livofy?
Livofy shows you how to make a rajma masala recipe in a healthy way which can be added to your diet to achieve fitness goals.
What is the cooking time for Rajma Masala?
The cooking time for the rajma recipe is about 40 minutes but soaking the rajma is around 8-10 hours.
Is rajma masala healthy?
Rajma is really healthy for the body and can help in managing weight and controlling diabetes. It is high in protein and can fulfill the requirement of the body.
What is the right time to have rajma masala?
You can have rajma masala at any time of the day as it is a great source of fiber and protein.
Is there any side effects of eating rajma?
Excess consumption of kidney beans can cause bloating and discomfort in the stomach.
How many calories does rajma masala have?
1 cup of rajma has about 252 calories. It also has 38g of carbs and 13g of protein.
How to make rajma masala low in calories?
Using healthy oils or reducing the oil used in the recipe can make the rajma masala low in calories.