Rajma Masala (Red Kidney Bean Curry)
Why this recipe works
- Built-in spice depth: Cooking the onion, garlic, ginger and ground spices before adding the tomatoes gives the curry a fuller, more rounded masala base.
- Naturally thick gravy: Simmered kidney beans release starch into the sauce, helping the gravy thicken without cream or dairy.
- Good for batch cooking: The curry keeps well, reheats gently and can be frozen, making it practical for prepared lunches or easy dinners.
Get the most out of this recipe
Adjust the heat
- For a milder curry: Use a mild chilli powder in place of Kashmiri chilli, or reduce the chilli and let the garam masala provide warmth instead.
- For more heat: Add extra chilli gradually while the tomato masala simmers, tasting before the beans go in so the heat stays balanced.
- Keep the spice rounded: If the curry tastes sharp or hot, simmer it a little longer and loosen with a splash of water so the spices settle into the gravy.
Authenticity notes
- Home-style rajma: Rajma is strongly associated with North Indian home cooking, where the gravy is usually hearty, tomato-led and generously spiced rather than thin or soupy.
- Classic serving: Steamed rice is the most recognisable pairing, giving the thick bean curry a simple base that absorbs the masala.
Texture tips
- For a thicker gravy: Mash some of the beans against the side of the pot, then simmer briefly so their starch blends into the sauce.
- For a looser curry: Add a little water gradually near the end of cooking, then simmer just long enough for the flavours to come back together.
- Avoid a raw spice texture: Let the spices fry briefly in the oil before the tomatoes are added; this helps them bloom and blend smoothly into the masala.
Make-ahead tips
- Flavour improves after resting: Rajma often tastes even better the next day as the beans absorb more of the spiced tomato gravy.
- Reheat gently: Warm in a pot over a low to medium heat with a splash of water, stirring now and then until piping hot.
- Freezes well: Cool completely, freeze in sealed containers, then defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Finely chop the onion. Crush the garlic and finely grate the ginger.
- Heat the sunflower oil in a large pot over a medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until soft and lightly golden.
- Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric and ground Kashmiri chili, and cook for 30 to 60 seconds, stirring so the spices do not catch.
- Tip in the canned chopped tomatoes and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes darken slightly and the sauce thickens.
- Add the red kidney beans along with 250 ml water, then return to a simmer. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring now and then, until the beans are tender and the gravy is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Stir in the garam masala and simmer for 2 minutes. Taste and adjust the heat by adding a little more water if you prefer a looser curry.
- Rest the curry off the heat for 5 minutes to let the flavours settle. Serve hot.
Recipe notes
Tips
- For a thicker, creamier gravy, mash a ladleful of the beans against the side of the pot, then stir back in and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Keep the heat at medium when frying the spices; if they darken too quickly, add a splash of water to stop them catching and turning bitter.
Substitutions
- Replace sunflower oil with olive oil for a fruitier base.
- Replace ground Kashmiri chili with mild chili powder for less heat and a slightly different colour.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Cool completely, then refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 3 months; defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in a pot with a splash of water until piping hot.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 4 servings
- Total time: 1h (20min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: Indian
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