Instant Pot Rajma Masala (Red Kidney Beans Curry)
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
45 mins
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Soaking Time
4 hrs
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Total Time
55 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
227 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Indian
Instant Pot Rajma Masala (Red Kidney Beans Curry)
Description
This Instant Pot Rajma Masala brings together soaked red kidney beans cooked under high pressure with an aromatically spiced tomato-onion base. The initial sautéing of cumin seeds, green chili, onion, ginger, and garlic develops depth, while the ground spices infuse warmth and complexity. The red kidney beans absorb these flavors during the pressure cooking, resulting in a thick, richly spiced curry.
The texture of the curry can be adjusted by mashing some beans to thicken the sauce. The included tempered green chili adds controlled heat, with options to adjust spiciness. The curry has a balanced flavor that pairs well with the optional brown rice cooked simultaneously in the Instant Pot, providing a wholesome meal.
Serving suggestions include white rice or roti along with a side of yogurt or raita to balance the spices. The recipe supports both dry and canned beans with corresponding adjustments in cooking time and water amounts.
For convenience, the recipe can be simplified by adding all ingredients to the Instant Pot and pressure cooking without initial sautéing. Using pre-made Rajma Masala spice blend can also substitute the individual spices.
Ingredients
- 1 cup red kidney beans soaked for at least 4 hours to overnight in water, rajma
- 1 tablespoon ghee or oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds aka Jeera
- 1 tablespoon ginger minced
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- 1 green chili pepper diced*
- 1.5 cups onion diced
- 1 cup tomato diced
- 1.5 cups water for cooking
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- cilantro to garnish
Spices
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder ground, aka Haldi powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder aka Jeera powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder dhaniya powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder adjust to taste, Mirchi powder
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
For Brown Rice
- 1 cup brown rice rinsed
- 1.25 cup water
- 1 tablespoon ghee optional, or oil
- 1 teaspoon salt (optional)
Instructions
- Start the instant pot in Saute (More) mode and let it heat until it displays HOT. Add oil, cumin seeds, and green chili.
- Add onions, ginger and garlic. Stir and saute for about 3 minutes.
- Add tomatoes and spices to the instant pot. Stir and saute for 2 more minutes.
- Drain the old soaking water from the soaked beans and discard. Add the beans and the water (for cooking) to the instant pot. Stir it all up.
- (optional) Place the trivet. In a bowl, add all ingredients for brown rice and place it on top of the trivet.
- Close the lid with the vent in the sealing position. Change the setting to "Bean/Chili" mode. This will set the timer to 30 minutes at high pressure cooking. Once the instant pot beeps, let the pressure release naturally, and then open the lid.
- (optional) Using tongs, carefully take out the bowl of brown rice. Then take out the trivet.
- Add lime juice and stir the rajma. Garnish with cilantro. Rajma masala is ready. Serve with rice or roti.
Stovetop Pressure Cooker:
- Follow the same steps as above. Just cook the rajma on stovetop pressure cooker for 1-2 whistles on high heat, then set the heat to medium and cook for another 15-20 minutes.
Notes
- Green chili adds heat; adjust amount based on preference using varieties like Thai or Serrano.
- For thicker curry, mash some cooked beans in the pot before serving.
- You can substitute dry beans with canned kidney beans; adjust cooking time and water accordingly.
- All-in-one Instant Pot cooking without sautéing steps works well for quicker preparation.
- Rajma Masala pairs well with rice and a side of yogurt or raita to balance flavors.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 227 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 153g | |
| Calories | 227kcal | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 37.1g | 12% |
| Protein | 11.89g | 24% |
| Fat | 4.53g | 7% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.401g | 2% |
| Trans Fat | 0.014g | 1% |
| Sodium | 594mg | 25% |
| Potassium | 875mg | 19% |
| Fiber | 8.9g | 36% |
| Sugar | 4.56g | 9% |
| Vitamin A | 1350IU | 27% |
| Vitamin C | 44.6mg | 50% |
| Calcium | 70mg | 7% |
| Iron | 4.5mg | 25% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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