Punjabi Rajma Masala Recipe | Dhaba Style Rajma | Red Kidney Bean Curry
Quick answerPunjabi dhaba-style rajma masala is a vegetarian red kidney bean curry. Rajma soaked for 6 hours is pressure-cooked in an onion-tomato masala (4 whistles, then 3 minutes on medium heat) and finished with Kasuri Methi and fresh coriander. Serve it with steamed rice or roti.
Soaking6 hours
CookingPressure cooker, 4 whistles + 3 min
CuisinePunjabi Β· Dhaba style
DietVegetarian (has butter & cream)
Serve withSteamed rice or roti
β οΈ Food safety note: Raw or undercooked red kidney beans contain a natural toxin that can cause severe stomach upset. Always soak the rajma, discard the soaking water, and cook the beans until they are completely soft at a full boil (pressure cooking works well). Don’t cook rajma at a low temperature or in a slow cooker.
π Ingredients for Punjabi Rajma Masala
- π 3 tomatoes (cut and ground)
- π§ 6 to 8 garlic cloves
- π₯ 7 to 8 pieces of ginger
- πΏ 1/2 teaspoon aniseed
- π§ 1 teaspoon Maggi Magic Masala
- π₯ 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
- πΆοΈ 1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder
- π‘ 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- π 1 teaspoon Kasuri Methi
- π§ 1 teaspoon butter
- π§ 1 teaspoon salt
- π₯ 1/2 teaspoon chaat masala
- π₯ 2 tablespoons cream
- π§ 3 onions (finely powdered)
- π Some cinnamon
- πΏ 2 bay leaves
- π₯£ 1 1/2 bowl rajma (soaked for 6 hours)
- π₯ 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
- π’οΈ Oil β as required
π©βπ³ How to Make Punjabi Rajma Masala (Cooking Instructions)
- Heat oil in a pressure cooker, add cinnamon & bay leaves on a medium flame, then add onions and sautΓ© until golden brown. π₯
- Now add coriander powder, turmeric, salt, chilli powder, and other powdered spices. Fry well until aromatic. π§
- Add tomato puree and cook until the oil separates. π
- Now add the soaked rajma (drain and discard the soaking water first), close the pressure cooker, and cook for 4 whistles. Then let it cook for another 3 minutes on medium heat. Check that the beans are completely soft before serving. π₯
- Add hot water as needed and mix in Kasuri Methi & fresh coriander leaves for enhanced flavour. π§
- Your hot & tasty Punjabi Dhaba Style Rajma Masala is ready! Serve it with steamed rice or roti and enjoy! π½οΈπ
Watch the Rajma Masala Recipe Video
More Dhaba-Style Recipes to Try
Frequently Asked Questions About Punjabi Rajma Masala
<!– wp:rank-math/faq-block {"listStyle":"numbered","questions":[{"id":"faq-question-1740136040096","title":"Is it necessary to soak rajma before cooking? π“,”content”:”Yes, soaking rajma for at least 6-8 hours helps it cook faster and makes it easier to digest. Drain and discard the soaking water before cooking, and cook the beans until completely soft.”,”visible”:true},{“id”:”faq-question-1740136041292″,”title”:”What should I do if rajma is not soft after cooking? β³”,”content”:”Keep cooking until the beans are completely soft. You can add a pinch of baking soda while cooking to help soften the beans.”,”visible”:true},{“id”:”faq-question-1740136042208″,”title”:”Which oil is best for making Rajma Masala? π’οΈ”,”content”:”You can use mustard oil, ghee, or refined oil. Adding butter or ghee enhances the flavour.”,”visible”:true},{“id”:”faq-question-1740136043385″,”title”:”Can I make rajma without tomatoes? π ”,”content”:”Yes! You can substitute tomatoes with curd or tamarind paste for a tangy flavour.”,”visible”:true},{“id”:”faq-question-1740136044761″,”title”:”How can I make Rajma Masala more flavorful? π€€”,”content”:”Adding Kasuri Methi, butter, and cream makes the dish richer and tastier.”,”visible”:true},{“id”:”faq-question-1740136045402″,”title”:”Can I cook rajma without a pressure cooker? π²”,”content”:”Yes, but it will take much longer. If using a pot, keep the beans at a full boil for at least 10 minutes first, then simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until completely soft.”,”visible”:true},{“id”:”faq-question-1740136046106″,”title”:”How long should I pressure cook rajma? β°”,”content”:”Usually, 4 whistles on high heat, followed by 3 minutes on medium heat, is sufficient.”,”visible”:true},{“id”:”faq-question-1740136047293″,”title”:”Can I replace the cream with something else? π₯”,”content”:”Yes, you can use milk, yoghurt, or coconut milk as a substitute for cream.”,”visible”:true},{“id”:”faq-question-1740136048164″,”title”:”Is it possible to make Rajma Masala without onion and garlic? π§π«”,”content”:”Yes, you can skip onion and garlic. Use Hing (asafoetida) and ginger for extra flavour.”,”visible”:true},{“id”:”faq-question-1740136450876″,”title”:”What can I serve with Rajma Masala? π½οΈ”,”content”:”Rajma-Chawal (Rajma Rice) is a classic combination, but it also tastes great with roti, paratha, or naan. π”,”visible”:true}]} –>Is it necessary to soak rajma before cooking? π
Yes, soaking rajma for at least 6-8 hours helps it cook faster and makes it easier to digest. Drain and discard the soaking water before cooking, and cook the beans until completely soft.
What should I do if rajma is not soft after cooking? β³
Keep cooking until the beans are completely soft. You can add a pinch of baking soda while cooking to help soften the beans.
Which oil is best for making Rajma Masala? π’οΈ
You can use mustard oil, ghee, or refined oil. Adding butter or ghee enhances the flavour.
Can I make rajma without tomatoes? π
Yes! You can substitute tomatoes with curd or tamarind paste for a tangy flavour.
How can I make Rajma Masala more flavorful? π€€
Adding Kasuri Methi, butter, and cream makes the dish richer and tastier.
Can I cook rajma without a pressure cooker? π²
Yes, but it will take much longer. If using a pot, keep the beans at a full boil for at least 10 minutes first, then simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until completely soft.
How long should I pressure cook rajma? β°
Usually, 4 whistles on high heat, followed by 3 minutes on medium heat, is sufficient.
Can I replace the cream with something else? π₯
Yes, you can use milk, yoghurt, or coconut milk as a substitute for cream.
Is it possible to make Rajma Masala without onion and garlic? π§π«
Yes, you can skip onion and garlic. Use Hing (asafoetida) and ginger for extra flavour.
What can I serve with Rajma Masala? π½οΈ
Rajma-Chawal (Rajma Rice) is a classic combination, but it also tastes great with roti, paratha, or naan. π
