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15th February 2021

Instant Pot Rajma Chawal – Kidney Beans Rice

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Instant Pot Rajma Chawal is a super comforting Indian meal combo that my family really loves. Delicious Kidney beans curry served with Rice, along with onion and lemon wedges. 

If you want to treat your family to the best Rajma, Try this recipe for Rajma curry today! Learn how to make this One Pot Curry following the step-by-step method & video illustration.

Rajma Masala and rice in bowl

ABOUT THIS RECIPE – INSTANT POT RAJMA MASALA WITH STEAMED RICE

Rajma Chawal only screams comfort food and Instant Pot makes this Vegan curry with ease. All you need is just One Pot!

I love making these Quick and Easy Curries, just like our Chana Masala and Vegan Tikka masala. This recipe is versatile and it comes together with minimal effort and you are going to love it too.

You can either use dried kidney beans (soaked or unsoaked) or Canned Beans for the recipe. Cooking time will accordingly vary. All the details are mentioned in the recipe card below.

This Kidney bean curry is loaded with fiber and hence it makes a hearty side dish any day. Any left-over Kidney Beans curry can be refrigerated to use the next day – perfect for Lunch Boxes too!

Close up view of the Rajma Chawal in a bowl with handle

So if you are still wondering,

What is Rajma Masala?

Rajma Masala is originally an Indian Punjabi dish, made with dried Red Kidney beans, onion, tomatoes, and a selection of Indian spices. This easy Vegan Vegetarian meal is delicious to serve on busy nights. Make for 1 or feed a crowd – the time taken to cook this curry is the same. Serve this hearty kidney beans curry with rice and it is known as Rajma Chawal. However, you can serve this Rajma Curry with Naan Bread or Flatbread too.

I can highly recommend this curry for Batch Cooking too!

What is Rajma Chawal?

Rajma is the Indian name for Red Kidney beans and Chawal is for Rice. Rajma chawal is one of the most delicious and comforting combo in North Indian households. Delicious Rajma masala is served with rice along with onion & lemon wedges.

Make your Perfect steaming rice in the Pressure Cooker with this recipe for Instant Pot Basmati Rice.

WE KNOW YOU WILL LOVE THIS RAJMA MASALA ! BECAUSE THEY ARE

  • So easy to make. You will ditch your visit to the Indian takeaway joint.
  • PERFECT FOR LUNCH BOXES.
  • Full-on Flavours even the next day!
  • Healthier and just so delicious.
  • All about comfort food with ease!
  • Perfect for Batch Cooking
  • PAIRS really well with rice, roti, flatbread, naan bread, or paratha

This Kidney Beans curry is healthy with incredible flavors, Dairy-free and Gluten-free too.

INGREDIENTS FOR THIS RAJMA MASALA CURRY

This rajma (kidney beans curry ) is made with frugal ingredients, easily available in your pantry.  It is cooked with rajma (kidney beans), onions, tomatoes, and a selection of spices. Simply try this rajma recipe today and don’t forget to tell me how much your family loved it.

Ingredients for Rajma masala

You will need

 Kidney Beans – Dried beans or Canned Beans both work well in the recipe. I have used soaked dried beans

Onion – Both white and red onion are delicious in the recipe.

Tomato – I like to use Red Vine Tomatoes. To speed up the recipe – you can also use a 1 can of tomatoes about 400g

Ginger Garlic paste adds tons of flavor in this rajma masala

Green Chilli for heat!

Rajma Masala or Garam Masala – Rajma Masala uses a special blend of spices for this curry. However, you can always use my Instant Garam masala recipe for a quick Swap.

Ground Cumin – Use homemade or store bought powder

Ground Coriander – Use homemade or store bought powder

Turmeric Powder

Chilli Powder – Adding a little chilli powder in addition to green chillies adds the spiciness. Adjust the quantity to suit your liking.

Kasuri Methi is also known as Dried fenugreek leaves. Do not substitute for fresh methi leaves or ground methi powder.

Coriander leaves or Cilantro leaves

Oil – Any neutral flavor oil is good in the recipe. You can also use Ghee for added flavors.

How to make Instant Pot Rajma Masala step by step

Soak the Rajma overnight or for at least 4 hours in enough water. Drain the water and set aside.

Press Saute Button. When HOT, add oil, bayleaf & cumin seeds. Once it sizzles, add the onion and saute for 3-4 minutes until its translucent and lightly brown.

Add the ginger-garlic, green chili, tomatoes, spice powders and saute for 3-4 minutes.

Now add soaked kidney beans, water, salt and Stir.

Cancel the Saute mode. Seal the lid, turn the vent to sealing. Pressure Cook HIGH for 30 minutes or Select Bean Chilli mode.

Natural Pressure release.

If you find the gravy consistency thin, Mash the bean gently. You can also return to Saute and cook briefly for 3 – 4 minutes.

Sprinkle Kasuri methi ( Dried Fenugreek leaves ) and coriander leaves. Serve warm over steamed rice to scoop out all the delicious curry.

For a creamy kidney beans curry, you can add some swirl in some cream or coconut milk too. This also cuts down the heat in the curry, if you find it spicy.

For a smooth texture in the curry, use a blend of onion, tomato, ginger garlic and green chilli instead of diced vegetables.

Serving Suggestions for RAJMA

Rajma and Basmati Rice is a comforting combo in many households in India. As I have mentioned before, you can also serve Rajma with Naan bread, Flatbread, Roti, or even Quinoa. All the pairings are delicious and a great way to soak up the extra gravy.

I also love to serve Pickled onions and a mint sauce occasionally.

Kidney beans curry and rice

FAQ’S

Why do we soak Rajma Overnight?

Soaking Rajma / kidney beans over night ensures you have tender beans the next day. You will require to cook for a lesser time compared to unsoaked beans. 

How to Quick Soak Dried Beans in the Instant Pot?

We often forget to soak the beans ahead of time. Thanks to this Quick Soak Beans technique you don’t have to worry. Place the dried beans and water into the inner pot of the Instant Pot. . Secure the lid, set the vent to sealing, and pressure cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes. Drain the stock and use these beans in recipes that call for soaked beans.

This method works well with any dried beans like garbanzo beans ( chickpeas ), black beans, pinto beans..

How to make NO SOAK INSTANT POT RAJMA MASALA?

The method is just the same as with the soaked kidney beans. However you will require longer cooking for unsoaked beans. Follow steps 1 – 5 in the recipe card below. Add the dried beans, 3 cups of water and, set the Pressure Cook time to 1 hour 10 minutes and then Natural pressure release. Garnish and serve warm with rice.

HOW TO MAKE RAJMA WITH CANNED BEANS?

Follow steps 1 -5 in the recipe card below. Add the canned kidney beans, 1 cup of water and set the Pressure Cook time for 5 minutes and then Natural pressure release.

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Quick & Easy Instant Pot Rajma Masala Chawal Recipe Below

Rajma Masala and rice in bowl

Easy Rajma Chawal – Kidney Beans Rice

5 from 13 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 388kcal
Author: Sandhya Hariharan
This rajma (kidney beans curry ) is made with frugal ingredients, easily available in your pantry.  It is cooked with red kidney beans, onions, tomatoes and a selection of spices. Simply try this rajma recipe today, serve with Rice and don’t forget to tell me how much your family loved it.

Ingredients

Kidney Beans ( Rajma Masala)

  • 1 Cup Dried Kidney Beans soaked overnight
  • 2 Tsp Oil
  • 1 Tsp Cumin seeds
  • 1 Bay Leaf
  • 1 medium Onion diced
  • 2 Tbsp Ginger Garlic Paste
  • 3 medium Tomatoes or 1 Can of Tomatoes diced
  • ½-¾ Tsp Chilli Powder
  • 1 Tsp  ground cumin
  • 1 Tsp ground coriander
  • 1 Tsp Rajma Masala or Garam Masala
  • Salt To Taste
  • 2 Cup Water
  • 1 Tbsp Kasuri Methi
  • 2 Tbsp Coriander leaves

Rice ( Chawal)

  • 2 Cup Basmati Rice
  • 2½ Cup Water
  • Salt To Taste

Instructions

Instant Pot Rajma Masala

  • Soak the Kidney beans overnight for atleast 6- 8 hours in enough water. Drain and set it aside.
  • Press SAUTE BUTTON on your Instant Pot and  Wait for the Instant Pot to display HOT. Add Oil and allow it to melt in high heat.Add Bayleaf, Cumin seeds and allow the seeds to sizzle.
  • Now add the diced onions and saute for 3-4 minutes until light brown and translucent. De glaze with 1 Tbsp of water if needed.
  • Add Ginger Garlic Paste, Green Chilli, Diced Tomatoes, spice powders and saute for 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the soaked kidney beans, water, salt to the onion tomato masala.
  • Press Cancel on the Instant Pot. Close and secure the lid to the locked position. Check to make sure the vent is turned to SEAL. Press Pressure Cook and set the timer for 30 minute, adjust time using the up or down arrow. Pressure Cook HIGH for 30 minute. When the timer has finished, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 15 -18 minutes.  Turn the seal to VENT and remove the instant pot lid. Press 'CANCEL' to turn off the keep warm mode.
  • If you find the consistency a bit watery, mash the beans a bit.
  • Garnish with Kasuri Methi and Coriander leaves.
  • Serve warm Rajma Masala with steamed rice, onion and lemon wedges.

Instant Pot Basmati

  • To make perfect Tender Basmati rice – follow this method for Instant Pot Basmati.

Video

Notes

FOR COOKING WITH
Soaked Kidney Beans – You will need 2 Cup Water for 1 Cup Soaked Beans. Use Bean Chilli mode or PRESSURE COOK HIGH for 30 minutes. BEAN CHILLI MODE sets the Instant Pot to 30 minutes timer and cooks at High Pressure. 
Unsoaked Kidney Beans – You will need 3 Cup Water for 1 Cup Unsoaked Beans. Use PRESSURE COOK HIGH & set the timer to 1 hour 5 minutes.
For Canned Beans – You will need 1 Cup of Water for Canned Kidney Beans. Pressure Cook HIGH for 5 minutes. 
 
FOR SMOOTH CONSISTENCY OF THE RAJMA CURRY –Add Onion, Tomato, Ginger, Garlic and Green Chilli to a blender and process to smooth. You can add this after Step 2 and saute for 6- 7 minutes. Add all the spices and Repeat the remaining process from Step 5. 
 

Nutrition

Calories: 388kcal | Carbohydrates: 73.3g | Protein: 15.6g | Fat: 3.9g | Saturated Fat: 0.5g | Sodium: 133mg | Potassium: 777mg | Fiber: 9.9g | Sugar: 3.8g | Calcium: 93mg | Iron: 6mg
Course: Lunch & Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Keyword: rajma, chawal, kidney beans, rice, indian
Tried this recipe?Mention @Sandhyaskitchen and Hashtag #sandhyaskitchen!

Filed Under: Buddha Bowls, Curry, Indian Curry, Lunch & Dinner Recipes, Rice Dishes Recipes

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Shanthi says

    15th November 2010 at 11:20 am

    Nice post and colourful

    Reply
  2. Prathibha says

    15th November 2010 at 11:31 am

    Rajma chawal is infact my favorite too..looks really yummy…nice clicks too

    Reply
  3. Sanchita Karmakar says

    15th November 2010 at 11:35 am

    Lovely photos.. I love one pot meals ideal for a busy weekdays 🙂

    Reply
  4. Angie's Recipes says

    15th November 2010 at 11:37 am

    5 stars
    A simple and yet very blissful kidney beans rice dish!

    Reply
  5. Gayathri's Cook Spot says

    15th November 2010 at 11:38 am

    Nice presentation. Snaps look great and the rice yumm..

    Reply
  6. Sharmilee! :) says

    15th November 2010 at 11:40 am

    Luv rajma very much…healthy and tasty rice…nice twist tot he regular pulavs….

    Reply





  7. Dr.Sameena Prathap
    says

    15th November 2010 at 12:55 pm

    Hey Sandhya,

    The rice looks inviting…:)

    [email protected]

    http://www.myeasytocookrecipes.blogspot.com

    Reply
  8. Kairali sisters says

    15th November 2010 at 2:21 pm

    Not a big fan of Rajma, but this rice is really tempting me Sandy…

    Reply
  9. Happy Cook says

    15th November 2010 at 2:28 pm

    Beautiful and delicious looking rice. I am sure gonna make this.

    Reply
  10. jeyashrisuresh says

    15th November 2010 at 2:55 pm

    Rajma chawal looks very nice and quite interesting too.nice clicks

    Reply
  11. Akila says

    15th November 2010 at 3:10 pm

    wow wonderful recipe and beautiful clicks…..

    Reply
  12. Swathi says

    15th November 2010 at 3:44 pm

    Rajma chawal looks delicious.

    Reply
  13. Satrupa says

    15th November 2010 at 4:32 pm

    Sandhya,

    Rajma Chawal is one of the comfort foods for me ….. the clicks are woooow !!

    Reply
  14. Nithya says

    15th November 2010 at 5:30 pm

    Looks so yummy and tempting. I have not tried this version of rajma chaval. Will do it asap 🙂

    Reply
  15. Pavithra says

    15th November 2010 at 5:31 pm

    My fav too.. the pictures are gorgeous.

    Reply
  16. Priya says

    15th November 2010 at 7:03 pm

    Beautiful clicks, very droolworthy kidneybeans rice, full of proteins..

    Reply
  17. Priya (Yallapantula) Mitharwal says

    15th November 2010 at 10:18 pm

    Very well presented.

    Reply
  18. Ushnish Ghosh says

    16th November 2010 at 5:31 am

    Dear Sandhya
    How are you? I am off blog and my visit to blog world has become erratic..I am sure I have missed many here.
    I like the photos, very nice..I could not develop taste for Rajma yet..although I cook for others. ha ha
    Have a nice week

    Reply
  19. Rekha shoban says

    16th November 2010 at 5:53 am

    very interesting and healthy rice…nice click dear!

    Reply
  20. Anu says

    16th November 2010 at 8:22 am

    It is my fav one and looks delicious..

    Reply
  21. Kanchan says

    16th November 2010 at 9:43 am

    Wonderful presentation .. Loved the clicks 🙂

    Reply
  22. Vegetarian Zest says

    16th November 2010 at 8:17 pm

    This is our all time favorite.

    Reply
  23. swapna says

    16th November 2010 at 10:07 pm

    loely and colorful…Beautiful Presentation!!

    Reply
  24. simply.food says

    2nd December 2018 at 10:59 am

    5 stars
    Rice and Rajma look amazing. It’s just the kind of comfort food I love.

    Reply
  25. [email protected] says

    16th October 2019 at 8:22 am

    5 stars
    Hey Sandhya, rajma chawal is one of my fav since childhood and we have grown up eating this. I really loved your clicks especially the flatlays.

    Reply
  26. Sayali says

    18th November 2019 at 8:53 pm

    5 stars
    We love Rajma Chawal. And your recipe sounds just like how we make it at home.

    Reply
  27. Mona Jha says

    28th September 2020 at 7:22 am

    5 stars
    wow….you have an explosion of flavors going on in this Kidney beans curry!! It must be so very delicious with cilantro rice too.

    Reply
  28. Ananda Rajashekar says

    12th November 2020 at 5:55 pm

    5 stars
    Pictures are fantastic and rajma rice looks heartwarming. This would be wonderful Sunday meal 🙂

    Reply
  29. A.Rarajani says

    19th February 2021 at 8:25 am

    5 stars

    THANK YOU FOR SHARING an amazing Rajma Chawal recipe. My family loved it!

    Reply

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