Kidney beans in a tomato-onion masala
Indian Rajma Masala
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
30 min
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4
4 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Indian Rajma Masala
Kidney beans in a tomato-onion masala
A practical weeknight rajma masala with kidney beans simmered in a tomato-onion gravy with warming spices.
15m
Prep Time
30m
Cook Time
45m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Rajma masala is exactly the kind of recipe that makes pantry cooking feel worthwhile. It uses common ingredients, but the final bowl still feels rooted and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 cans kidney beans, drained
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garam masala
- Cilantro and rice for serving
Instructions
- 1
Cook the onion, garlic, and ginger until softened.
- 2
Add the spices and tomatoes and simmer until the base thickens.
- 3
Add the beans and a splash of water.
- 4
Simmer until the gravy clings to the beans.
- 5
Serve with cilantro and rice.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with warm naan bread or basmati rice
Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime
Pair with a cooling cucumber raita on the side
FlavorPantry
Test Kitchen Pick
Garam Masala
Helpful Pantry Staple
Why the spice blend matters
A better spice blend gives the recipe more rounded flavor without making you buy ten separate jars first.
This is often the pantry shortcut that makes the result taste more complete.
- Adds warmer depth quickly
- Useful across curries, lentils, and vegetable dishes
If you are cooking Indian food more than once, garam masala is a practical pantry anchor.
Shop garam masala for this recipeTips & Storage
Pro Tips
Mash a small spoonful of beans into the sauce for more body.
This improves noticeably after sitting for a few hours.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop, in the oven, or in the microwave until hot.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (1 serving) · 4 servings
Calories290
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein12g
Carbohydrates39g
Fat9g
Fiber9g
Sugar7g
Sodium540mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead?
- Yes. The components or finished dish hold well if properly chilled and stored.
- Can I adjust the seasoning?
- Yes. Taste near the end and adjust salt, acid, or heat so it suits the way you like to cook and eat.
Explore More
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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