Step 1

Rinse the kidney beans a couple of times and then soak it in 5 cups of water overnight (or for 8 hrs). The next morning, drain the beans and rinse once.

Step 2

You can cook them in a pressure cooker, Instant pot, or stovetop. I prefer to use the pressure cooking method as it's quicker than a stovetop.

Step 3

To cook Rajma in a pressure cooker add the drained and soaked beans along with salt, black cardamom, and 4 cups water to the pressure cooker. Cook on high heat for 4-5 whistles; then reduce heat to low and cook for 20-30 mins. Switch off the heat and wait for the steam to release naturally before opening the pressure cooker lid.

Step 4

To cook Rajma in an Instant potadd the drained and soaked beans along with salt, black cardamom, and 4 cups water to the stainless steel pot. Close the lid, with vent to sealing, and cook on manual or bean and chili mode on high pressure for 25 mins. (Depending on the quality of kidney beans it may take longer).

Step 5

To cook Rajma in a pot on StovetopIn a thick bottomed pan or dutch oven, add the drained and soaked beans along with salt, black cardamom, and 4-5 cups water. Cover and cook for about 50-60mins or more time until the beans are softened.

Step 6

Test the beans to ensure they are nicely cooked. Press them between your thumb and finger and they should easily mash when pressed. Keep the cooked beans aside.

Step 7

In a thick-bottomed pot or dutch oven, heat oil (or ghee) on medium heat. Add the cumin seeds, asafoetida (thing), and bay leaves and cook until the seeds splutter.

Step 8

Add in the onions and green chilli and saute till onions turn golden brown.

Step 9

Stir in ginger and garlic paste. Saute till the garlic smell disappears.

Step 10

Add the tomato puree and cook until the mixture reduces.

Step 11

Mix in the tomato paste (optional and helps deepen the tomato flavor and color) and cook further until the masala thickens.

Step 12

Add in the spices (turmeric, red chilli, coriander powder, garam masala) along with salt and pepper, and mix until well incorporated.

Step 13

Cook until the masala starts oozing oil from the sides. That's the indication that bhuna masala is ready.

Step 14

Add the cooked beans along with the water it was cooked in. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring this mixture to a boil and then simmer on low.

Step 15

Using the back of your spoon or ladle, mash a few of the beans (in the pot itself). You can also use a potato masher. This helps to make the curry thick and smooth.

Step 16

Crush some Kasuri methi between your palms and add to the curry along with cream (skip to keep it vegan). Mix well and simmer for another 10-15 mins stirring intermittently.

Step 17

Finally, add some cilantro leaves, mix well. The gravy thickens as it sits so adjust consistency if required before serving.

Step 18

Creamy, delicious Rajma masala is ready! Serve with hot zeera rice and enjoy Rajma chawal with some salad or sirkewala pyaaz (pickled onions).