Instant Pot Rajma Masala (Kidney Beans Curry)

Punjabi Rajma Masala is a one-pot healthy, protein-rich, vegan and gluten-free recipe made with dry or canned beans and cooked in a spicy, flavorful onion-tomato gravy along with few spices.

Ingredients  1x2x3x

• 1 cup dried red kidney beans (rajma) soaked OR 2 Cans Kidney Beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 large onion finely chopped, (about 1 cup)
• 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
• 2 large tomatoes finely chopped, (about 1 cup)
• 1.5 cups water
• 1 tablespoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek elaves) optional
• juice of half lime (or 1 teaspoon amchur powder)
• 2 tablespoons coriander leaves (cilantro)

Spices:

• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• salt to taste

Instructions 

Preparing Rajma

• Soak rajma for at least 4+ hours in hot water or overnight. Then, drain the water and keep it aside.

Instant Pot Method

1. Press SAUTE on Instant Pot. Heat oil, add cumin seeds, bay leaf, and let cumin splutter.
2. Next, add onions, ginger-garlic paste, and saute for 3-4 minutes or until onions turn light brown.
3. Next, add finely chopped tomatoes (or tomato puree), spices like red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or till the tomatoes turn soft and mushy.
4. Then add soaked kidney beans (rajma), and water. Stir well.
5. Close the lid on the pot, and turn the pressure valve to the SEALING position. Set the pot to “BEAN/CHILI” Mode and set the timer to 30 minutes.
6. Once the pot beeps, Do a NATURAL PRESSURE RELEASE (NPR).
7. Lastly, remove the lid away from you, add garam masala powder, kasuri methi, lime juice (or amchur powder), and coriander leaves. Mix well. Don’t worry if the curry is a too liquid consistency. Turn on SAUTE mode again and boil the curry for 5 minutes or until you get the desired consistency. If you want thicker and creamy gravy, you can mash a ladle full of rajma and add them back to the curry.
8. Instant Pot Rajma Masala/Red Kidney Bean Curry recipe is ready, serve hot with pooris, chapatis, roti & parathas.