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Spicy Indian Rajma Masala with Ginger and Cumin

Name: Spicy Indian Rajma Masala with Ginger and Cumin
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Dried kidney beans, 1 cup, soaked overnight; Water, 4 cups; Oil, 1 tablespoon; Cumin seeds, 1 teaspoon; Onion, 1 large, finely chopped; Ginger-garlic paste, 2 teaspoons; Green chilies, 2, finely chopped; Coriander powder, 1 teaspoon; Cumin powder, 1 teaspoon; Turmeric powder, 1/2 teaspoon; Chili powder, 1 teaspoon; Garam masala, 1 teaspoon; Salt, To taste; Tomatoes, 3 large, pureed; Bay leaf, 1; Fresh coriander, 2 tablespoons, chopped

Indulge in the warm and spicy flavors of traditional Rajma Masala, a comforting dish brimming with kidney beans in a rich, flavorful sauce.

4.7(216 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·October 6, 2025

Spicy Indian Rajma Masala with Ginger and Cumin — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

30 min

Cook

1 h 30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Kidney Beans

For the Masala Base

Spices Blend

For the Tomato Puree

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 229 kcal
Protein: 12 g
Carbs: 37 g
Fat: 4 g
Fiber: 13.25 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 917 kcal
Protein: 48 g
Carbs: 148 g
Fat: 16 g
Fiber: 53 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
Dried kidney beans 1 cup, soaked overnight	610	43	109	1	40
Water 4 cups	0	0	0	0	0
Oil 1 tablespoon	120	0	0	14	0
Cumin seeds 1 teaspoon	8	0	1	0	1
Onion 1 large, finely chopped	60	2	14	0	3
Ginger-garlic paste 2 teaspoons	10	0	2	0	0
Green chilies 2, finely chopped	10	0	2	0	1
Coriander powder 1 teaspoon	5	0	1	0	1
Cumin powder 1 teaspoon	8	0	1	0	1
Turmeric powder 1/2 teaspoon	4	0	1	0	0
Chili powder 1 teaspoon	7	0	1	0	1
Garam masala 1 teaspoon	6	0	1	0	1
Salt To taste	0	0	0	0	0
Tomatoes 3 large, pureed	66	3	14	1	4
Bay leaf 1	2	0	1	0	0
Fresh coriander 2 tablespoons, chopped	1	0	0	0	0

These are nutritional estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Kidney Beans

1
Rinse beans
Rinse the soaked kidney beans thoroughly.
2
Boil beans
Add them to a pot with water and bring to a boil.
3
Simmer beans
Simmer for 45 minutes or until tender.
Tip: Ensure kidney beans are fully cooked to avoid digestive issues.

Preparing the Masala Base

1
Heat oil
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
2
Add cumin seeds
Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
Tip: Adding a pinch of asafoetida with cumin can enhance the flavor.
3
Cook onions
Stir in chopped onions and cook until golden brown.

How to Make Spicy Indian Rajma Masala with Ginger and Cumin

Total time: 2 h · Yields 4 servings

1
Making the Masala
Saute the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies with onions until fragrant.
2
Mixing the Spices
Add the spices blend and stir for 2 minutes until the aroma releases.
3
Finalizing the Curry
Add pureed tomatoes, bay leaf, and simmer until the oil separates.