30-Minute InstantPot Rajma Recipe - Quick & Easy Kidney Bean Curry with North Indian Flavors
Ingredients
- Canned Kidney Beans (Rajma): 2 - 16oz cans (drained & rinsed)
- Bay Leaves - 2 qty
- Oil - 3-4 Tbsp.
- Cumin Seeds - ½ Tbsp.
- Onions - 1 cup (finely chopped)
- Ginger/Garlic Paste - 1½ tsp
- Green Chilies - 2 qty (slit or chopped)
- Tomato Puree - 1½ cups
- Salt - to taste
- Butter - 1 Tbsp.
- Water - 1 cup (adjust to desired thickness)
Rajma, or kidney bean curry, is a beloved comfort food in North Indian households. Traditionally slow-cooked to develop its rich flavor, our 30-minute InstantPot version brings the same homestyle taste in a fraction of the time. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines pantry-friendly ingredients with bold spices, creating a hearty curry that feels just like home.
With the InstantPot, you can enjoy a wholesome vegetarian meal without the long soak or simmering hours. Pair this quick Rajma recipe with fluffy jeera rice, warm rotis, or naan for a complete and satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal-prepping ahead, this dish is sure to be a comforting favorite.
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Rajma. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our Rajma calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.
Instructions
1) Turn on the Instant Pot and set it to sauté mode (normal/medium).
2) Add 3-4 Tbsp oil. and once hot, add ½ tsp of cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
3) Add 2 bay leaves and sauté for a few seconds.
4) Add 1 cup chopped onions and cook until they turn golden brown (about 6–8 minutes), stirring occasionally.
5) Add 1½ tsp ginger-garlic paste and 2 green chilies slit or chopped.
6) Sauté for 1–2 minutes.
7) Add 1½ cups tomato puree and mix well.
8) Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the masala thickens and oil starts to separate a bit. (You can reduce heat if needed by switching to Low Sauté.)
9) Add the drained kidney beans (rajma) and stir to coat them with the masala.
10) Add about 1 cup of water (adjust depending on how thick or thin you like the curry).
11) Add salt to taste and mix everything well.
12) Cancel Sauté mode.
13) Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook (Manual) mode for 5 minutes on High Pressure.
14) Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully do a quick release for any remaining pressure.
15) Open the lid, give the curry a good stir.
16) Mash a few kidney beans with a spoon to thicken the curry if desired.
17) Stir in 1 Tbsp butter for richness.
18) Simmer for 2–3 minutes on Sauté mode (if needed) to adjust thickness.
19) Garnish with chopped cilantro
20) Serve hot with Jeera rice, roti or naan.
Enjoy!
Rajma, or kidney bean curry, is a beloved comfort food in North Indian households. Traditionally slow-cooked to develop its rich flavor, our 30-minute InstantPot version brings the same homestyle taste in a fraction of the time. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines pantry-friendly ingredients with bold spices, creating a hearty curry that feels just like home.
With the InstantPot, you can enjoy a wholesome vegetarian meal without the long soak or simmering hours. Pair this quick Rajma recipe with fluffy jeera rice, warm rotis, or naan for a complete and satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal-prepping ahead, this dish is sure to be a comforting favorite.
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Rajma. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our Rajma calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.
Leave a review
We value your feedback. Let us know how did you like the recipe.
Recent Recipes
Indian Spicy Fish Fry - Crispy Pan Fried Fish with Pepper, Garlic & Jalapeño - Quick Seafood Dish
This Indian-style Spicy Fish Fry is packed with bold flavor and crispy texture. Marinated fish is fried and tossed with sautéed garlic, onion, and jalapeño, then finished with a savory seasoning mix. A simple, quick seafood dish that pairs perfectly with rice or roti.
This Spicy Fish Fry recipe is a quick and flavorful seafood dish that brings together crispy texture and bold, savory spices. The fish is coated in a simple marinade of black pepper, garlic, and corn starch, then fried until perfectly golden.
What makes this recipe stand out is the final toss with sautéed garlic, onions, and jalapeños, creating layers of heat and aroma in every bite. Perfect as an appetizer or a main dish, this Indian-style fish fry pairs beautifully with rice, roti, or even as a party starter.
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Spicy Fish Fry. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our crispy fish fry recipe calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.
Daal Khichdi Recipe - Easy Instant Pot Indian Rice & Dal Comfort Food with Ghee Tadka & Spices
Make this comforting Mixed Dal Khichdi with rice, moong dal, and masoor dal, cooked with warming spices and finished with a rich ghee tempering. This easy one-pot Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker Indian meal is perfect for weeknights and everyday comfort. Pick up all your ingredients at Patel Brothers and enjoy a wholesome, homestyle classic.
Mixed Daal Khichdi is a comforting, one-pot (Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker) Indian dish made by cooking rice with a blend of lentils like moong dal and masoor dal. This wholesome, high protein and vegetarian meal is gently spiced with turmeric, chili powder, and aromatic masalas, creating a soft, nourishing texture that’s both satisfying and easy to digest. It’s a staple in many South Asian homes, often enjoyed as a simple yet flavorful everyday dish.
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Mixed Daal Khichdi. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our dal khichdi recipe calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.
Palak Paneer - Creamy Spinach Paneer Restaurant Style Curry - Easy Indian Vegetarian Dinner
Learn how to make creamy Palak Paneer with fresh spinach, soft paneer, and aromatic spices. This classic Indian vegetarian curry is rich, flavorful, and perfect with naan, roti, or rice. A simple, comforting dish that brings restaurant-style taste to your home kitchen.
Palak Paneer is one of the most popular paneer dishes, loved for its creamy texture and rich, comforting flavors. This classic Indian curry brings together fresh spinach and soft SWAD paneer cubes, creating a wholesome dish that’s both nutritious and satisfying. As a staple in vegetarian Indian recipes, it’s a go-to option for anyone looking to enjoy a flavorful Indian dinner at home.
This easy homemade palak paneer is inspired by restaurant style curries, combining a smooth spinach puree with aromatic spices for a perfectly balanced paneer curry. The creamy spinach paneer curry pairs beautifully with naan, roti, or rice, making it a versatile addition to your collection of Indian curry recipes. Simple to prepare and full of flavor, it’s a dish you’ll come back to again and again.
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Palak Paneer. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our Palak Paneer recipe calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.
