Savour the rich goodness of this Indian curry recipe – Rajma! Kidney beans bathed in a luscious tomato-based sauce, complemented by the smoky and delectable charm of charred air fryer zucchini. This irresistible combination promises a delightful dining experience, satisfying your cravings for both comfort and excitement. 

An Indian Karahi bowl of red kidney bean curry with zucchini styled with yellow flowers in the backgorund.
Indulge in the richness of Rajma (kidney beans), aromatic spices, and charred zucchini, coming together in a plant-powered fusion.

Calling all curry lovers! This vegan curry recipe is a game-changer, and I am so excited to share it with you! As a nutrition professional with a penchant for bold flavours and wholesome, vibrant ingredients, this dish has become one of my top favourites. 

I don’t know if it’s the explosion of taste and texture or the mouthwatering aroma that fills the kitchen, but this kidney bean curry is sure to captivate your senses from the very first bite.

For another irresistible dish, try the Slow Cooker Indian Lobia Masala (Black Eyes Peas Curry)—a true comfort food classic. Or, bring a touch of Kenyan warmth to your table with my favorite Githeri Recipe (Kenyan Beans & Corn), a delightful mix of beans and corn that feels like a hug in every spoonful.

Nutrition Highlights

By incorporating whole food ingredients, these spiced kidney beans provides a satisfying and delicious dinner option.

  • Calcium-Rich: Courtesy of kidney beans.
  • High in Fiber: Thanks to kidney beans and zucchini.
  • Heart-Friendly Flavors: Spices like garam masala and curry powder, paired with olive oil.

So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking!

Rajma masala ingredients

Air fryer zucchini

A pile of zucchinis alongside ramekins of spices and oil.
  • Medium-sized zucchini
  • Olive oil
  • Chilli flakes (adjust to spice preference)
  • Cumin powder
  • Smoked paprika

Red kidney bean curry

A selection of food ingredients like bowls of kidney beans, tomato sauce and ramekins of spices and herbs on a wooden board.
  • Tomato sauce (homemade is best!)
  • Curry powder
  • Garam masala
  • Chilli powder (adjust to spice preference)
  • Cooked red kidney beans
  • Salt (adjust to taste)
  • Fresh cilantro

How to make it

Air fryer zucchini in 3 steps

You want to begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is key to ensure even cooking.

While the air fryer is preheating, I make the most of my time in the kitchen by washing and slicing the zucchini. It’s best to cut them into rounds that are approximately 1/4-inch thick. In my experience, this thickness works best for achieving a perfect charred exterior and tender interior.

A collection of zucchini slices with a knife close by.
A bowl of zucchini rounds coated in powdered spices.
Step 1: Drizzle olive oil and spices over the zucchini slices. Using your hands, toss the slices gently to ensure they are well coated with the oil-spice mixture.
Air fryer baskets filled with zucchini rounds coated in spices.
Step 2: Place the seasoned zucchini rounds in the air fryer baskets – ideally in a single layer. Crowding the basket may result in uneven cooking, so it’s best to cook the zucchini in batches if needed.
A bowl of charred zucchini on a wooden board.
Step 3: Air fry the zucchini for 10 minutes, flipping the slices. Then, air fry for another 5 minutes to ensure both sides get the perfect char.

Red kidney bean curry

A pan of tomato sauce on a mobile cooktop with food ingredients close by.
Step 1: Heat homemade tomato sauce over medium heat.
A pan of tomato sauce topped with colourful spice powders.
Step 2: Add curry powder, garam masala, and chilli powder and stir well.
A pan of tomato sauce topped with a pile of kidney beans.
Step 3: Fold in the cooked kidney beans, ensuring they are evenly coated with the tomato sauce and spices. Let the curry simmer on low heat for a few minutes to allow the flavours to meld.
A pan of kidney beans in a tomato sauce topped with chopped herbs.
Step 4: Add salt and cilantro.
A pan of charred zucchini piled on top of tomato sauce.
Step 5: Finish by adding air-fried zucchini for a seasonal touch.

The complete recipe with ingredient amounts can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Gather your loved ones around the table and immerse yourselves in this delightful feast that celebrates the magic of spices, the goodness of fresh produce, and the joy of sharing a hearty meal together.

I love serving this vegan curry with homemade roti – right off the tava – for an authentic and satisfying Indian meal experience.

An Indian Karahi bowl of red kidney bean curry with zucchini styled with yellow flowers in the backgorund.

Food safe storage

This Rajma Masala Curry should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you plan to freeze it, keep it in a freezer-safe container for up to a month.

What is rajma curry?

Also known as Kidney Bean Curry, it is a popular and flavorful Indian dish made with kidney beans (rajma) cooked in a rich and aromatic tomato-based gravy. It is a beloved vegetarian option, cherished for its comforting taste and hearty texture.

I don’t have an air fryer. Can I still make the zucchini?

Of course! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can roast the zucchini in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until they are nicely charred.

Troubleshooting Cooking Tip

My curry turned out too thin. What can I do? 

If your curry is thinner than you’d like, try mashing a few kidney beans with the back of a spoon to thicken the sauce. You can also add a tablespoon of tomato paste to enhance the consistency.

Flatlay image of a bowl of red kidney bean curry with zucchini topped with cilantro leaves and a wedge of lime.

Whether you’re a seasoned curry connoisseur or just venturing into the world of whole food plant-based (WFPB) diet, I hope this recipe will win your heart – like it did mine! 

Your feedback means the world to me. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Don’t forget to rate the recipe, leave a comment, and share your culinary creations on Instagram. Tag me @desiliciousrd so I can see and celebrate your delicious journey into plant-based cuisine! 

Desi~liciously Yours, Shahzadi
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An Indian Karahi bowl of red kidney bean curry with zucchini styled with yellow flowers in the backgorund.
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Get the Recipe:

Rajma (Kidney Bean Curry) with Air Fryer Zucchini

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
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Savour the rich goodness of this Indian curry recipe – Rajma! Kidney beans bathed in a luscious tomato-based sauce, complemented by the smoky and delectable charm of charred air fryer zucchini. This irresistible combination promises a delightful dining experience, satisfying your cravings for both comfort and excitement.

Ingredients
  

Air fryer zucchini

  • 3 zucchini, medium, washed, cut into 1/4 inch rounds
  • ½ tbsp olive oil, extra virgin
  • 1 tsp chilli flakes
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

Rajma curry

  • 2½ cups tomato sauce, homemade is best
  • 1 tbsp curry powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp chilli powder
  • 2 cups kidney beans, cooked (canned), drained and rinsed,
  • ½ tsp salt, sea salt
  • ¼ cup cilantro, fresh, washed, finely chopped

Equipment

  • 1 air fryer

Instructions
 

Air fryer zucchini

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for an even, crispy result.
  • Drizzle olive oil to coat the zucchini rounds and season with paprika, cumin, and chilli flakes.
  • Arrange zucchini in the air fryer and cook for 15 minutes; flip and air fry for another 5 minutes.

Rajma curry

  • Heat homemade tomato sauce in a pan over medium heat.
  • Add curry powder, garam masala, and chilli powder and stir.
  • Fold in cooked kidney beans, coating them in the sauce and simmer on low heat for a few minutes.
  • Finish by adding salt, cilantro and air-fried zucchini. Stir gently and serve with hot roti.

Notes

Food safe storage

  • This Rajma Curry should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you plan to freeze it, keep it in a freezer-safe container for up to a month.

Troubleshooting tip

  • My Rajma Curry turned out too thin. What can I do? If your curry is thinner than you’d like, try mashing a few kidney beans with the back of a spoon to thicken the sauce. You can also add a tablespoon of tomato paste to enhance the consistency.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 277kcal (14%)Carbohydrates: 38g (13%)Protein: 12g (24%)Fat: 11g (17%)Saturated Fat: 2g (10%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 626mg (26%)Potassium: 1358mg (39%)Fiber: 12g (48%)Sugar: 10g (11%)Vitamin A: 2799IU (56%)Vitamin C: 60mg (73%)Calcium: 103mg (10%)Iron: 5mg (28%)

Keep in mind that the nutritional values provided are approximations and suggestions, and might fluctuate depending on ingredient variations, portion sizes, and recipe adjustments. This nutrition facts table cannot account for your individual needs. Your body — including your hunger and satiety cues — change daily. It’s perfectly fine to eat more or less on different days. Instead of letting food guilt take over, consider mindful eating.

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Cuisine: Indian
Course: Main
Author: Shahzadi Devje
Did you make this recipe?Mention @desiliciousrd on Instagram or tag #desiliciousrd.