12 One-Pot Winter Wonders Your Dadi Would Approve Of

3. Rajma Masala — Hearty Kidney Bean Stew

Rajma Masala is a red-kidney-bean curry that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s earthy, spiced, and built for colder weather because the beans have a dense texture and satisfying heft. Dadi often let rajma soak overnight, then slowly simmered the beans in a tomato-onion gravy with ginger, garlic, and garam masala for rounded warmth. The one-pot shortcut uses a pressure cooker to tenderize the beans, and then you can sauté the masala in the same pot to develop color and complexity. Add a bay leaf or a small stick of cinnamon while simmering for extra aroma. For a North-Indian home-style touch, finish with a knob of butter or a drizzle of ghee. Rajma pairs perfectly with hot steamed rice or a slab of buttered roti for dipping. It’s filling, protein-rich, and stores well—making it ideal for batch cooking on hectic winter weekends.