Rajma Masala (Kidney Beans Curry)

I enjoy cooking lentils and beans  and there is always a myriad of dried and canned beans in my pantry.What makes them even better is that they come in a wonderful variety. Black beans, pinto beans, white kidney beans, brown lentils, chickpeas, black-eyed peas, soybeans. Each has a distinct flavor and texture that lends itself to different dishes and uses. Beans plays an very important role in Indian as well as other cuisine also in different forms.

Red kidney beans are very nutritious. They are, however, harder to digest than other beans, which is why they're traditionally cooked with seasonings that help break them down, such as ginger in Indian cooking.Here I am giving you the recipe of red kidney beans curry which combines well with Jeera rice and phulkas.

Ingredients

1  cup red kidney beans or use canned one
4  cups water
2  medium onions finely chopped or pureed
2  bay leaves
2  tbsp ginger - garlic paste
½  tsp  asafoetida and turmeric powder (optional)
1  tsp cumin seed
2  tsp red chili powder
2  big tomatoes pureed
1  tsp garam Masala
2  tbsp coriander powder
3  tbsp oil
salt to taste 

     coriander leaves for garnishing    

Method -

1- Soak kidney beans in water for overnite,if not using canned one. 

   

  2-Drain  red kidney beans and wash them well. Place them in a pressure cooker (for speedy cooking). Add  water and some salt. Close the cooker and cook on high heat. After one whistle, cook on low heat for about 10  minutes or till the beans are soft. 

3-Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan on medium heat and crackle the cumin seeds. Add  bay leaves , asafoetida and  ginger-garlic paste. Fry briefly. Add onions and salt  saute till they  golden brown. Add all the spice powders except garam masala .

4-Add  tomato puree, Fry till the oil separates. Add the cooked red kidney beans , mix well,cover and cook on medium heat for about 15  minutes.

5-Finally add garam masala and garish it with cilantro,serve hot.

Note--While cooking dry beans can be all day affair, canned beans are a quick substitute. Just be sure to drain and rinse them, which helps lower the sodium content.