Rajma Masala is a popular North Indian dish made with kidney beans cooked in a spiced tomato-based gravy. Here's a step-by-step guide to making Rajma Masala:
Rajma Masala Recipe
Ingredients you'll need:
- 1 cup dried kidney beans (rajma) or 2 cans of cooked kidney beans
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, pureed
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 2-3 green chilies, slit (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooking oil or ghee
Step 1: Prepare the Kidney Beans
1. If using dried kidney beans, soak them in water overnight. Drain and rinse.
2. Pressure cook the soaked kidney beans with water until they are soft and cooked. If using canned kidney beans, rinse them well.
Step 2: Prepare the Gravy
1. Heat oil or ghee in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
2. Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
3. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté until the raw smell disappears.
4. Add the slit green chilies and sauté for a minute.
5. Add the pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil starts to separate from the mixture.
Step 3: Add Spices
1. Add coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for a couple of minutes until the spices are cooked.
Step 4: Add Cooked Kidney Beans
1. Add the cooked kidney beans to the pan and mix them with the masala.
Step 5: Simmer the Curry
1. Add water to achieve the desired consistency of the gravy. Mix well.
2. Let the curry simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. You can mash some of the kidney beans to thicken the gravy.
Step 6: Add Garam Masala and Kasuri Methi
1. Add garam masala and crushed kasuri methi to the curry. Mix well.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
1. Once the kidney beans are well-cooked and the flavors have developed, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
2. Garnish the Rajma Masala with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
Step 8: Enjoy!
1. Your Rajma Masala is ready to be served. This flavorful dish is often enjoyed with rice, naan, roti, or any Indian bread.
Rajma Masala is a comforting and hearty dish that's loved for its rich tomato-based gravy and the wholesome flavor of kidney beans.