Rajma Masala (Red Kidney beans in tomato based gravy)

It is very recently that we have started including Rajma into our diet. I have been trying out new dishes with it and have been getting positive feedback from my family too. Few days back I made Rajma masala and Jeera pulao for lunch. I posted the recipe for Jeera Pulao already and today posting this Rajma masala recipe- Rajma(Red kidney beans) in a flavorful tomato based gravy. This gravy is healthy and delicious, so what is there not to love it??

Rajma masala

What are the ingredients needed?

Rajma/ Red kidney beans, 1 cup

Oil, 2-3 teaspoon

Cumin seeds, 1/2 teaspoon

Bay leaf, 1 no

Cloves, 3 -4 nos

Cinnamon - 1" long

Cardamom, 3-4 nos.

Onions, 1 medium sized (finely chopped)

Tomatoes, 2 - 3 nos.

Ginger- Garlic paste, 2 teaspoon.

Turmeric Powder, 1/4 teaspoon

Coriander powder, 2 teaspoons

Chilli powder, 1/2 teaspoon

Garam masala powder, 1/2 teaspoon

Salt, to taste

Kasoori methi, 1 Teaspoon.

Cilantro , to garnish (optional).

How it is made?

1. Soak Rajma overnight and then the pressure cook it and set it aside.
2. Puree tomatoes and keep them ready.
3. Heat oil and add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cloves,cinnamon, cardamom and fry for a minute or two.
4. Then add the finely chopped onions and fry till the onions turn translucent. Then add the pureed tomatoes and ginger garlic paste and cook for a minute or two and then add the turmeric powder, coriander powder and chilli powder and little water and cook till the raw smell is gone and oil starts to separate.
5. Now add the cooked rajma, required water to get the desired consistency and salt to taste and let it simmer for 4-5 minutes. Then add the garam masala and kasoori methi and cook for another 2-3 minutes and turn off the heat.
6. Serve it warm with Rice/ Jeera Pulao/ Chappathi.

Notes.

• You can also use canned kidney beans. In that case, that drain the water and proceed to cook it and use.
• You can a teaspoon of amchur powder(dried mango powder) for tanginess. But I didn't add it.
• Before serving remove whole cardamom, and other whole spices from the gravy. 
• Adjust the amount of chilli powder as per your heat tolerance level.