Rajma: A Vegetarian Twist on Comfort Food

Craving a hearty vegetarian dish? Look no further than Rajma Masala, a North Indian favorite featuring kidney beans (rajma) in a flavorful gravy. Traditionally paired with rice, this protein-packed meal is both delicious and satisfying.

This recipe provides a basic framework for making Rajma Masala at home. It guides you through soaking and cooking the rajma, creating a spiced onion-tomato gravy, and simmering everything together for a flavorful finish.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried red kidney beans (Rajma)
• 4-5 cups water, divided
• 1.5 tsp salt, divided
• 1.5 tbsp cooking oil
• 1 large red onion, finely chopped
• 1.5 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 1.5 tsp coriander powder
• 0.5 tsp cumin powder
• 0.25 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder (or regular chili powder)
• 0.25 tsp fennel powder
• 0.125-0.25 tsp turmeric powder
• 0.25 tsp garam masala
• Chopped fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Rinse the rajma thoroughly in several changes of water. Soak them in 4-5 cups of water for at least 8 hours, or overnight.
2. Drain the soaked rajma and rinse again. Add them to a pressure cooker with 3.5 cups of fresh water and 0.5 tsp salt.
3. Pressure cook on high heat for 4-5 whistles.Then, lower the heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the beans are soft but hold their shape.
4. While the rajma cooks, heat oil in a pan or skillet. Add chopped onions and saute until softened and translucent.
5. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute.
6. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until mushy and juicy.
7. Add coriander powder, cumin powder, chili powder, fennel powder, turmeric powder, and garam masala. Stir and cook for a minute to release the aromas of the spices.
8. Add cooked rajma and the remaining 1 tsp salt to the masala. Mash some of the beans against the side of the pan for a thicker gravy (optional).
9. Add a little water (around ½ cup) if the gravy is too thick. Simmer for 5-7 minutes to meld the flavors.
10. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with rice.

Tips

• You can use canned rajma for a quicker version. Rinse them well before adding them to the gravy.
• Adjust the chili powder to your spice preference.
• For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of butter or ghee along with the oil while sauteing the onions.
• You can also add a bay leaf or a green cardamom pod to the pressure cooker while cooking the rajma for extra flavor.

Enjoy your flavorful homemade Rajma Masala!