Rajma Dish Recipe
Rajma Dish Recipe, a beloved North Indian kidney bean curry dish, is a wholesome and heartwarming meal, perfect for any day of the week. This Rajma Dish Recipe brings to life the rich flavors of kidney beans simmered in a thick, spiced tomato gravy. Infused with aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala, each bite offers a delightful blend of taste and comfort.
- Servings 3
- Prep 20 min
- Cooking 1 hr. or 3-4 hrs.
Nutrition Per Serving
Calories: 350 kcal Protein: 17 g Fat: 12 g Saturated Fat: 7g Carbohydrates: 58 g Dietary Fiber: 15 g Sugars: 7 g Cholesterol: 25 mg Sodium: 580 mg
Ingredients in Rajma Dish Recipe
- 350 grams of dried red kidney beans
- 1.5 liters of water or 1.25 liters if pressure-cooked
- One bay leaf
- ⅓ tsp. of turmeric ¼ powder
- One tbsp. of cayenne pepper or paprika
- 2½ tbsp. of butter or ghee
- One tbsp. of coriander seeds
- ½ tsp. cumin seeds
- ⅓ tsp. fennel seeds
- One tbsp. of garam masala
- Two green cardamom pods
- Half of a cinnamon stick
- 2–3 tbsp. of finely shredded or minced fresh ginger root
- Two cups of water
- One tbsp. of salt
- Three tbsp. of fresh lemon or lime juice
- Three cloves of garlic
- Two onions
- Three medium-sized firm ripe tomatoes, diced
- 2 cups of tomato sauce or 1 cup of tomato paste
- 2 cups of tomato sauce or 1 cup of tomato paste
- ¼ cup of chopped fresh parsley or coriander (optional)
Kitchen Tools for Rajma Dish Recipe
- Pressure Cooker or Large Pot
- Skillet or Sauté Pan
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Blender or Food Processor (optional)
- Colander
- Ladle
- Citrus Juicer (optional)
How to Make Rajma
- Soak the beans in four cups of water for at least five hours, preferably overnight. Drain and rinse afterward.
- Place the beans in a saucepan, add 1.5 litres of cold water (1.25 litres if using a pressure cooker), and one bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then simmer covered on low heat for 2½–3 hours until tender. Aim for 50 minutes for pressure cooking and wait for the pressure to release naturally.
- Grind the coriander, cumin, fennel seeds, cinnamon, and cardamom into a fine powder. Blend the ginger, garlic, onion, and ½ cup of water into a smooth paste. Mix with the ground spices, turmeric, salt, and tomato paste to create a rich spice paste.
- Heat the ghee or butter in a large pan. Add the spice paste and sauté for 1–2 minutes. Incorporate the diced tomatoes and cook until they soften. Add the cooked beans and simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, stir in the chopped fresh parsley, coriander, and lemon or lime juice to add a fresh and tangy finish.
Tips
- Freshness Matters: Use freshly ground spices for the best flavor profile.
- Texture of the Base: Sauté the onions until golden and the tomatoes until they break down to form a rich gravy.
- Efficiency with Pressure Cooking: Save time and ensure perfectly tender beans by using a pressure cooker.
- Seasoning: Adjust the salt near the end of cooking, and remember to add lemon juice to cut through the bitterness of the spices.
- Simmering: To integrate the flavors thoroughly, let the rajma simmer briefly after cooking.
- Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh coriander adds a vibrant, aromatic touch.
- Serving: Serve the rajma hot with steamed rice or naan for a hearty meal.
Is Rajma Masala a spicy dish?
It can be spicy but is typically made to suit a range of tastes, focusing on rich flavors rather than heat.
Can I make Rajma Curry without soaking the beans?
Yes, however, soaking reduces cooking time and aids digestion. Without soaking, use a pressure cooker, add more water and increase cooking time, usually around 1,5 hours at high pressure.
Is Rajma Curry good for health?
Yes, Rajma Curry is considered good for health:
Rajma (red kidney beans) are a great source of plant-based protein essential for muscle building and repair.
This dish is high in dietary fibre, which aids in digestion, helps prevent constipation, and can improve overall gut health. Fibre also contributes to a feeling of fullness, which can help with weight management.
Rajma beans are packed with essential nutrients, including iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc, contributing to various health benefits, such as improved heart health and strengthened immunity.