How to Cook North Indian Home Style Rajma

Cooking North Indian home style Rajma (kidney beans) is a delightful and straightforward process. Here’s a recipe for you:

“Discover the authentic flavors of North Indian Home Style Rajma with our simple recipe. Soak kidney beans overnight, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger, then add tomatoes and spices. Simmer until tender, garnish with cilantro, and serve with rice or roti for a comforting meal bursting with traditional tastes.”

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried kidney beans (Rajma), soaked overnight or for at least 6-8 hours
• 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1-2 green chilies, slit lengthwise (adjust according to spice preference)
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 tablespoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• Water
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preparation:

• Rinse the soaked kidney beans under running water and drain.
• Finely chop onions, tomatoes, and green chilies.
• Prepare ginger-garlic paste if not using ready-made.

1. Cooking the Rajma:

• In a pressure cooker or a large pot, heat ghee/oil over medium heat.
• Add cumin seeds and let them crackle.
• Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
• Add green chilies and ginger-garlic paste. Sauté until the raw aroma disappears.
• Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn mushy and the oil starts to separate.
• Now add turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for a couple of minutes.
• Add the soaked and drained kidney beans to the mixture and mix well.
• Pour enough water to cover the beans by about an inch.
• Close the pressure cooker lid or cover the pot and cook until the beans are tender. If using a pressure cooker, cook for about 7-8 whistles on medium flame or until the beans are soft. If using a pot, it may take around 45 minutes to an hour.
• Once the beans are cooked, check the consistency. If it’s too thick, you can add some water to adjust the consistency.

1. Finishing Touch:

• Add garam masala and give it a final stir.
• Let the Rajma simmer for another 5-10 minutes on low heat.
• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
• Serve hot with steamed rice or roti (Indian flatbread).

Enjoy your delicious North Indian home style Rajma! Adjust the spices according to your taste preferences.