RAJMA MASALA

Raajma masala, this famous punjabi curry is filled with exotic Indian spices. Rajma beans in a creamy and tangy curry loved by all. This is one of my favorite veg curry. It is rich in protein. I like raajma masala a little spicy and hot, you can adjust chili according to your taste. A best accompaniment to rajma is steamed basmati rice and the next comes some hot naan or rotis.

INGREDIENTS

Raajma 1 cup

Onion 1large finely chopped

Tomato 2 medium size chopped

Garlic 3 finely chopped

Ginger 1 inch long finely chopped

Green chili 1-2

Chili powder 1tsp

Oil 1 tbl sp

Butter 1 tbl sp

Coriander powder 1 tsp

Kasuri meethi ½ tsp

Garam masala ½ tsp

Cumin seeds 1 tsp

Salt to taste

Cream 1 tbl spn (optional)

Coriander leves few

For best results:

Soak the rajma or kidney beans overnight or for 8-9 hours and then cook them really well.

METHOD

STEP 1: Rinse and soak raajma for 8-9 hours. Discard the water and rinse the beans again in fresh water.

STEP 2: Take a pressure pan add raajma and water (4 cups or as required) cook for 15-20 mins on a medium flame. When pressure settle down open the lid, check if the raajma is completely cooked if not  then pressure cook again by adding some water if required for some minutes.

STEP 3: Take another pan heat butter and oil add cumin first and let them crackle.

STEP 4: Add chopped add onions and saute them till they are light golden browned. Take care that they don't get burnt.

STEP 5: Add chopped ginger and garlic sauté them for few seconds. Now add chopped tomato’s and sauté for 2-3 mins.

STEP 6: Add remaining ingredients one by one, add chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, garam masal, kasuri meethi and salt. Mix it and sauté it well, until the oil starts separating from the masala.

STEP 7: Now strain the raajma and keep the stock aside. Add  the raajma to the  masala , sauté it for few mins. Add 1 cup of raajma stock and stir the whole curry mixture.

STEP 8: Cook for 10-12 minutes or more till the curry thickens slightly. Mash a few rajma beans with the spoon, this helps to thicken the curry.

STEP 9: Stir & simmer rajma masala for 30 seconds to 1 minute.Your raajma masala is ready to serve.Garnish it with some coriander and butter.