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Rajma
Indian 35 min Medium

Rajma

Red kidney beans simmered in a spiced onion-tomato gravy.

Origin & Story

Rajma-chawal (kidney beans with rice) is the ultimate comfort meal of North India, especially Punjab, where Sunday lunch is unthinkable without it.

Main Spices & Their Role

Cumin

The aromatic starting note.

Coriander powder

Builds the earthy body of the gravy.

Garam masala

A warming finish.

Ingredients

  • 1 can red kidney beans
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, pureed
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1/2 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • Salt

Method

  1. 01

    Heat oil and crackle the cumin.

  2. 02

    Saute onion, then ginger-garlic until golden.

  3. 03

    Add tomato puree, coriander powder and salt; cook until thick.

  4. 04

    Add the beans with a cup of water and simmer 15 minutes, mashing a few for creaminess.

  5. 05

    Finish with garam masala and serve with rice.

Veg & Vegan Alternatives

Vegetarian

This dish is already vegetarian.

Vegan

Already vegetarian and vegan — cook in oil (not ghee/butter) to keep it fully plant-based.

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Created by Aarav Gautam