HEALTHY RED KIDNEY BEAN CURRY (VEGAN) | RAJMA MASALA | राजमा मसाला

kidney beans

🥗Healthier: black beans

💰Cheaper: pinto beans

Pinto beans are often less expensive and provide a similar texture.

cooking oil

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Vegetable oil is usually cheaper and works well for frying.

fresh cilantro

🥗Healthier: parsley

💰Cheaper: dried herbs

Dried herbs are more affordable and have a longer shelf life.

green chili

🥗Healthier: jalapeño

💰Cheaper: bell pepper

Bell pepper can add flavor without the heat.

Soak red kidney beans in a lot of water with 2 teaspoons of salt overnight or for 6 to 8 hours.

Drain the water and rinse the beans with fresh water.

In a pressure cooker, add the beans, 3 cups of hot water, a little salt, and about 1 teaspoon of oil to prevent foaming.

Pressure cook the beans for 20-25 minutes depending on the type of kidney beans used.

Prepare the ingredients: chop 1 large onion, 2 large ripe tomatoes, and grate a good amount of garlic and ginger using a microplane.

Blend the tomatoes into a smooth puree.

Make the spice paste with turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, and ground coriander, adding about 4 tablespoons of water to mix.

Check the pressure cooker and release all the pressure naturally before opening the lid.

In a pan on medium heat, add 3-4 tablespoons of cooking oil.

Once the oil is hot, add a dried bay leaf and cumin seeds, stirring until fragrant.

Add chopped onions with a sprinkle of salt and cook until softened and browned, about 8-10 minutes.

Add grated ginger and garlic, frying for about 1 minute on low heat.

Add the spice paste to the pan and stir well, then add chopped jalapeno and the pureed tomatoes, mixing until most moisture evaporates.

Add a portion of the cooked beans to the pan and mash them with a potato masher or the back of a spoon to thicken the gravy.

Add the remaining beans along with the cooking liquid from the pressure cooker, and season with salt.

Cover and cook on medium-high heat for 10 minutes.

Stir in garam masala and chopped cilantro, adding a sprinkle of sugar if desired to balance flavors.

Adjust the consistency as preferred and serve with rice, roti, or toasted bread.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary