Rajma, The Indian "Chili"

My roommate is back from Washington D.C., and The Indian Diaries are in full swing!  Today's special is Rajma, a traditional North Indian dish made with kidney beans.  Rajma's spunky spicy flavor makes it the Indian version of American chili.  Or more likely, our hearty stew is probably the American version of India's Rajma. 

Rajma, The Recipe
1 cup kidney beans*

1 small yellow onion, finely chopped

1 large tomato, pureed (in blender)

1 tsp chopped garlic 

1 tsp fresh ginger, chopped

1.5 tsp turmeric powder

1.5 tsp coriander powder

1 tsp chili powder

½ tsp garam masala
1 tsp cumin powder 

salt to taste

2 Tbsp oil

*can make with canned kidney beans (no cooking required) or with dried beans.  The following recipe uses dried beans, soaked overnight, and cooked in a pressure cooker.

1. Pour 2 Tbsp oil into the pressure cooker.  Once hot, add garlic and ginger. 
2. Lightly stir for a few seconds and add onion.  Cook onion on medium heat until transparent, but be careful not to burn.
3. Add tomato.  Add spices (turmeric, coriander, chili, garam masala and salt).  Cook down and stir until the mixture becomes a spicy paste.  
4. Add 1 cup kidney beans and 3.5 cups water.
5. Cover pressure cooker and cook on medium heat until you hear the cooker whistle.  This may take 20-30 minutes.
6. After the whistle, turn off heat but let beans cook for another 10 minutes.  Once pressure has decreased, take off the cover and evaluate.  Kidney beans may need more water if you want a soupy consistency.  Beans may need more cooking if you want a chunky consistency.

Eat with:

Rice, naan, or roti

Optional: Sliced persian cucumbers (smaller than English variety)

Optional: Plain yogurt.

Rajma is a hallmark of Indian cuisine, a suitable componant for any social gathering.  My roommate states, "It is loved by everyone.  You won't find someone in India who doesn't enjoy this dish."  It is served with basmati rice, all year long.  

Very yummy.  All the credit goes to my rommate! *Applause*

Feel free to leave a comment telling her what you think!

Thank you.  Happy Friday!

Rachel