Spiced Rajma: Savory Indian Kidney Bean Curry
Spiced Rajma, a classic North Indian dish, is a hearty and flavorful curry made from red kidney beans simmered in a delectably spiced tomato sauce. This quick and easy recipe combines aromatic spices like cumin, ginger, and garlic, creating a comforting meal perfect for any occasion. Serve it with warm naan or fluffy basmati rice to soak up the rich sauce. Whether you're cooking for family or enjoying a cozy dinner alone, this Rajma curry delivers warmth and satisfaction in every bite. Ideal for weeknight dinners and impressive enough for guests, it's also nutritious and filling, making it a go-to dish when you crave something wholesome and delightful.
4
Servings
130
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
red kidney beans
2 (8 ounce) cans (undrained)
canola oil or corn oil
2 teaspoons (none)
cumin
1 teaspoon (seeds)
garlic
1 teaspoon (chopped)
gingerroot
1/2 teaspoon (chopped)
tomato sauce
1 (14 ounce) can (none)
onion
1/2 (chopped)
rajma masala
1 tablespoon (optional (or more))
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
chili powder
1/2 teaspoon (optional)
sliced onion
to garnish (none)
chopped coriander
1 tablespoon (to garnish)
Instructions
1
In a medium pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds until they become fragrant and slightly brown.
2
Stir in the chopped garlic and ginger, cooking for about 1 minute. Keep stirring frequently to avoid burning.
3
Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until it turns translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4
Pour in the tomato sauce, stirring well to combine. Continue to sauté the mixture until it thickens slightly and starts to separate from the oil, approximately 5-7 minutes.
5
Mix in the Rajma masala, salt, and chili powder (if using). Stir the mixture for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the spices to blend seamlessly.
6
Finally, add the undrained red kidney beans to the pot. Stir well and let the curry simmer for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust the spices as needed.
7
Once ready, remove from heat and let the flavors meld for a couple of minutes. Serve the Rajma hot, garnished with sliced onions and chopped coriander, alongside a lemon wedge for added zest. Enjoy your delicious homemade Rajma!
Nutrition Information
2.5
Fat
22.5
Carbs
7.5
Protein
6.25
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiced Rajma?
Spiced Rajma is a classic North Indian dish featuring red kidney beans simmered in a flavorful and aromatic spiced tomato sauce.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this Spiced Rajma recipe is entirely vegetarian and plant-based.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to make 4 servings.
What type of oil should I use?
You can use either canola oil or corn oil for this recipe.
How do I prepare the cumin seeds?
Add the cumin seeds to hot oil and let them sizzle for a few seconds until they are fragrant and slightly brown.
How long should I cook the garlic and ginger?
Stir-fry the chopped garlic and ginger for approximately 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
What is the first step in making the sauce base?
After sizzling the cumin, garlic, and ginger, sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent.
Should I drain the canned kidney beans?
No, this recipe specifically calls for using the red kidney beans undrained to help create the sauce consistency.
How long does the tomato sauce need to cook?
Sauté the tomato sauce for 5-7 minutes until it thickens and starts to separate from the oil.
What are the primary spices used?
The main spices include cumin seeds, rajma masala, salt, and optional chili powder.
How much Rajma masala is required?
The recipe suggests 1 tablespoon of rajma masala, but you can add more if desired.
How long should the curry simmer?
Once the beans are added, let the curry simmer for about 5-6 minutes while stirring occasionally.
What are the nutritional facts for one serving?
Each serving contains 130 calories, 2.5g of fat, 22.5g of carbohydrates, and 7.5g of protein.
Is this dish high in fiber?
Yes, it provides 6.25g of fiber per serving.
What are the best side dishes for Rajma?
It is traditionally served with warm naan or fluffy basmati rice.
How should I garnish the final dish?
Garnish with sliced onions, fresh chopped coriander, and a lemon wedge for extra zest.
Can I make this recipe quickly?
Yes, this is a quick and easy recipe suitable for weeknight dinners.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 total ingredients used in this Spiced Rajma recipe.
Is chili powder mandatory?
No, the chili powder is optional and can be adjusted based on your spice preference.
What if the sauce is too thick?
The recipe uses the liquid from the canned beans, but you can taste and adjust the consistency as needed during simmering.
Does this recipe contain cholesterol?
The nutritional data provided indicates no cholesterol content.
What is the serving size?
The recipe makes 4 servings, though specific weight or volume per serving is not specified.
How do I know when the spices are blended?
After adding the masala and salt, stir the mixture for 2-3 minutes to ensure the spices blend seamlessly into the sauce.
Can I use fresh ginger?
Yes, the recipe calls for chopped gingerroot for the best aromatic flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, Rajma is a hearty dish that often tastes even better as the flavors meld over time.
What is the source of protein in this dish?
The primary protein source is the red kidney beans.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Keep stirring frequently while cooking the garlic over medium heat.
Is there sugar in this recipe?
The recipe does not list sugar as an ingredient or in the nutritional breakdown.
Is this a spicy dish?
The dish is described as savory and spicy, but the heat can be controlled by the amount of chili powder used.
Should I let the dish rest before serving?
Yes, remove from heat and let the flavors meld for a couple of minutes before serving hot.