Kidney Bean Curry (Rajma)

Kidney Bean Curry (Rajma) - a delicious vegetarian curry made with Red Kidney Beans, onions, tomato (passata) and a blend of spices. 

Rajma

Rajma or Red Kidney Bean curry was one of the first Indian dishes I watched a good friend of mine (whose family are from North India), cook. I love the simplicity of the dish and the fact it doesn't compromise on flavour, plus it's high in protein and fibre and a completely meat-free dish which is perfect for those who are vegetarian or fancy a meat-free dish. 

Kidney Bean Curry

The main tip my friend gave me for making this curry is to always use dried kidney beans as they are much nicer than canned. Much cheaper too if you buy in bulk and can easily be prepped the night before, by just placing in a bowl and fully immersing in cold water to soak overnight. 

Can I use canned Kidney Beans?

I know it is a question that will be asked and if you don't have dried kidney beans on hand and want to try this recipe, then, by all means, use canned kidney beans if that is all you have. Two 400g cans should be enough in ratio to the dried. You won't need to soak overnight or do the precook of the kidney beans. 

Can I use spray oil?

The flavour is better if you cook the onion base and spices in ghee or oil and so it's worth it to use that instead of spray oil. However, if you really want to use a spray oil, then just ensure you don't burn the spices otherwsie the taste will be bitter. You may need to add a little bit of water to prevent this. 

Best Chilli Powder for Curry?

There are various types of Chili or Chilli powder available. In North America, most are a Mexican Style Chili Powder and have paprika and a blend of other spices in there, so are usually milder in comparison to Indian Chilli Powders.

For Indian dishes, I like to use a Deggi Mirch that is made from Kashmiri Red Chillies, it adds good flavour and a decent amount of heat. You will find it at most Indian grocers as well as online. 

Medium or hot chilli powder is fine too depending on your preferred spice level. 

Sides for Rajma Curry

I simply like to serve this over some plain basmati rice with a little cilantro (corinader). But if you prefer a Pilau rice, check out these recipes. 

• Sweetcorn Pilau Rice
• Zucchini Pilau Rice

or if you are trying to be healthy, these low carb cauliflower rice recipe are delicious. 

• Roasted Cauliflower Rice
• Cauliflower and Zucchini Rice

and if you want to great and Indian Feast with items like Onion Bhaji, Pakora etc then check out this  Indian Fakeaway Section

More Vegetarian Curry Recipes

Fancy some other delicious vegetarian curry recipes? Check out these:

• COCONUT VEGETABLE CURRY
• AUBERGINE, COURGETTE, SWEET POTATO AND LENTIL CURRY
• BUTTERNUT SQUASH CHICKPEA CURRY (VEGAN)
• HEALTHY MATAR PANEER CURRY
• LENTIL CURRY (INSTANT POT AND STOVE TOP RECIPE)
• CHANA MASALA (INSTANT POT OR STOVETOP)

or head on over to my Full Recipe Index with over 900 delicious Slimming Eats and Weight Watchers friendly recipes all fully searchable by meal type, ingredients etc

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Recipe Card

Yield: SERVES 8

Kidney Bean Curry (Rajma)

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Kidney Bean Curry (Rajma) - a delicious vegetarian curry made with Red Kidney Beans, onions, tomato (passata) and a blend of spices. 

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour 25 minutes

Additional Time 10 hours

Total Time 11 hours 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 350g (12.5oz) of dried kidney beans
• 1 tablespoon of ghee (or use another oil of your choice)
• 2 medium onions, diced
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of grated ginger root
• 2 teaspoons of cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons of ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon of deggi mirch (or another hot chilli powder) can use more if you prefer it spicier)
• 5 cardamom pods
• 1.5 teaspoons of turmeric
• 1 teaspoon of garam masala
• 1 cup (240ml) of passata
• 2 cups (480ml) of water
• 1 /2 teaspoon of salt
• chopped cilantro (coriander) - optional
• additional salt to season.

Instructions

1. Place the kidney beans in a large bowl and fully immersed in cold water, leave to soak overnight (for at least 10 hours).
2. Once kidney beans have soaked overnight, rinse thoroughly.
3. Add to a large saucepan cover completely with cold water. Bring to a boil and then simmer for abot 45 minutes to 1 hour (beans should be soft but not mushy).
4. Drain.
5. Heat the ghee (or other cooking oil of choice) in a large deep frying pan over a medium high heat.
6. Add the onion and cumin seeds and fry until the onion is lightly golden and softened.
7. Add in the ginger, garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, garam masala, deggi mirch and ½ teaspoon of salt and continue to cook for an additional minute or so, until the base is paste like.
8. Add in the passata, cardamom pods, cooked kidney beans and 2 cups of water, bring to a boil and then reduce heat, cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
9. If you prefer a thicker gravy, mash a few of the kidney beans in the sauce, if you prefer it more saucy, add in a little more water.
10. Taste and season as needed with more salt.
11. Serve and Enjoy
12. I like to sprinkle with chopped coriander (cilantro) but this is optional.

Notes

Please see below for full nutritional info and additional details about recipe:

• Calories - scroll down to nutritional info box
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Nutrition Information

Serving Size

1 SERVING
Amount Per Serving Calories 169Total Fat 2.1gSaturated Fat 1.2gCholesterol 3.1mgSodium 200mgCarbohydrates 31.9gFiber 7.3gSugar 3.7gProtein 11g

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