Recipe: Rajma (Indian Kidney Beans)

Beans and rice. Oh so nice!

Rajma, is a North Indian take on the popular combination. I grew up eating it prepared by both my mother and grandmother. This is my comfort food. And nothing pleases this 'gringo' more than being able to create my own version of this classic recipe.

Best of all it is really simple! I recommend serving with brown basmati rice.

Serves 4

2 15 oz cans red kidney beans, reserving water
1 red onion, diced
2 tbsp tomato paste
1/2 tsp ground coriander
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp garam masala
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp of grated ginger
1 tbsp olive oil
juice of one lemon
a few sprigs of cilantro, chopped

1. In a large wok or skillet, heat olive oil at medium high heat.

2. Cook onion until golden brown and fragrant, about five minutes.

3. Add tomato paste, salt, ground coriander, cumin, and garam masala. Cook for another seven minutes, and stir to form a nice paste. You might start to see the oil separate.

4. Add red kidney beans (with reserved water) and grated ginger. Reduce heat to medium and cook for another ten minutes or so. Should form a nice sauce. Remove from heat.

5. Add lemon juice to bring up taste. Add salt if necessary.

6. Serve on plate with basmati rice. Add cilantro as garnish.