Kashmiri Rajma Masala

Last Updated on December 14, 2020 by Chef Mireille

Rajma Masala or Kidney Bean Curry is popular in the northern Indian states of Punjab and Kashmir. There are slight differences in spices used, but both equally delicious. This Kashmiri Rajma Masala can be your main course in a hearty vegetarian meal.

I am presenting this dish as part of my mixed Kashmiri thali. This thali includes dishes from both the Hindu and the Islamic communities. This is a traditional dish of the Kashmiri pandits. Traditionally, it would not include onion as it was a satvic dish, meaning no onion or garlic would be used. Most traditional Kashmiri pandit foods are usually flavored with asoefetida and yogurt, instead of onion and garlic which is used in the dishes of the Muslim community. However, modern versions usually include onions.

I have seen many different versions of this, with much variation regarding color and consistency. Some use tomatoes and some don’t…some use yogurt and some don’t. At the end of the day, I always say there can be many versions of an “authentic” recipe because recipes will vary from home to home. Maybe the person cooking it in that home wasn’t partial to tomatoes or was allergic to dairy so didn’t use yogurt…who knows. I think as long as the essence of the recipe is still there it will still be a Kashmiri Style Rajma Masala. Anyway, here’s my version and I hope you enjoy it!

Don’t miss the other dishes of the thali:

Rishta Palak – Lamb Meatballs in Spinach Curry

Rajma Masala – Kidney Bean Curry

Saffron Rice

Haak Ki Sarson (unfortunately with all these dishes, I forgot to get pics of this dish on its own, so the recipe will come later after I re make it) – a simple mustard green preparation in chile infused broth

Dogri Chicken Masala – a smoky chicken curry

Shufta – rose scented fruit and cheese dessert (recipe coming soon)

Kashmiri Naan – scented with fenugreek and cumin and stuffed with dried fruit

Apple & Date Chutney

Kashmiri Rajma Masala

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Kashmiri Rajma Masala

Kidney Bean Curry

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Total Time9 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Course: Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: Indian, Kashmiri Cuisine

Servings: 6 people

1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 1 cup kidney beans soaked overnight
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons mustard oil
• pinch aof asoefetida
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 chopped onion
• 3 tomatoes pureed
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon red chile powder.
• 3/4 teaspoon garam masala
• salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro

Instructions

• Combine beans, bay leaf and 6 cups water. Bring to a boil. Simmer for at least an hour until beans are tender, adding more water as necessary until beans are cooked.
• In a deep skillet, heat oil. Add asoefetida. As soon as it stops sizzling, add cumin seeds and onion. Saute until golden brown.
• Add tomatoes, ginger, coriander and chile. Stir to combine. Add half of the beans and mash the beans with the tomatoes, using the back of a spoon or a masher. Simmer for 10 minutes.
• Whisk yogurt into 2/3 cup of the bean cooking liquid. Add this and the rest of the beans. Simmer another 5 minutes.
• Add garam masala, salt and cilantro. Stir to combine.
  

Notes

You can skip the soaking and cooking of the beans and use canned beans instead.

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