Dogri Rajma

Dogri Rajma

Dogri Rajma

Veg Vegan

Jammu hill kidney beans in mustard oil gravy — the small, dark-red Chamba-variety rajma (much smaller and denser than the large Kashmiri or Punjabi varieties) soaked overnight and pressure-cooked until very soft, then simmered in a mustard oil-based onion-tomato gravy with whole cumin, dried red chilli, and garam masala. The small beans have a mealy, intense flavour far more robust than regular rajma. A daily staple of Dogra households, eaten over rice with raw onion and pickles.

Cuisines

Dogri

Best for

Lunch Dinner

Recipe

Prep: 20 min Cook: 40 min Total: 60 min 2-3 servings

Ingredients

1 cup rajma (kidney beans)
3 cups water
2 tablespoons mustard oil
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 pinch asafoetida
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 medium tomatoes, pureed
1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon red chili powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1 teaspoon garam masala
— salt to taste
2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves, chopped

Instructions

  1. 1 Wash and soak the rajma overnight or for at least 8 hours.
  2. 2 Drain the soaked rajma and add it to a pressure cooker with 3 cups of water.
  3. 3 Pressure cook the rajma for 15-20 minutes or until soft and cooked through.
  4. 4 In a pan, heat mustard oil until it starts to smoke, then lower the heat.
  5. 5 Add cumin seeds and asafoetida. Let them splutter.
  6. 6 Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
  7. 7 Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
  8. 8 Add the tomato puree and cook until the oil separates from the masala.
  9. 9 Mix in turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  10. 10 Add the cooked rajma along with its water to the pan. Mix well.
  11. 11 Simmer the rajma on low heat for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  12. 12 Sprinkle garam masala and mix well before turning off the heat.
  13. 13 Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.

Tips

For a richer taste, you can add a tablespoon of cream or butter before serving.