Kidney Beans Masala ( ராஜ்மா மசாலா)

Kidney Beans  masala 

ராஜ்மா மசாலா

Ingredients:

Red Kidney beans ( ராஜ்மா பயறு ) - 1 cup

Onion ( பெரிய வெங்காயம்) - 2 

Tomato ( தக்காளி ) - 2

Ginger ( இஞ்சி) - 1 inch 

Garlic ( பூண்டு) - 6 to 8 cloves

Fennel seeds ( சோம்பு) - 1/4 tsp

Bayleaves ( பிரிஞ்சி இலை) - 1 

Cinnamon stick ( பட்டை) - 2 sticks

Clove ( கிராம்பு) - 2 

Turmeric powder ( மஞ்சள்தூள்) - 1/4 tsp

Chili powder ( மிளகாய் தூள்) - 1 tsp

Garam masala ( மசாலா தூள்) - 1/2 tsp

Salt to taste ( தேவையான அளவு உப்பு) 

Oil or Butter (வெண்ணெய் அல்லது எண்ணெய்) - 2 tbsp

 ( பாலாடை /  கிரீம்) - 2 tbsp

Soak the beans overnight. Pressure cook for 4 to 5 whistles with a little salt added to it. Rajma has to be cooked until soft. While it is hot, mash it gently with a masher or ladle.   

In a wok, add a tsp of butter. Saute sliced onions, garlic and tomatoes until soft. Cool and blend to a paste. 

In the same wok, add 1 tbsp of butter or oil. When hot, add the seasoning - bay leaves, fennel seeds, clove and cinnamon sticks·

Add in the fine chopped onions , stir until translucent. Add  in the masala paste

Add the boiled beans, turmeric and chili powder. Allow it to simmer. After 3 to 4 min, add a tsp of garam masala. Mix well.

When it is cooked, switch off the flame. Dribble fresh  cream. Serve with hot chapathi or pulav. 

My Notes:
This is a famous punjabi dish, a hit with the tamilians. :) Embracing the North Indian cuisine.
It goes well with roti, naan or even Jeera pulav.
Soaking overnight or minimum 4 hours is  essential as this bean is a nutty, hard one.
Mashing is done for uniform infusion of the masala. Also a few coarse pieces here and there among the whole beans gives a twist.