Kidney Bean Curry (Rajma) | Slimming Eats Recipes (2024)

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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.

Kidney Bean Curry (Rajma) | Slimming Eats Recipes (1)

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.

Kidney Bean Curry (Rajma) | Slimming Eats Recipes (2)

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.

Kidney Bean Curry (Rajma) | Slimming Eats Recipes (3)

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

Kidney Bean Curry (Rajma) | Slimming Eats Recipes (4)

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

Kidney Bean Curry (Rajma) | Slimming Eats Recipes (5)

Recipe Card

Kidney Bean Curry (Rajma) | Slimming Eats Recipes (6)

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.

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

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  • Calories - scroll down to nutritional info box
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Nutrition Information

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

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. kels says

    Hi which cardamom pods did you use? green or black?
    thankyou

    Reply

    • Siobhan (Slimming Eats) says

      I use green.

      Reply

  2. Susan Willis says

    Hi, will a spray like Frylight be okay? Can you use tinned kidney beans washed before use? Thank you.

    Reply

    • Siobhan (Slimming Eats) says

      I recommend using ghee or a vegetable oil as you want to cook the spices, spray oils don't work so well and can burn the spices leaving a bitter unpleasant taste, you can use canned kidney beans but you won't need to cook for as long. So just follow from step 5

      Reply

  3. Jeannette says

    I would like to make this, but what is passata? Also, the grocery store I can get to does not have cumin seeds or fresh ginger- would the dried be acceptable?
    Thank you for this recipe. It looks delicious!

    Reply

    • Siobhan (Slimming Eats) says

      passata is sieved tomatoes, crushed tomatoes are close just a little thicker, but should work fine. Ground cumin is fine and a pinch of dried ginger should be okay, enjoy!!

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Kidney Bean Curry (Rajma) | Slimming Eats Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Is boiled rajma good for weight loss? ›

Research shows that Rajma is an excellent source of dietary fibre, protein, carbohydrates, minerals, and phytochemicals, including phenolic compounds. These nutrients benefit health by promoting weight loss, reducing the risk of heart disease, balancing blood sugar levels, and improving gut health.

How do you cook and eat kidney beans? ›

Cover the beans with two cups of fresh water, add a bay leaf or two to the pot along with seasonings of your preference, and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for one to two hours, or until the beans reach your desired consistency. 3. Drain and serve.

What do we call rajma in English? ›

Kidney bean or rajma is a must-have legume that is widely used in various traditional dishes in India and abroad. It takes its name from appearance and resemblance to colour of kidneys.

Does rajma cause constipation? ›

Potential Uses of Rajma for Overall Health:

In my experience, I have found that incorporating kidney beans into your diet might help avoid constipation. These beans are a good source of dietary fiber, which aids in enhancing water absorption in the colon and promoting regular bowel movements.

Who should not eat rajma? ›

People with G6PD deficiency: G6PD deficiency is a genetic condition that affects the red blood cells' ability to function correctly. Individuals with this condition are advised to avoid certain foods, including rajma, as they can trigger a type of anemia called hemolytic anemia.

What happens if we eat rajma daily? ›

Eating rajma (kidney beans) every day might pose certain risks due to its high content of lectins and phytic acid. Consuming it excessively could lead to digestive issues like bloating, gas, or discomfort. Also, kidney beans contain a compound called phytohemagglutinin, which, if not properly cooked, can be toxic.

How long to cook kidney beans to remove toxins? ›

Some variation in toxin stability has been found at different temperatures. However, it has been found that boiling the beans for 10 minutes at 100 degrees C (212 degrees F) completely destroyed the toxin.

Should you soak kidney beans before cooking? ›

Hot soaking is the preferred method since it reduces cooking time, helps dissolve some of the gas-causing substances in beans, and most consistently produces tender beans. Quick Soak: This is the fastest method. In a large pot, add 6 cups of water for each pound (2 cups) of dry beans.

Do you boil or fry kidney beans? ›

To cook, place the soaked kidney beans in a pan and cover with a fresh change of cold water, then bring to the boil. The beans must boil for ten minutes to destroy the toxin. After this, simmer until cooked (approximately 45 to 60 minutes), when they should have an even, creamy texture throughout.

What is rajma called in Mexico? ›

Rajma: How Mexican Kidney Beans Came To India And Became A Favorite. Rajma was originally, and still is to this day, grown in Mexico and Guatemala.

Is rajma mexican? ›

Yes, rajma did not originate in India. It was first grown in Mexico, carried back to Europe by the Portuguese, and then brought to us through the south-western coast of India.

Which rajma is best? ›

Red Rajma is the best choice for protein. It contains a high amount of plant-based protein, making it an excellent option for vegetarians and those looking to increase their protein intake.

Why you should not eat rajma at night? ›

Rajma, one of the most loved lentils in India, is replete with many benefits like iron, copper, folate, magnesium, calcium and vitamin C along with fibre. Despite having so many nutritional benefits, consuming rajma at night can trigger gas and heartburn in people.

Which beans are not good for kidney? ›

Control of phosphorus often is difficult for kidney failure patients. High-phosphorus foods to eliminate include: Beans (red, black, and white) Black-eyed peas.

Is rajma bad for thyroid? ›

Kidney beans (rajma), red chana can be consumed in daily breakfast or sometime if you are suffering from hypothyroid.

Is boiled kidney beans good for weight loss? ›

Even so, cooked kidney beans offer a number of weight-loss-friendly compounds, making them an excellent addition to an effective weight loss diet. Kidney beans are high in protein and fiber and contain proteins that can reduce the digestion of starches (carbs), all of which may aid weight loss.

Which Rajma is best for weight loss? ›

Turns out, your favourite meal — 'rajma chawal' — is 'best for weight loss' | Health News - The Indian Express.

Can we eat boiled rajma daily? ›

Copper along with iron allows the body to form red blood cells. Adequate copper in the diet may help prevent cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. So, now you have all the more reasons to add rajma to your daily diet—what say?

Does Rajma cause weight loss? ›

Yes, Rajma chawal can be part of a weight loss-friendly diet as it provides protein and fiber, promoting satiety. However, portion control and overall calorie intake are crucial for effective weight loss.

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