Adraki Rajma Masala Recipe – A Flavorful Bihari Delight
Introduction:
Adraki Rajma Masala is a robust and aromatic dish from the heart of Bihari cuisine, infused with the warmth of dry ginger and pepper. It’s a wholesome and protein-packed vegetarian meal, perfect for lunch. In this recipe, boiled kidney beans (rajma) are cooked in a rich and spicy gravy that features earthy ginger, garlic, and an array of flavorful spices. The dish is well-suited to serve with steamed rice or phulkas for a satisfying meal.
Cuisine: Bihari
Course: Lunch
Diet: High Protein Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rajma (Large Kidney Beans) | 2 cups, soaked for 8 hours |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, pounded using a mortar and pestle |
| Ginger | 2-inch piece, finely chopped |
| Tomatoes | 2, pureed |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 2 teaspoons |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper Powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Dry Ginger Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Bay Leaf (Tej Patta) | 1 |
| Fresh Coriander Leaves | A small bunch, finely chopped for garnish |
| Ghee | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time:
300 minutes (includes soaking time for rajma)
Cooking Time:
20 minutes
Instructions:
-
Prep the Rajma:
Begin by thoroughly washing and soaking the rajma (kidney beans) in water overnight. This step helps soften the beans and reduces cooking time. -
Cook the Rajma:
In a pressure cooker, add the soaked rajma along with enough water to cover them. Cook on medium-high heat until you hear six whistles. Then, lower the heat and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes. Once done, turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally. Set the cooked rajma aside. -
Prepare the Gravy:
Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan. Add the bay leaf and let it infuse its aroma for a few seconds.
Now, add the finely chopped onions, ginger, and garlic to the pan. Sauté them until the onions turn golden brown, releasing a sweet aroma. -
Add the Tomato Puree:
Add the pureed tomatoes to the pan, stirring well. Allow the mixture to cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the masala (spiced tomato mixture) thickens and the oil starts to separate. -
Spice It Up:
To the cooked tomato mixture, add the ground coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, black pepper powder, dry ginger powder, and garam masala powder. Sauté this blend of spices for about 2 minutes, allowing the ghee to separate from the masala, indicating that the spices are well-cooked and aromatic. -
Simmer the Rajma:
Add the boiled rajma (kidney beans) to the spice mixture along with enough water to achieve your desired gravy consistency. Stir well, ensuring the rajma is evenly coated with the spices. Add salt to taste. Let the Adraki Rajma Masala simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the gravy to thicken slightly. -
Final Touch:
Once the masala has thickened to your liking, garnish with finely chopped fresh coriander leaves. Taste and adjust the salt and spice levels, if needed. -
Serve:
Serve the Adraki Rajma Masala hot with phulkas or steamed rice. Pair it with a refreshing side of Lauki Raita (bottle gourd yogurt) and a Carrot Cucumber Tomato Salad with lemon and coriander for a balanced and wholesome lunch.
Cooking Tips:
- If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to increase the amount of red chili powder or black pepper.
- You can also cook this dish in a slow cooker for a more hands-off approach, especially if you’re preparing it for a busy weekday.
- For added richness, a dollop of cream or a sprinkle of kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) can be added at the end of cooking.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount (Per Serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250-300 kcal |
| Protein | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fiber | 9g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Sodium | 350mg |
| Potassium | 600mg |
Why You’ll Love Adraki Rajma Masala:
- High Protein: Rajma (kidney beans) are an excellent source of plant-based protein, making this dish an ideal choice for vegetarians and those looking to increase their protein intake.
- Rich in Flavor: The combination of ginger, black pepper, and other warming spices gives this dish its signature peppery kick and deep, earthy flavor.
- Versatile: This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, such as phulkas, steamed rice, or even a simple salad, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.
Conclusion:
Adraki Rajma Masala is a delightful and nourishing dish that is both comforting and packed with flavors. The use of ginger and black pepper adds a distinctive twist to the traditional rajma masala, making it a perfect dish to enjoy on a busy weekday lunch. Whether paired with rice or phulkas, this dish will surely become a family favorite.
