Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Rajma Masala

Kidney beans are a very good source of cholesterol-lowering fiber, as are most other beans. In addition to lowering cholesterol, kidney beans' high fiber content prevents blood sugar levels from rising too rapidly after a meal, making these beans an especially good choice for individuals with diabetes, insulin resistance or hypoglycemia. When combined with whole grains such as rice, kidney beans provide virtually fat-free high quality protein. But this is far from all kidney beans have to offer. Kidney beans are an excellent source of the trace mineral, molybdenum, an integral component of the enzyme sulfite oxidase, which is responsible for detoxifying sulfites. Just one cup of cooked kidney beans supplies 177.0% of the daily value for molybdenum. Sulfites are a type of preservative commonly added to prepared foods like delicatessen salads and salad bars. Persons who are sensitive to sulfites in these foods may experience rapid heartbeat, headache or disorientation if sulfites are unwittingly consumed. If you have ever reacted to sulfites, it may be because your molybdenum stores are insufficient to detoxify them.

Ingredients

1 cup Red kidney
1 large onion finely chopped
2 large tomatoes finely chopped
4 garlic cloves minced
2 tsp ginger paste
3 green chillis finely chopped
1 1/2 tbsp coriander powder
1 tsp garam masala
1 tbsp cumin seeds
1/2 tsp chilli powder
1 tsp tumeric powder
2 tbsp cilantro
1 tsp kasoori methi
2 tbsp oil
1 tsp butter
salt

Method

Soak the red kidney beans overnight.Next day, cook in a pressure cooker till done.Kidney beans should be soft not mushy.Heat oil,when hot add the cumin seeds,when they crackle add the onions and fry for 5 minutes. Add the ginger-garlic,green chillis,tomatoes,garam masala,tumeric and water from the cooked kidney beans.Cover and cook again for another 3 minutes.Now add the boiled kidney beans,coriander powder,chilli powder,salt and cover and cook again till the rajma (kidney beans) gets nice flavor(about 10 mins).Add the kasoori methi,butter and cilantro mix well.Turn off the heat and serve hot.