Weekend Lunch Series: Rajma & Paratha

A simple lunch of Rajma and yeasty Parathas makes up this weekend's lunch series. A real quick post, I am still working on the "Spring Fling Roundup". Choosing the winner is quite tough! I need some more time, but I promise to have the roundup by next week.

Meanwhile, here is a very easy recipe for the busy weekends, make it even easier by using canned Kidney beans.

To make the Rajma:

• 2 cups dry Rajma ( Red kidney beans) - You can use Canned Dark Red Beans instead.
• 1/4 tsp of Turmeric powder
• 1 Onion, chopped
• 2 Garlic cloves, chopped (optional)
  
• 1 inch piece ( roughly) Ginger, chopped
• 3 Green chillies, or 2 jalapeños, chopped
• 3 Tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 tsp Coriander powder,1 tsp Red chilli powder, 1tbsp Rajma Masala ( I use Roopak brand)
  
• 2 tbsp Oil- I use Corn Oil
  
• Handful of Cilantro leaves- chopped

If using the dried beans, soak rajma overnight. Wash and pressure cook the rajma. Keep aside. If using canned ones, make sure to drain the liquid and rinse really well.

Heat oil in a pan, add ginger, garlic and chillies. Fry until they turn brown. Add onions and tomatoes. Cook until the oil starts leaving the sides of the pan.
Add salt, turmeric powder and mix well. Add the boiled rajma, red chili powder, coriander powder, Rajma masala and stir. I use the "Roopak" brand of Rajma Masala, use any other brand you like, but I do prefer this brand, it has an authentic Dhaba flavor, which I love. No, this is not a paid advertisement. :)

Lower the heat and cook until a thick gravy is formed.
Remove from the heat. Garnish rajma with Cilantro leaves and savor each bite. This recipe is really good, I can eat this Rajma curry the next day by itself when all the flavors have had a chance to blend in.

Parathas:

• 1 cup: Whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup: All Purpose Flour
• 1 tbsp: yeast mixed with a pinch of sugar and a little bit of hot water
• Salt: to taste
• 1 tsp: Oil
• Hot water or Milk: to knead the dough

Mix the flours together, add the oil and a little salt. Mix a little bit of yeast with some hot water and sugar. Let the yeast do its work, when it foams, add this mixture to the flour. Gradually, add the hot water or milk and make a pliable dough. Let this dough rest for at least an hour. Make Parathas as usual. These are really tasty, the yeasty flavor goes really well with the spicy Rajma curry. Do try them for a nice variation to the usual combination of Rajma-Chawal.

Meanwhile, Check out the Indian Spiderman "Makkad-Man"- TOO funny. Have a nice weekend!