Ready in

45 mins

Cuisine

Pakistani · South Asian

Prep Time

15 min

Cook Time

30 min

Serving

4 People

Difficulty

Medium

Calories / Serving

~450 kcal

Spicy Level

Recipe by Contemporary Cuisines on YouTube
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Measurements
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All Ingredients

Main Ingredients

All Ingredients

For Masala

All Ingredients

For Garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow each step to make the recipe successfully.

  1. Soak and Boil Red Kidney Beans

    Soak 300g red kidney beans in water for . In a pressure cooker, add 6 cups of water and bring to a boil. Add the soaked red kidney beans and 1 tsp of salt. Close the pressure cooker lid and cook for after the first whistle. Turn off the flame and let the pressure release naturally. The beans should be very tender.

  2. Prepare the Masala Base

    In a wok, heat 1 cup of cooking oil. Add 2-3 bay leaves, 0.5 tsp whole cumin seeds, 1 black cardamom, 2 small pieces of cinnamon, and a few cloves. Fry lightly until aromatic. Add 2 medium chopped onions (approximately 1 cup) and fry until they turn light golden brown. Then, add 2 tsp of ginger garlic paste and continue frying for until the raw smell disappears.

  3. Add Tomatoes and Spices

    Pour in 1 cup of tomato puree (made from 2 large tomatoes blended with a little water) and fry until the raw tomato flavor is cooked out and the oil starts to separate. Add 4-5 finely chopped green chilies. Continue frying, then add 1 tsp salt, 1 tbsp red chili powder, 1 tsp coriander powder, 0.5 tsp turmeric powder, and 0.5 tsp cumin powder. Mix all the spices well and fry thoroughly until the masala becomes granular and the oil completely separates.

  4. Combine Beans with Masala and Simmer

    Add the boiled red kidney beans to the prepared masala. Mix well, ensuring the beans are coated with the spices. Add the reserved boiling water from the beans to create the gravy. Stir to combine. Add 1 tsp garam masala powder and sprinkle with finely chopped fresh coriander.

  5. Final Simmer and Serve

    Cover the wok with a lid and on a very low flame for to allow the flavors to meld. Turn off the flame and remove the lid. The red bean curry should have a beautiful color and consistency. Serve hot with jeera rice and a fresh salad, garnished with additional fresh coriander and a green chili.

Before You Cook

Helpful details before you start
Ingredient SubstitutionsMissing something? View suitable alternatives.
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  • No Bay leaf?

    • 1/4 tsp dried thyme (per leaf)
    • Pinch of dried oregano
  • No Onion?

    • 1 tbsp onion powder (per medium onion)
    • 3 tbsp dried minced onion
    • Shallots or leeks (1:1)
  • No Garlic (fresh)?

    • 1/4 tsp garlic powder (per clove)
    • 1/2 tsp garlic granules (per clove)
  • No Garam masala?

    • 1 tsp cumin + 1/2 tsp coriander + 1/4 tsp cinnamon + 1/4 tsp cardamom
  • No Cilantro?

    • Flat-leaf parsley (1:1, milder)
    • Fresh mint (in chutneys, salads)

Plan Ahead

Complete this step earlier to save time later.

  • Soak and Boil Red Kidney Beans5 hours

    Soak 300g red kidney beans in water for 5-6 hours. In a pressure cooker, add 6 cups of water and bring to a boil. Add the soaked red kidney beans and 1 tsp of salt. Close the pressure cooker lid and cook for 15 minutes after the first whistle. Turn off the flame and let the pressure release naturally. The beans should be very tender.

    View Step 1

Variations

Simple ways to adapt this recipe.

  • Adjust spice levels according to

    Adjust spice levels according to your preference by increasing or decreasing green chilies and red chili powder.

  • Serve with boiled rice

    Jeera rice, or naan bread.

Helpful Tips

Small details that can improve the final result.

  • PreparationSoak Red Kidney Beans for 5

    6 hours or overnight for best results and easier digestion.

  • Flavour tipDo Not Use Too Much Onion

    As it can make the curry sweet and overly thick.

  • Flavour tipEnsure Beans Are Very Tender

    Ensure beans are very tender after boiling for better taste and digestion.

  • Flavour tipAdd a Squeeze of Lemon

    Add a squeeze of lemon juice when serving to enhance flavor and aid digestion.

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