Rajma Masala (Kidney Bean Chili)

This is my favorite Indian dish!  It's very much like red bean chili, and it's vegetarian.  You'll need garam masala, which is an Indian spice.  You can find it at and Indian market or an international grocery store.  Believe me, it's worth finding it!  Also, be sure to get fresh ginger.  The smell is amazing!

Ingredients:

2 cups red kidney beans (rajma)

salt to taste

pinch of Turmeric powder

1 onion, chopped

5 garlic cloves, chopped

1 inch ginger, chopped

3 green chillies, chopped

3 tomatoes, chopped

1/2 tsp. Coriander powder

1 tsp. red chilli powder

1/2 tsp. garam masala
1 cup water

2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Directions

Soak beans overnight, rinse, cook for 1 1/2 hours on low heat.

Heat oil in a pan and add ginger, garlic, and chillies.  Fry until they are brown.

Add onions and tomatoes.  Cook for ~5 minutes.

Add salt and turmeric powder and mix well.

Add beans, coriander, chilli powder, and garam masala and mix well.

Add water and simmer and cook, stirring frequently, until a thick gravy is formed (~10-15 min).

Remove from heat and serve with naan, crackers, or rice.  

NOTE: I was told that using tomato paste instead of diced tomatoes is better.  You should also mash the onions, so that the tomatoes and onions make a paste.