Curried Red Kidney Beans and Cauliflower (Rajma Masala)

This Indian-inspired curried bean dish makes for a hearty vegetarian meal, especially when served with a helping of brown rice. The red kidney beans boast a host of nutritional benefits; the ginger helps your body make the most of those benefits.

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 large onion, chopped

1 cinnamon stick (2-in.)

1 bay leaf

1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic

1 tablespoon ginger

1 teaspoon fennel

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

3 green cardamom pods, cracked open

1/4 teaspoon cayenne

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon turmeric

1/2 teaspoon garam masala

1 can (14.5-oz.) whole peeled plum tomatoes, without juice

1 serrano chile, stemmed, seeded, and minced

About 1 tsp. salt

6 cups cooked red kidney beans (about four 14-oz. cans), rinsed and drained

1/2 head cauliflower, cut into 1/2- to 1-in. florets

1 to 1 1/2 tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/2 cup loosely packed cilantro sprigs, coarsely chopped

6 to 8 cups hot cooked brown rice (see Notes)

Step 1

Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed 4- to 5-qt. pot or saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and fry, stirring occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes, or until slightly softened. Stir in cinnamon, bay leaf, garlic, ginger, fennel, cumin, and cardamom and fry, stirring, 2 minutes. Add cayenne, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala and fry, stirring, 1 minute. Shred tomatoes into pot with your fingers. Stir in serrano chile, salt, kidney beans, cauliflower, and 1 1/2 cups water. Lower heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer 20 minutes, or until cauliflower is tender and liquid has thickened into a velvety-looking sauce (add more water if necessary).

Step 2

Season beans with salt. Stir in lemon juice and cilantro. Serve hot over brown rice, with plain yogurt on the side if you like.

Step 3

Note: Nutritional analysis is per serving of curry.

Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving
Calories 281Calories from Fat 22

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 6.9g11%

Saturated Fat 0.9g5%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 437mg19%
Total Carbohydrate 42g15%

Dietary Fiber 7.1g29%
Protein 15g30%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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Curried Red Kidney Beans and Cauliflower (Rajma Masala)