34 RAJMA/KIDNEY BEANS DIP

Rajma/kidney beans Dip


Partially Indianised version of dip suited for any kind of chips preferably tostitos. This is a perfect snack/appetiser for any gatherings( small or large). You can prepare this way ahead or previous day and just top it with cheese and place them in the oven/microwave just few minutes before serving. This is one of my sister Vimala's favourite dish. She used to tell about this dish often over the phone, but I never really gave it a try. But, when she came down to my place to attend my younger one's First birthday she insisted on making this dish for the party with guest nearing 100. Since we had already ordered snacks and other foods outside, I was not in a mood to try something else at home as I was totally tired with the arranging and packing goodies to around 40 + kids. The other reason was she was already in her 6th month pregnancy and tired travelling with her older one all the way from California as she had reached just the previous day. But she was not the one to leave for all those reasons, just was asking me to show the pantry to look for some rajma for soaking. So she just did it and the dip was such a hit at the party good that we did not miss it. All the friends just enjoyed the dip with tostitos and went in for many rounds. Since then I make this often for our gatherings, makes me easy to cook other dishes making this dish ahead and just topping with the cheese and placing in the oven.

Rajma - 1 cup
Onion - 1 small chopped fine
Tomato - 1 chopped fine
Ginger garlic paste - 1 tsp
Chilli powder - 3/4 tsp
Dhaniya/coriander/garam masala powder - 3/4 tsp
Salsa( can use mild, medium or hot) - 3 tbsp depending upon the spice needed
Jalapeno - 1
Colby and monterary Jack cheddar cheese(grated) - 2 - 3 tbsp
Oil - 1tbsp
Salt as needed

Soak rajma over night and next day drain water and add cook in a pressure by adding water just enough for immersing for 3 - 4 whistles. Cool and mash well with a masher/churner to a fine paste.
Heat oil in a pan and add chopped onions, fry till nice brown and add ginger and garlic paste. Saute for a minute and add chopped tomatoes. Fry to cook till they are soft and pulpy. Next add some sliced jalapeno and fry together for 2 - 3 minutes. Also add all the powders and just salt enough for these. Remove and keep aside.


Transfer the cooked and mashed rajma( paste) on a microwavable container/pan/tray or oven safe container and add the onion tomato and jalapeno mixture. Also add some salsa and mix well. Check for salt and add required salt. Add the grated cheese on top and microwave for 3 - 4 minutes ( till the cheese on top melts). If you are preparing in large quantity then you get best taste when you cook in the oven. Place them in the oven under 350 degrees for 12 - 15 minutes or until the cheese on top melts. You can as well prepare this just by adding salsa and cheese and if needed the spice powders to make it much more simpler ;) .


Serve with any kind of chips/nachos/tostitos and enjoy your delicious rajma dip.

Reposting this entry to send it to Priya of Akshayapatram's Spill the Beans-Sunday Snacks