Rajma/Red Kidney Bean Salad!

Back to writing a blog after a long break ! So the blog should but obviously begin with a salad was my thought!Like I mentioned the intention is to eat healthy and start ensuring that clean eating becomes a habit.

Anyways this afternoon for lunch I had made kidney beans for lunch and had kept aside a portion of the boiled red kidney beans to make a salad.

With the combination of cucumber ,some cherry tomatoes ,boiled sweet corn ,crunchy bell pepper and with a dash of lime and salt , the salad was simply delicious.

If you have ever been to an Indian restaurant and asked for the menu, one of the very first items on the menu will read “Rajma”, a very popular Indian dish. Rajma is actually red kidney beans and they are known for their great taste and nutritious benefits. The dried kidney beans are available throughout the year in prepackaged containers as well as in bulk bins. Apart from serving great taste, it provides necessary proteins to the body and boosts the immunity of the system. Kidney beans are very rich in soluble fiber content which helps in blood sugar levels, hence preventing diabetes. Its other health benefits include lowering cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of certain diseases like stroke, high blood pressure, and coronary heart disease. Kidney beans contain the vitamin thiamine which is very important for the cognitive functions of brain, to prevent age-related impairment in mental function (senility) and Alzheimer’s disease. It also plays a pivotal part in enzymatic reactions of energy production. The magnesium content of kidney beans effectively relaxes the muscles, nerves and blood vessels, and prevents the adverse effects of conditions like asthma, muscle soreness, and migraine headaches.

Knowing all the benefits of this wonderful bean let’s have a look at the recipe

Rajma/ red kidney bean salad

Prep Time 10 mins
Cooking Time 30 mins
Total Time 20-30 mins

Serving Size 2-3 portions
Meal type Lunch/ Dinner

Ingredients:

Rajma/ Red Kidney Beans 1 cup ( boiled )
Sweet corn 3/4 cup
Cucumber 1 large/2 medium
Cherry Tomatoes 6-8
Onion 1 medium
Bell Pepper (red/yellow) 1 medium ( I used both )
Coriander leaves 1-2 tbsp
Lemon 1 medium
Salt To taste

Method

– Soak the rajma / red kidney beans overnight or for about 6-8 hrs
– Cook it in a pressure cooker with 3-4 times the water and allow it to cook for about 8-10 whistles.
– Once cooked and cooled run in it under running tap water and strain the water.
– In the meanwhile boil sweet corn and allow it to also cool down
– Chop the cucumber onions bell peppers into small pieces
– Halve the cherry tomatoes
-Once the kidney beans and the sweet corn has completely cooled down ,assemble the salad
– In a big bowl add the red kidney beans, sweet corn , cucumber , bell pepper, cherry tomatoes.
– Now add salt and lime juice and toss it well
– Adjust the salt and lime to taste
– Keep it in the fridge for about 30-40 mins and serve it chilled for a better taste

Yummy delicious healthy salad ready to serve!