Rajma Gravy

1 cup of kidney beans, washed then soaked overnight
3 big fresh tomatoes
3-4 leaves methi/fenugreek
4 tbsp oil
1 big onion chopped very fine or grated
1 tbsp tomato paste
quarter tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp coriander powder
1/2 tsp garlic paste
1/2 tsp ginger paste
2 tbsp coriander leaves n stems chopped
1-2 green chillis (can be increased or omitted according to taste)
salt

Drain the kidney beans, they will have expanded to about 2-3 times the original volume.

Blend the tomatoes with their skin, along with the coriander leaves and the green chillis to a smooth paste.

Heat the oil in a pressure cooker, add the fenugreek leaves, followed by the garlic and ginger paste. Stir for a minute, then add the onions. Fry until they are transluscent. Add the tomato paste and the spices (cumin, turmeric, coriander powders) and let these fry for a few minutes on low heat.

Then add the blended tomatoes and let this cook/simmer until the gravy thickens and the raw tomato smell diminishes.

Then add the kidney beans plus some salt and stir together for a few minutes.

Finally add about 3-4 cups water and let it come to a boil. Cover the pressure cooker, and cook on medium heat for about 10-12 minutes.

Once the pressure/steam is released, open the pressure cooker and check the beans. If they are done, then sprinkle with a bit of coriander leaves and serve. If not yet, then cover and cook for another 2-3 minutes. This depends on the type of kidney beans you have, some take longer than others.

If you prefer more gravy with your beans, you can add some water after the kidney beans are done and let it simmer for a few minutes. Mash some of the kidney beans to thicken the gravy to a lovely consistency.

I've served my beans with simple boiled/steamed rice, some saucy fish fillets and a bit of sweet & sour mango pickle/chundo, but you can serve them with chapatis/parathas, or as preferred!