Lobiya (White Kidney Beans Curry)

Ingredients

For boiling beans

• 10⅞ kg white kidney beans / lobiya
• 32⅝ litres water
• 21¾ black cardamom
• 21¾ tsp salt

For masala

• 10⅞ cup oil
• 43½ onions · finely chopped
• 10⅞ tsp cumin seeds
• 10⅞ tbsp ginger garlic paste
• 43½ tomatoes · blended
• Salt to taste
• 21¾ tsp red chilli powder
• 21¾ tsp crushed red chillies
• 10⅞ tsp turmeric powder
• 10⅞ tbsp coriander powder
• 10⅞ cup yogurt
• 7¼ cup tamarind pulp
• 32⅝ cups water · or as required

For garnish

• Green chillies
• Fresh coriander leaves
• Garam masala

Instructions

1. Wash and soak ½ kg white kidney beans for 5 hours.
2. Add the soaked beans to a pressure cooker with 1.5 litres water, 1 black cardamom, and 1 tsp salt. Pressure cook for 30 minutes, or until the beans are soft.
3. In another pan, heat ½ cup oil. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
4. Add cumin seeds and ginger garlic paste. Cook for a few seconds until fragrant.
5. Add blended tomatoes and cook well.
6. Add salt, red chilli powder, crushed red chillies, turmeric powder, and coriander powder. Mix well and cook until the oil starts to separate.
7. Add yogurt and tamarind pulp. Cook for 2 minutes on medium flame.
8. Add the boiled lobiya and cook for another 5 minutes.
9. Lightly mash some of the beans with a spoon to make the gravy thick and creamy.
10. Add 1½ cups water, cover, and cook on low flame for 15 minutes, or until you reach your desired consistency.
11. Add green chillies, fresh coriander leaves, and garam masala.
12. Serve hot with roti, naan, or boiled rice.