Broccoli Rajma Poriyal

I know that sounds like a weird, unusual combination but it definitely results in a very tasty dish. We first tasted this when we ordered the meals at the Saravana Bhavan in NJ and I was intrigued and pleasantly surprised by how good this dish tasted. Simple masalas but very tasty. My attempt at re-creating it at home was a success and I just went based on what I thought must've gone into the dish. I use canned rajma since it's ready and available but you could just soak and pressure cook some at home (with a bit of salt) and use that too. It shouldn't be too mushy though.

BROCCOLI RAJMA (KIDNEY BEANS) PORIYAL


Ingredients:
Broccoli - 1 medium head, cut into small florets (about 2 heaped cups)
Rajma (Dark red kidney beans) - 1 can (15 oz) drained & rinsed well
Onion - 1/3 of a medium onion, cut into half inch slices
Tomato - half, chopped
Sambar powder - 1 tsp
Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
Salt - to taste
Coconut - 1 to 2 tbsp, shredded
Cumin seeds - half tsp
Oil - 2 tsp
Mustard seeds - half tsp
Urad dhal - half tsp
Curry leaves - few
Asafoetida - a pinch

Method:
1) Heat the oil in a pan and season with mustard seeds, urad dhal, asafoetida & curry leaves. Toss in the onions and fry them till transparent.

2) Next the broccoli florets go in and get sauteed for a few minutes. Meanwhile, drain and rinse the can of kidney beans completely.

3) Add the tomato to the broccoli and after a quick stir, sprinkle salt, turmeric powder & sambar powder followed by the rajma (ensure there's no liquid). Cover and allow to cook on medium flame or low-medium, stirring every couple of minutes so it doesn't stick to the bottom. I didn't add any water since the broccoli & tomatoes generated enough but if you feel that it's very dry, then by all means, sprinkle a few drops.

4) Meanwhile coarsely pound together the coconut and cumin seeds (I used a mortar and pestle) but a a mixie would work too. If you are not upto grinding then just sprinkle them directly on the curry.

5) When the broccoli is tender enough (to your liking and preference - a little bite is preferable so it doesn't become too mushy) and the masala has been absorbed, sprinkle the coconut-cumin mixture, switch off the stove and cover for a few minutes, before transferring to a serving dish.

Comments

  1. wow..wat a color combo...Greens n lentils...yummy...

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  2. i always make soup with brocolli.looks every yummy. will surely going to try this weekend.

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  3. colour looks awesome! Sounds very unique!
    Have never tried cooking broccoli still!

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  4. very unique... and love how colourful it looks :)

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  5. this is indeed very unique! I'm so curious to try it out.. and very interesting to know that saravana bhavan serves this dish.. bookmarking right away :)

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  6. Such a neat idea, color is pretty!

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  7. awesome combo ,mused great hve tastd great

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  8. its like how i put together things when i have no clue what to cook! we all do it no? :D

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  9. Hi,
    This is a very unusual combi...brilliant colour.

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  10. Very Innovative one..Looks very tempting...

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  11. What a beautiful and exotic looking dish! Almost surreal, and I mean that as a compliment

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  12. I too agree with Sra that this one is exotic! The appearance is beautiful and I love both the ingredients, so this one is definitely coming on my platter soon!

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  13. nice color combo yar..i lov broccolini too

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  14. nice combo actually..broccoli always requires a nice combination as it doesnt taste good if eaten alone..thats my opinion..this one will surely work out well..

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  15. I love those colors Laavanya. Must be quite a nutrition packed meal

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  16. Thats a clever idea....nice and healthy poriyal :)

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  17. Looks great even to a non-broccoli fan but the kiddies love broccoli so will give this a try. I just started buying the dark rajma and I like it a lot better than than the pink one.

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  18. That sounds like a lovely combo! Will give it a try!

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  19. This is certainly a creative dish. A must try. Such an exciting use of broccoli!

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  20. I would not have thought of bringing broccoli and rajma together.:D

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  21. Laav,the recipe and the picture look tempting.Shall try and let you know.

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  22. You have a very nice blog and this recipe and photo looks simply delicious. Will visit often.

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  23. I love this... just because it is so healthy and also the colors are just too good.

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  24. nice poriyal! I made broccoli bajji the other day. nice combi!

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  25. Unique combo! Sounds delicious and healthy!

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  26. Broccoli and rajma such a nice combo so colorful and healthy!!!

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  27. that is such a super healthy and hearty dish!

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  28. Very healthy combo of dishes. Looks so good. Nice recipes. YUM!

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  29. ooh, that looks so colorful and yummy :) So healthy too!

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  30. I make poriyal with brussel sprouts. But this is new to me!

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  31. thats a nice way to add some protein to the curry. i like this combo.

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  32. very unusual combo but what can i say fabulous color and mouth watering :)

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