Rajma Cutlets
Kick things off with Rajma Cutlets. These savory patties offer a delightful blend of textures and flavors. Start by mashing the boiled rajma and mixing
it with finely chopped onions, green chilies, coriander leaves, and a touch of garam masala. For binding, use a mixture of breadcrumbs or besan (gram flour). Shape the mixture into small cutlets and shallow fry or bake until golden brown. Serve hot with mint chutney or tomato ketchup for a burst of flavors. These cutlets are a great appetizer and are very easy to make.
Rajma Tikki Chaat
Next, let's explore Rajma Tikki Chaat. This is a flavorful and tangy chaat that combines the goodness of rajma with a medley of textures. Prepare the rajma tikkis as described above. Arrange the tikkis on a plate and top them with a generous helping of chutneys – tamarind chutney, mint-coriander chutney, and sweet yogurt. Sprinkle with finely chopped onions, tomatoes, sev (crispy gram flour noodles), and a dash of chaat masala. The combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors makes this chaat a crowd-pleaser and a treat for everyone.
Rajma Salad
For a lighter option, try a vibrant Rajma Salad. Combine the boiled rajma with diced cucumber, tomatoes, bell peppers, and red onions. Season with a zesty dressing made from lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of chaat masala. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. This salad is refreshing, healthy, and a great way to incorporate rajma into your Diwali menu. It also adds a fresh and colorful element to your festive spread, providing a nice contrast to the richer dishes.
Rajma Pakoras
Now, let's look at Rajma Pakoras. Blend the boiled rajma into a coarse paste. Mix the paste with besan (gram flour), finely chopped onions, green chilies, and spices like cumin and coriander powder. Add a pinch of baking soda for a fluffy texture. Deep fry small portions of the batter until golden and crispy. Serve these hot pakoras with mint chutney or a spicy dipping sauce. These are a great snack and perfect for enjoying with family and friends during Diwali celebrations.
Rajma Quesadillas
Transform your rajma into Rajma Quesadillas for an international twist. Mash the boiled rajma and mix it with sautéed onions, bell peppers, and your favorite taco seasoning. Spread this mixture on one half of a tortilla and top with grated cheese. Fold the tortilla in half and cook on a griddle until the cheese melts and the tortilla is golden brown. Cut into wedges and serve with sour cream and salsa. This snack offers a fusion of flavors.
Rajma Paratha
Elevate your parathas with Rajma Paratha. Knead the boiled and mashed rajma with whole wheat flour, spices like cumin and coriander, and a bit of oil to make a dough. Roll out the dough and cook on a hot tawa with ghee or oil until golden brown and crispy. Serve with yogurt or your favorite pickle. These parathas provide a hearty and flavorful addition to your Diwali meal, offering a comforting and satisfying experience.
Rajma Kheer
Finally, for a sweet treat, try Rajma Kheer. Boil the rajma until very soft and then blend it. Cook the blended rajma with milk, sugar, cardamom, and a pinch of saffron. Simmer until the kheer thickens. Garnish with chopped nuts like almonds and pistachios. This dessert offers a unique and delicious twist to a classic Indian sweet. The creamy texture and subtle flavors are sure to impress your guests, making it a perfect end to a Diwali meal.
