Red Kidney Beans (Rajma)

INGREDIENTS

• 3 tablespoons canola oil
• 5 whole cloves
• 10 black peppercorns
• 1 (1 inch) piece cinnamon stick
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 whole cardamom pod (optional)
• 2 onion, chopped
• 6 roma (plum) tomatoes, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger root
• 1 teaspoon powdered red pepper or dried Cajun pepper (optional)
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
• salt to taste
• water
• 6 sprigs cilantro, minced