Drain the soaked red kidney beans and wash them well. Place them in a pressure cooker (for speedy cooking). Add the water and some salt. Close the cooker and cook on high level. After one whistle, cook on low level for about 10 minutes or till the beans are soft.
Heat the oil in a heavy-bottomed pan on medium level and crackle the cumin seeds. Add the bay leaves (optional), asafoetida and chopped ginger-garlic. Fry briefly. Add the chopped onions and fry till they are golden brown. Add all the spice powders except hot spice mix. Add the chopped tomatoes. Fry till the oil separates. Add the cooked red kidney beans along with its stock, sprinkle salt, mix well and cook on medium level for about 15 minutes.
Add the hot spice mix. Cover and cook on medium level for about 5 minutes.
Garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves.

TIP:

If the absence of a pressure cooker, the beans can be cooked in a normal pot. However this would take at least double the time.
Serve hot with: Cumin Rice (Jeera Chawal), white rice or Roti.