Lobia or Black Eyed Peas Curry

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Lobia or Black Eyed Peas Curry

Description

In North India, Lobia or Black Eyed Peas Curry is also known as Rongi in Punjabi and served with roti or boiled rice. There are two kinds of people in this world; one who love the Lobia curry and the other that hates it. I am glad that I belong to the first and so does my daughter. While growing up our weekly lunch weekly menu was Rajma, Lobia, Tuvar dal, Aloo gravy, Kadhi Chawal on weekdays, Kaala Chana on Saturdays, and Chicken on Sundays. Lobia is one of the most expensive legumes and it has many health benefits. Cowpeas can keep our cholesterol level in check. It is an excellent source of soluble dietary fiber and protein for vegetarians. The glycemic index of cowpeas is quite lower than other foods. Cowpeas, especially the creamy white are loaded with antioxidant agents – vitamin A and vitamin C. Therefore, if you eat these beans they will help you to get rid of detrimental free radicals, which can eventually stop the growth of cancerous cells. It can regulate our blood sugar levels and help us stay away from diabetes. By including cow peas in your regular diet, you can easily cut down the risks of developing several heart diseases. Those suffering from constipation should include these beans in their diet as they can calm the working of bowel in your body. And best of all, they are low-fat, low-calorie beans, which are extremely beneficial for weight loss. The sodium content of these beans is also very low. All these make them a healthy and great nutritious option for overweight people to shed off excess weight and slim down. There are different ways to use Lobia or Black eyed peas or Cow peas .They can be cooked like a Dal or made into this masala curry. You can even have them as sprouts in a salad.

Cooking Time

Preparation Time :10 Min

Cook Time : 30 Min

Total Time : 40 Min

Ingredients

Serves : 4
  • 1 cup Lobia or Black Eyed Peas Curry soaked overnight in enough water


  • 3 cups water


  • 1 tbsp ginger- garlic paste


  • 3 medium tomatoes pureed


  • 1 large onion, chopped, grated or paste


  • ½ tsp turmeric powder


  • ½ tsp red chili powder


  • ¾ to 1 tsp pav bhaji masala powder


  • 1 tsp of Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)


  • 2 tbsp oil


  • Salt to taste


Directions

  • Rinse the Lobia or Black Eyed Peas a couple of times under running water and soak them in enough water overnight. Drain the soaked lobia and keep aside. In a pressure cooker, heat the oil and add the ginger garlic paste and sauté then add the onion and the Kasuri methi. Saute, till the onions get a nice rich golden hue. If the masala is not done properly then your gravy will give a raw taste.Once the oil leaves the sides, add the tomato puree and sauté again till you get a smooth consistency. Now add the turmeric, chilli powder, salt. The tomatoes should be done nicely and the oil leaves the sides, only then add the soaked lobia or black eyed peas.
  • Blend the masala with the lobia and finally add the water. Check the consistency of the gravy you want and then add water. Pressure cook until 5 whistles. Check that the bean gets smashed between your fingers. Stir nicely and simmer the curry till the consistency thickens. If you like thin gravy then it is fine but my husband always liked thick gravy and I used to mash a few beans with the back of a spoon to thicken the gravy.Garnish the lobia curry with coriander leaves and serve hot with steamed rice or roti, parathas or bread.