Black Eyed Peas Recipe Vegetarian Indian Style Delight

Black-eyed peas are a staple in Indian vegetarian cuisine, cherished for their hearty texture and rich nutritional profile. This traditional black eyed peas recipe is not only packed with flavor but also easy to prepare, making it perfect for both weekday meals and special occasions.

Infused with aromatic spices and tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies, this dish delivers an authentic taste of India’s diverse culinary heritage. Whether you are a seasoned cook or new to Indian cooking, this recipe offers a delightful way to enjoy this humble legume in a wholesome, vegetarian meal.

Black-eyed peas are incredibly versatile and soak up the spices beautifully, resulting in a comforting dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious. In addition to being rich in protein and fiber, they are naturally gluten-free and vegan, making this recipe an excellent choice for a variety of dietary preferences.

Join me as we explore how to make this delicious Indian black eyed peas recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian Indian black eyed peas recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it combines simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, creating a deeply flavorful and comforting dish.

The use of traditional Indian spices like cumin, turmeric, and garam masala brings warmth and complexity to the peas, while the tempering of mustard seeds and curry leaves adds an authentic aroma and taste.

Not only is this recipe incredibly tasty, but it’s also highly nutritious. Black-eyed peas are an excellent plant-based protein source, making this dish perfect for vegetarians and vegans looking for hearty meal options.

The recipe is also gluten-free and low in fat, fitting well into a healthy lifestyle. Plus, it’s adaptable — you can easily add vegetables or adjust the spice level to suit your preferences.

If you enjoy this, you might also want to explore other vegetarian delights like Instant Pot Vegetarian Recipes Indian Food Lovers Adore or try your hand at some delicious Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners for more flavorful plant-based meals.

Ingredients

• 1 cup black eyed peas (lobia), soaked overnight
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 2 green chilies, slit
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 10-12 curry leaves
• 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or mustard oil preferred)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
• Water as needed

Equipment

• Large bowl (for soaking peas)
• Pressure cooker or large pot
• Medium frying pan or kadai
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and chopping board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Serving bowl

Instructions

1. Soak the black eyed peas: Rinse 1 cup of black eyed peas thoroughly under cold water. Soak them in ample water overnight or for at least 8 hours. This softens the peas and reduces cooking time.
2. Cook the peas: Drain the soaked peas. In a pressure cooker, add the peas with 3 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Cook on medium heat for about 3-4 whistles (approx. 15-20 minutes) until the peas are tender but not mushy. If using a pot, simmer covered for about 45-50 minutes, adding water as necessary.
3. Prepare the tempering: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a frying pan or kadai over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon mustard seeds and 1 teaspoon cumin seeds. When they start to crackle, add 10-12 curry leaves and 2 slit green chilies. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Sauté onions and ginger-garlic paste: Add the finely chopped onions to the pan. Cook until golden brown, stirring occasionally. Add 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another 2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
5. Add tomatoes and spices: Add the chopped tomatoes. Cook until they soften and oil starts to separate from the masala. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon red chili powder, 1 teaspoon coriander powder, and salt to taste. Mix well and cook for 3-4 minutes.
6. Combine peas with the masala: Add the cooked black eyed peas along with their cooking water to the pan. Stir gently to combine. Adjust consistency by adding water if needed. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
7. Simmer and finish: Let the curry simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes to allow the spices to meld. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Towards the end, sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon garam masala and mix well.
8. Garnish and serve: Turn off the heat and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot with steamed rice, roti, or your favorite Indian bread.

Tips & Variations

Tip: To save time, you can use canned black eyed peas. Rinse and drain well, then add them directly to the masala, adjusting cooking time accordingly.

Variation: For a richer version, add a splash of coconut milk or a dollop of plain yogurt just before serving. This adds creaminess and balances the spices beautifully.

Tip: Adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing the green chilies and red chili powder. For a smoky flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or roasted cumin powder.

You can also incorporate chopped vegetables like spinach, carrots, or bell peppers to boost the nutrition and color of the dish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This black eyed peas curry pairs wonderfully with steamed basmati rice or fragrant jeera rice (cumin rice). For a more traditional Indian meal, serve alongside warm chapatis, parathas, or puris.

A side of cooling cucumber raita or a simple salad with onions, tomatoes, and lemon juice will complement the spices beautifully.

For a wholesome thali experience, consider serving this dish with other vegetarian Indian favorites like dal tadka, vegetable pulao, and pickles. If you love experimenting with different breads, try it with vegan flour tortillas for an Indian fusion twist.

Conclusion

This vegetarian black eyed peas recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into a delicious, nutritious, and satisfying meal. With its blend of spices and comforting texture, it offers a wonderful taste of Indian home cooking that can be enjoyed any day of the week.

The recipe is flexible, allowing you to personalize it to your taste and dietary needs without compromising on flavor.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or guests, this dish is sure to impress and nourish. Don’t hesitate to try it alongside other vibrant vegetarian dishes like the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for dessert or explore more hearty meal ideas in our Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.

Enjoy the flavors and the health benefits of this wonderful Indian black eyed peas recipe!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Black Eyed Peas Recipe Vegetarian Indian”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A flavorful and hearty Indian-style black eyed peas curry made with aromatic spices and tomatoes. Perfect as a comforting main dish served with rice or flatbread.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT40M”, “totalTime”: “PT55M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup dried black eyed peas, soaked overnight”, “2 tablespoons oil”, “1 teaspoon cumin seeds”, “1 large onion, finely chopped”, “2 tomatoes, pureed”, “1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste”, “1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder”, “1 teaspoon coriander powder”, “1 teaspoon garam masala”, “1/2 teaspoon red chili powder”, “Salt to taste”, “2 cups water”, “Fresh cilantro for garnish”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds until they splutter.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add chopped onions and saut\u00e9 until golden brown.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1 minute.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add turmeric, coriander, red chili powder, and salt; mix well.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add tomato puree and cook until oil separates.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Drain soaked black eyed peas and add to the pan.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour water, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes until peas are tender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in garam masala and cook for another 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “280 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “15 g”, “fatContent”: “6 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “45 g”}}