Black Eyed Beans Sabji

Black Eyed Pea or Black Eyed Beans or Lobia as it is called in some parts of the world is pale cream in colour with a black spot – hence the name black eye..Like all other varieties of dried beans, these beans have to be soaked overnight or for 7-8 hours before they are cooked.  Pressure cooking the beans gives the best results!!  These beans have all the goodness in them –  Rich in Fibre, Carbohydrates, Iron and Sodium, these beans are a great source of Protein too!
The great news is it does not contain any fat or cholesterol and is ideal for get togethers as one cup of dried beans can serve 6 people or more depending on the other dishes that you may serve!!!!

A little bit of planning ahead is all that is needed in preparing this dish as the beans have to be soaked for more than 6 hours – if not the time taken to prepare this dish is a little over the time taken to pressure cook the beans!!!

Ingredients to serve 6 people

1 Cup of  Black Eyed Beans or Peas
3 Cups Water
1 Large Onion (finely chopped)
1 Medium Sized Tomato (finely chopped)
1 Inch piece Freshly chopped Ginger
4 Tbs Oil
1 Tsp Cumin Seeds
1 pinch Turmeric
1 Tsp Red Chilli Powder
1 Tsp Sambhar Powder (optional)
2 Tsp Coriander Powder
1-2 Tsp Salt
A few Fresh Coriander Leaves (finely chopped)

Black Eyed Beans Black Eyed Peas Sabji

Black Eyed Beans Sabji


Preparation

Soak the black eyed beans or peas for 6-7 hours or overnight
Drain the water and pressure cook the dal
Turn the stove off after 3-4 whistles and  keep aside

Heat the oil in a deep based pan
Add the cumin seeds, turmeric powder, chopped onion and ginger
Fry for about 3 minutes or until the onion becomes soft
To the above, add the tomato, red chilli powder, coriander powder, sambhar powder, salt and fry for a further 3 minutes
Add the cooked dal, cover it with a lid and cook it on a very small flame for about 6 minutes

Garnish it with chopped fresh coriander leaves
This dish is now ready to be served with chapatis or puris

Note:  A little extra chilli powder may be substituted for the sambhar powder if you do not have it handy!!