Black Eyed Peas Curry

Black Eyed Peas Curry

Similar to kidney bean curry, I really like black eyed peas curry as well. I didn’t eat it too often as a child because any time my mum asked what I wanted for dinner, I would always say ‘poti daal’ (kidney bean curry).

We used to eat all of our curries with chapattis but only very rarely did we pair the curry with boiled white rice. I remember my Bangladeshi friend telling me once that they always have white rice at every dinner time and I was so jealous! I loved white rice growing up and so when my mum made this curry, I knew we would be having rice too.

When I still lived at home, I was the person that made the chapattis every evening and considering how many of us there were in that one house, I would have to make so many! That may have been another reason I liked having rice too; I didn’t have to spend ages making chapattis, instead I could just boil a pot of rice and it would require little attention from me.

Of course there would always be the annoying few that would want chapattis instead of rice which was very annoying but oh well. I was just happy that I only had to make 5 instead of 15! Someone said to me that you’ll miss making lots of chapattis one day, its been 5 years since I moved out and I don’t miss it one bit!

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Black eyed peas curry recipe #curry #recipe #blackeyedpeas #delicious #spiced

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WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS BLACK EYED PEAS CURRY

• Nutrient-Rich and Healthy: Black-eyed peas are rich in essential nutrients, such as protein, fibre, iron and potassium. The curry made with these peas provides a wholesome and nutritious meal and is great for your health.

• Versatile Flavour Profile: Black-eyed peas curry has a versatile flavour profile. The peas absorb the spices and seasonings and the dish is savoury, spicy, and tangy. This adaptability makes it a favourite for those who love well-balanced flavours.

• Vegetarian option: If you follow a vegetarian or plant-based diet, this is a great option for a meatless dish. The black eyed peas create a satisfying and protein-packed meal without the need for meat.

• Comforting and Hearty: The hearty nature of black-eyed peas curry makes it a comforting and filling dish. It’s a satisfying meal and particularly during colder seasons. The combination of peas and spices contributes to its comforting appeal.

• Easy to Prepare: This dish is relatively easy to prepare. It takes a while for the peas to soften, especially if they are dried peas but there aren’t many steps.

HOW TO MAKE BLACK EYED PEAS CURRY

This is a perfectly spiced, saucy and delicious black eyed pea curry which can be eaten over rice or with a chapatti. It’s great for meal prepping because they taste just as good when defrosted.

1. To make this delicious curry, begin by adding oil to a pan and adding tomatoes and onions. Sweat down over a medium heat and allow the tomatoes and onion to soften.
2. Cook for around 10 minutes and then add in all the spices, garlic and ginger. Cook this for a few minutes so the garlic and ginger become fragrant. You want the oil to begin to separate from the mixture.
3. If the mixture starts to stick, then add in small amounts of water and continue to stir.
4. Add in the canned black-eyed peas and cook for around 30 minutes, until the beans soften. If you’re using dried beans then you will need to boil them for about an hour beforehand to soften them up slightly.
5. Add in a handful of coriander and stir in to the mixture.
6. Pour in 1 litre of boiling water and then reduce until your desired thickness.
7. Serve over white rice or chapatti and enjoy!

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

Oil

Vegetables – Onions, Tomatoes,

Seasoning & Spices – Salt, Chilli Powder, Turmeric, Paprika, Garam Masala

Aromatics – Garlic, Ginger

Black Eyed Kidney Beans Boiled for 45 mins – you can also used canned which you don’t have to boil

Coriander

Boiling Water

TOP TIPS ON MAKING THE BEST BLACK EYED PEAS CURRY

1. Soak the Black-Eyed Peas: If you’re using dried black-eyed peas, you will need to soak them in water for at least 4-6 hours or its best to soak them overnight. This reduces the cooking time and ensures that the beans are soft once cooked.
2. Use Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh and high-quality ingredients, including tomatoes, onions, ginger and garlic. Fresh ingredients enhance the overall flavour of the curry.
3. Include Aromatics: Add finely chopped or crushed garlic and ginger for depth of flavour. Sauté them until fragrant so they are aromatic and flavourful.
4. Balanced Spice Blend: Create a balanced spice blend using ground spices like coriander, cumin and red chili powder and adjust the spice levels to suit your taste preferences.

MORE TIPS

• Tomato Base: Use fresh tomatoes or canned tomatoes to create a rich and flavourful base for the curry. Cook the tomatoes until they create a thick sauce.
• Creamy Element: Add a creamy element for richness. This can be in the form of yogurt, cream or coconut milk. I personally like to serve the yoghurt alongside the curry as opposed to inside the curry.
• Cook the Black-Eyed Peas Thoroughly: Ensure the black-eyed peas are cooked through completely. Simmer them in the tomato onion-based sauce until they are tender and have absorbed the flavours of the curry.
• Adjust Consistency: Adjust the consistency of the curry by adding water. You want to create a sauce for the curry based on your preference.
• Finish with Fresh Herbs: Finish the black-eyed peas curry by adding fresh herbs like coriander or parsley.

RECIPES YOU MIGHT LIKE

 Chick Pea Curry – https://mysimpleeats.co.uk/chick-pea-curry/

Kidney Bean Curry – https://mysimpleeats.co.uk/kidney-bean-curry/

Pilau Rice – https://mysimpleeats.co.uk/pilau-rice/

CONCLUSION

Black eyed peas curry is a flavourful and comforting dish and perfect when you’re looking for a vegetarian dish. It’s aromatic, spicy and pairs really well with boiled white rice or chapattis.