Black-Eyed Peas with Tomatoes and Spices

Extended family dinners are a constant challenge when there is a vegetarian in the mix. We cannot function on salads alone, and what's up when there's even meat in the potluck salads? I am so thankful that I learned to cook Indian food, as it is just perfect for vegetarians looking for a nourishing meal.

Pure and simple and homemade. This is a spicy dish that will appeal to legume lovers and it goes so well with rice — jasmine rice, brown rice or white basmati. I served this with tamarind potatoes to complete the meal.

Black-Eyed Peas with Tomatoes and Spices

Recipe by Lisa Turner Cuisine: Indian Published on May 10, 2011 Quick and easy curry of earthy black-eyed peas simmered in a simple Indian spiced tomato sauce Print this recipe Ingredients: 1 cup dried black-eyed peas 1 teaspoon turmeric 2 cups water 1 tablespoon ghee, butter or oil 3 medium tomatoes, finely chopped 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated or minced 3 green chilies, seeded and finely chopped 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon asafetida pinch of cayenne 1/2 teaspoon garam masala small handful of fresh cilantro or parsley, finely chopped 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste Instructions: Rinse the black-eyed peas and soak for 6 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse then transfer to medium saucepan and add the turmeric and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes or until the peas are tender. Meanwhile, heat the ghee, butter or oil in a frying pan over medium heat. When hot, toss in the tomatoes, ginger, chilies, cumin seeds, chili power, asafetida and cayenne. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes or until you have a thick sauce. Add the sauce to the cooked peas and toss in the garam masala, cilantro or parsley and salt. Simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes to blend the flavors. Serve hot or warm. Makes 4 servings

More Black-Eyed Pea dishes from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen:
Black-Eyed Pea Salsa
Curried Black-Eyed Peas
Black-Eyed Peas with Fenugreek and Tomatoes
Black-Eyed Pea Patties with Pilipili

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Audio Accompaniment: Marsen Jules