CHAVALI CHI USAL / BLACK EYED PEAS MASALA

Chawli chi usal is a simple preparation from the Maharashtrian cuisine. Chawli is also known with various common names like Lobia/ black eyed peas. The use of minimum spices and the unique flavour of the chawli itself, makes this usal absolutely delicious. It is a regular preparation at my home and loved by all. This is highly recommended for all age groups and as it has no fat and is low in calories making it a perfect food to be included for diabetics and heart patients. This usal is not only give a feeling of fullness as fibre content is excellent, plus black eyed beans are high in protein, potassium, calcium and phosphorous. It is good source of vitamin and C. That’s why it is said that chawli / lobia beans are great source of antioxidants and helps in prevention of a wide range of diseases.  Chawli or black eyed beans is one of the most nutritional dried beans which can be included in our diet. It is very easy to cook it with various spices to make it more flavourful. Serve this with chapaties or steamed rice.

INGREDIENTS

1 ½ cup Chawli / Lobia / Black Eyed Peas

3-4 Cups Water

Salt to taste

 For Onion-Coconut paste-

1 Onion, chopped lengthwise

3 tablespoon Fresh Grated Coconut

Water as needed

 For Gravy-

2 tablespoon Oil

1 Chopped Onion

1 teaspoon Ginger Paste

1 teaspoon Garlic Paste

½ teaspoon Turmeric Powder

1 ½ teaspoon Red Chilli Powder

1 teaspoon Goda Masala Powder

1 teaspoon Garam Masala Powder

Chopped Coriander for garnishing

Salt to taste

METHOD-

STEP 1 – Soak Chawli beans for at least 6-7 hours or overnight.

In a pressure cooker, add black eyed peas, water and salt. Let it cook for 4-5 whistles.

STEP 2 – Heat a pan, add chopped onion and sauté it golden brown.

Then add grated coconut and sauté till brown.

Keep it aside to cool down.

STEP 3 – Add this onion and coconut in a mixer grinder. Add little amount of water and grind everything to a smooth paste and keep aside.

STEP 4 - In a pan, heat some oil, add chopped onion and sauté well.

Then add ginger, garlic and freshly prepared paste in it and sauté well for few minutes.

STEP 5 – Then add spices and mix well.

Also add chopped tomato and cook till it becomes mushy.

STEP 6 – Now add cooked black eyed peas along with some water and give a nice stir.

STEP 7 – Cover it with a lid and let cook for few minutes.

When cooked, garnish with chopped coriander

and serve hot.