Black-eyed peas curry made with tomato onion base and spices.
Black-eyed peas are also called “lobia” in northern India. So, this recipe is also known as “Punjabi Lobia Masala” and is typically paired with Roti more commonly than rice.
Usually, blackeyed peas are believed to be a lucky charm to start the new year, so my hope is that this recipe brings you good luck throughout the year. With the Instant Pot, this classic Indian recipe is so much easier than you think.
The nutrition that Black-eyed peas bring to the table is unmatched by any other bean. Every cup of black-eyed beans provides the protein equivalent of two standard size protein bars along with the recommended daily fiber for a person.
So you can enjoy a small serving and not feel hungry for hours. Imagine how that can help you in your weight loss goals!
Apart from their flavor and nutritional value, which makes them stand apart from other beans is that they are very easy to prepare. Soaking them overnight will reduce the cooking time, but you do not need to do that as they cook fairly quickly.
Since they are so easy to prepare, you do not have to buy the canned version at all. That makes it all the healthier!
This black-eyed peas curry is a medley of flavors from a number of spices but the level of heat you need is in your control. I tend to go a little high on the cayenne pepper to match my family preference. If you prefer a milder taste, you could lighten up the chili powder or you could also make it a little creamier with coconut milk.
When you decide to prepare this recipe, be sure to serve it as the main course with basmati or cumin rice.
About this Punjabi lobia masala
In certain parts of India, this is also referred to as Lobia Masala Curry and served with Roti or Naan.
In Karnataka, where I grew up we prepare the ‘Mangalore style Curry’ locally referred to as “Gasi” and tastes quite different from the Lobia Masala Curry.
These two recipes are my top favorites for cooking Black Eyed Peas. I will share the recipe for “Gasi” on another day. For now, let us just focus on preparing the Punjabi-style lobia masala.
I have included directions for the stovetop method as well as the Instant Pot version and the list of spices from the most important part of the recipe. Be sure not to skip or change the quantities of any of the spices noted herein.
Instant Pot method
Soak the black-eyed peas for 30 minutes in warm water. This will help to fasten the cooking process. And the peas will be softer and easy to digest.
Press ‘SAUTE’ mode on Instant Pot and add a couple of teaspoons of oil.
As the oil heats up, add cumin seeds. When it starts to crackle, add minced garlic cloves, and chopped ginger.
Now add chopped onion. Saute for 40 seconds and continue to stir.
Add chopped tomatoes. Saute for 2 minutes.
Add all the spices( coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric, garam masala, and red chili powder) and again continue to stir well. (20 seconds)
Add rinsed black-eyed peas, salt, and water. Stir well.
Press the CANCEL button on Instant Pot.
Close the lid on the pot, and turn the valve from VENTING to SEALING position.
Set the pot to MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK (High Pressure) and set the timer to 12 minutes.
Wait for NATURAL PRESSURE RELEASE(NPR) which is when the silver button on the lid drops.
Stovetop method
For the stovetop version, you have to soak the black-eyed peas for 1 hour and cook in a pressure cooker with enough water for 4 whistles and set it aside.
Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a pan on medium flame.
Add the cumin seeds and let them crackle. Then, add the ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw smell fades away. Add the finely chopped onions and saute until it turns light brown.
Now, add the chopped tomato and simmer for 3 minutes. Add the red chili, turmeric and cumin powder, coriander powder, mix well and let the mixture cook until the oil leaves the sides.
Now, add the cooked lobia along with the water in which it has been boiled and simmer for 5 minutes. Switch off the flame, sprinkle garam masala, and garnish with the cilantro leaves.
Expert tips
- Adding grated coconut paste is optional and can be skipped if you do not prefer to. As an alternative to coconut, you can add coconut milk.
- Lobia or black-eyed peas do not require to be soaked before pressure cooking. You can soak it for 1-2 hours to speed up the cooking process. But for this recipe, I soaked for just 30 min in warm water as I was preparing other vegetables.
- Using any kind of onion is ok for this recipe. I used yellow onions. And it tastes just as authentic as the red onion version.
- You can choose canned tomatoes instead of freshly chopped ones.
- Using fresh ground spices will enhance the taste, however, if you do not have ready access to whole spices, the store-bought version will work just fine. To grind the spices, I used a coffee bean grinder.
Here are some more Instant Pot Recipes
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📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas Curry
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1.5 cup black-eyed peas
- 2 cups of water
- 1 onion
- 2 tomatoes
- ¼ inch ginger chopped
- 2 garlic chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin seed
- ½ teaspoon coriander powder - fresh
- ½ teaspoon cumin powder - fresh
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon red chili powder
- 2 teaspoon oil
- ¼ teaspoon garam masala to sprinkle - optional
- Cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Soak the black-eyed peas for 30 minutes in warm water. And be ready with your vegetables.
- Press ‘SAUTE’ mode on Instant Pot and add a couple of teaspoons of oil.
- As the oil heats up, add cumin seeds. When it starts to crackle, add minced garlic cloves, and chopped ginger.
- Now add chopped onion. Saute for 40 seconds and continue to stir.
- Add chopped tomatoes. Saute for 2 minutes.
- Add all the spices( coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric, garam masala, and red chili powder) and again continue to stir well. (20 seconds)
- Add rinsed black-eyed peas, salt, and water. Stir well.
- Press CANCEL button on Instant Pot.
- Close the lid on the pot, and turn the valve from VENTING to SEALING position.
- Set the pot to MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK (High Pressure) and set the timer to 12 minutes.
- Wait for NATURAL PRESSURE RELEASE(NPR) which is when the silver button on the lid drops.
- Add the garam masala powder, cilantro and mix well.
- Black Eyed Peas Curry is ready. Serve hot paired with Naan, roti or rice.
Process Shot
Check above for step-by-step pictures (most of my recipes include pictures)
Video
Notes
- Be sure to add red chili powder to suit your taste preference. I noticed that the video clip does not show that step, but you will need that for sure!
- To thicken the curry you can mash a little bit of black-eyed peas once it is cooked.
- Lobia or black-eyed peas do not require to be soaked before pressure cooking. You can soak it for 1-2 hours to speed up the cooking process. But for this recipe, I soaked for just 30 min in warm water as I was preparing other vegetables.
- Using any kind of onion is ok for this recipe. I used yellow onions. And it tastes just as authentic as the red onion version.
- You can choose canned tomatoes instead of freshly chopped ones.
- Using fresh ground spices will enhance the taste, however, if you do not have ready access to whole spices, the store-bought version will work just fine. To grind the spices, I used a coffee bean grinder.
- If you like to skip the soaking part, then cook the black-eyed peas for 25 minutes under high pressure.
YOUR OWN NOTES
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimation only.
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Doug Swinehart
Absolutely loved this with garlic rice. These recipes are perfect for my vegan dinner guest!
Uma Raghupathi
Thanks:)
Bless my food by Payal
Black eyed peas are the most delicious but unfortunately undermine legumes. You have made them using regular ingredients and in a simple manner, which makes them more appealing, more lovable.
chris
I was fortunate enough to try this dish and it was fantastic. I'm craving for more. Delicious !
Candice
In love with the curry flavors packed in here... and so easy in the instant pot! Thanks for the great recipe. Can't wait to make it again.
Uma Raghupathi
Thank you 😊
Debbie
Your Instant Pot Black Eyed Curry is so simple and delicious. I am so glad I found your recipe!! I loved your combination of spices, very basic but delicious and I had them all on hand. Thank you for a quick , delicious , and healthy meal my whole family loved.
Femi. O
I have actually had this dish before and I can confirm, it tastes amazing! I've had mine with coconut milk for that extra creaminess and a bit more spicy but this is always a go to staple for us.
Marisa F. Stewart
My daughter was looking for an Instant Pot curry and I gave her this recipe. Her whole family loved it. Said it was spiced just right and the boys were begging for seconds.
Uma Raghupathi
Thank you for sharing the recipe to your daughter. 🙏🏻
Kita Roberts
Everything about this smells wonderful! I am so excited to taste it
Aleta
I had no idea black eyes peas were so good for you! I've been trying to add more protein to my daily intake - this curry dish is just perfect for the task!
Paula Montenegro
I first heard about black-eyed peas for starting the new year this past holiday! I wouldn't mind eating this great curry! Or any time of the year really, it looks fantastic.
Ben
That looks so good. I make beans and peas all the time, and it's getting really boring. I can't wait to try this one.