Here is how to make this easy and delicious Punjabi Lobia Curry recipe using the Instant Pot, pressure cooker (stovetop) method. Lobia Masala is one of those delicious comfort food that the entire family loves.
I used to make this black-eyed bean curry using the traditional pressure cooker but now make it one pot using my Instant Pot. Makes it so easy and convenient! It’s one of those cozy meals that are perfect for weekdays! So had to share with you all! Also, did you know, there is a popular belief that eating black-eyed peas on New year’s day brings prosperity in the new year. Definitely trying that! Here are some other favorite beans recipes - Rajma Masala and Dal Makhani.
What is Lobia
Black-eyed peas also known as black-eyed beans or cowpeas are a type of bean. In North India, they are called “Lobia” and “Chawli” in Marathi. It is usually light in color with a prominent black spot. It has a good shelf life, easily available in grocery stores, and makes a great pantry staple to have at hand. They are very versatile and can be used in a variety of recipes, including soups, curries, stews, and salads. Black-eyed peas are highly nutritious and associated with many health benefits. To name a few, they are high in protein and fiber, good for weight loss, improve digestive health, and promote heart health. In today’s post, I’m sharing how to make a delicious Indian style black-eyed peas recipe.
This Lobia Curry Recipe is
Easy to make Vegan and glutenfree Delicious and nutritious Cozy and comforting
Growing up, I ate “Chawli usal” or “Chawlichi Usal” which is a Maharashtrian recipe made using these beans. Mom makes it more on the dry side and we ate it with chapati. Whereas the Lobia curry that I’m sharing today is a Punjabi recipe where the beans are cooked in an onion-tomato gravy flavored with Indian spices. It pairs beautifully with rice. This curry is a a true combination of healthy, delicious and comforting food.
How to make Black-eyed peas curry
There are two ways to make this Black eyed peas curry recipe. 1 - Traditional way - In this method, the beans are soaked, pressure-cooked, and then mixed in gravy made of onion, tomatoes, ginger garlic, and spices). 2 - One-pot in Instant Pot- In this method, the beans are soaked and then cooked along with the spiced onion-tomato gravy. Both ways, it turns out delicious and honestly comes down to one’s preference. I have used a traditional pressure cooker previously but nowadays I make my lobia curry in Instant Pot and love the convenience of one-pot cooking. Here is the step by step for making black eyed peas curry using Instant Pot. Please see the recipe card for the traditional pressure cooker method.
Recipe Ingredients
Lobia - also known as black-eyed peas or black eyed beans. I’m using dry beans not canned. Spices - Cumin seeds, hing (safoetida), turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala, salt, pepper Aromatics - onion, ginger, garlic, and green chilies, use fresh ones. Tomatoes - You can use diced tomatoes or fresh or store-bought tomato puree for this recipe. Alternately tomato paste can also be used. Others - Oil or ghee for cooking, lemon juice, and cilantro to finish the recipe.
Step by step method
Soaking the beans
1 - Wash the black eyed beans a couple of times and then soak 3-4 hours. After soaking they will swell and become slightly bigger in size. Soaking helps the lentils cook faster and also makes them easier to digest. 2 - Drain and wash with water one more time, drain and keep aside.
To make Instant pot black-eyed peas curry
3 - Start the Instant Pot on saute mode and add the oil/ghee. Once the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds, and asafoetida. 4 - After the seeds splutter, stir in the onions and saute until golden brown. 5 - Stir in the ginger garlic and green chilies and cook until the raw garlic smell disappears. 6 - Deglaze the pot by adding 1-2 tablespoon of water. 7 - Add in the tomato puree along with the spice powders - turmeric, red chilli powder, coriander powder, garam masala, salt and mix well. If using diced tomatoes, cook them first covered for 2-3 mins or until soft and then add the spices. 8 - Add the soaked and drained beans to the pot and mix well. 9 - Add 3 cups of water. Mix until well combined. If you want to make Pot in Pot rice, at this point, you can place a trivet and pot with rice and water over it. Close the Instant Pot lid with vent to sealing position and pressure cook on manual (pressure cook) or bean chili mode for 15 mins followed by a natural release. Once the pin drops, open the Instant pot lid, (remove the rice pot) check if the beans are cooked, They should easily press them between ur thumb and finger. 10 - If you prefer a creamy consistency, mash a few of the beans with the back of a spoon. Simmer on saute mode for 5 mins, and finish off with some lemon juice and cilantro. Delicious and nutritious Lobia Curry is ready!!
Serving suggestion
Lobia curry is best-served hot with plain cooked basmati rice or cumin flavored rice called zeera rice You can also serve it some Indian flatbread like roti (chapati) or paratha or naan. Add a side of green chutney, salad (kachumber), or raita (yogurt dip) and make it a complete and colorful meal.
Recipe Tips
Soak the beans as it makes them easier to digest as well as reduces the cooking time. To meal prep, cook just the beans ahead of time or over the weekend store-covered refrigerated for a couple of days. When ready to eat, just add them to the cooked onion tomato gravy and simmer. For smoother gravy, chop the onions extremely fine (use a food processor if needed) and saute them until soft and brown. I don’t prefer to puree onions but you can also puree if needed. Add freshly grated ginger-garlic for more depth of flavor. For a richer tomato flavor and color, use store-bought tomato puree since it’s more concentrated. Alternately add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the fresh tomato puree. Skip using ghee to keep it vegan and skip hing to make it gluten free.
Frequently asked questions
More beans curry recipes
Hope you enjoy this Punjabi Lobhia Masala recipe!! If you give this recipe a try, please rate by clicking stars ⭐️ on the recipe card. Thank you ❤️ ! You can also follow me on Facebook | Instagram to see what’s cooking in my kitchen!!
Recipe Card
