Black eye peas, Chawli in Marathi or Lobia in Hindi is a small bean which is used in cooking almost in every part of the country. This is made differently in various parts, but the way I make it, is very similar to how I make Rajma.

Chawli Masala

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried black-eyed peas,  soaked in water overnight
• 2 onions, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 5-6 cloves of garlic
• 1-inch piece ginger
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tbsp oil
• Salt to taste
• 1-2 tsp red chilli powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 2 tsp garam masala masala
• Coriander leaves to garnish

Method:

• Wash the black-eyed peas thoroughly and cook it in a pressure cooker for 4-5 whistles till it becomes soft. You can also cook it without pressure, in a pan, but it will take quite long.
• Chop the onions and tomatoes and peel the garlic and ginger and chop them into pieces.
• Heat oil in a pan and when warm put in the cumin seeds. When it starts popping, add the garlic, ginger and stir for a few minutes. Then add the onions and stir and cook till they turn translucent.
• Add the tomatoes next and a tsp of salt to help the tomatoes start watering. Let the tomatoes cook till they are mushy and well cooked.
• Switch off the gas and let it cool completely. When cool, blend it till it becomes a smooth puree.
• In the same pan, pour this puree and let it boil. When it comes to a rolling boil, add the cooked black-eyed beans, chilli powder, cumin powder, coriander powder and garam masala powder. Check for salt and add more if needed.
• Let this cook well and once the whole mixture is nice and thick, switch off the gas and garnish with coriander leaves
• Enjoy piping hot Chawli with Cumin (Jeera) rice, Rotis or Nan.