Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas Curry (Lobia Masala)

Black Eyed Peas Curry or Lobia Masala Curry recipe is a popular Punjabi curry which is heathy and delicious made using onion-tomato base and few spices in an Instant Pot Pressure cooker or Stove Top. It is perfect to enjoy with some steaming basmati rice.This is a vegan ,protein-rich, gluten-free and freezer-friendly!

A Word about Black Eyed Peas

Black-eyed peas or black-eyed beans are one of the most nourishing varieties of legumes. The name refers to the black spot on the creamy skin of peas. These are versatile beans that go well with many recipes.

In other Indian states, it is known as ‘Chawli’ in Marathi, ‘Karamani’ in Tamil, and ‘Lobia in Punjabi. 

Healthy Benefits of Black Eyed Peas?

Black-eyed peas have numerous health benefits.They are a great source of protein for Vegans and are considered nourishing because it contains almost all the essential vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, C.Other essential ones are folic acid, iron, calcium, manganese, Thiamine, zinc, copper, phosphorus, Folate, and many others. 

How to make Black Eyed Peas recipe in Instant Pot using 'No-Soak' Method?

If you forget to soak, then try soaking for atleast 1 hour in hot water and Press MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK (High Pressure) and set timer to 20+ minutes.

Science behind Soaking Beans?

1.Beans contain indigestible complex sugars that cause gas and hard on tummies and can cause digestive issues like bloating and flatulence for some.Therefore, soaking and sprouting the beans is an excellent way to reduce the uneasiness produced by them. 

2.Soaking dried beans ahead of time (soaked for at least 3-4 hours) will cook faster compared to the beans that have not been soaked at all.Depending on how old the beans are cooking time may vary. 

How to Make Black Eyed Peas Curry

Instant Pot Method

Soak the black eyed peas in abundant water for 4 or more hours so they are all submerged. When you are ready to cook, drain the water.

Grind/Blend 2 tomatoes to make a puree.

Press SAUTE mode on Instant Pot. Add oil in to the POT.Once POT is hot add cumin(jeera) seeds, let them splutter.

Add onions, green chillies ,ginger-garlic paste and saute until onions turn light brown (approximately 5-6 minutes).

Next add tomato puree or finely chopped tomatoes and cook the mixture for another 2-3 minutes.

Then add soaked black eyed peas ,red chilli powder, turmeric powder ,coriander powder ,salt and mix well.

Then add water and give a stir.

Close the lid on the pot.Set the pot to MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK (High Pressure) and set timer to 12 minutes for firmer beans & 14 minutes for softer beans.

Do a NATURAL PRESSURE RELEASE(NPR) for atleast 10 minutes.

Remove lid away from you, add garam masala powder, lime juice and garnish with cilantro.Mix well.

Indian Lobia Masala or black eyed peas curry recipe is ready, serve with hot with rice ,pooris, chapatis, roti & parathas.

Stove Top Pressure Cooker Method

• Soak the black eyed peas in abundant water for 4 or more hours so they are all submerged. When you are ready to cook, drain the water.
• Grind/Blend 2 tomatoes to make a puree.
• Take a kadai/pan. Add oil in to the pan.Once hot add jeera seeds , let them splutter.
• Once oil is hot add onions, ginger-garlic paste and saute until onions turn light brown.(approximately 5-6 minutes).
• Next add tomato puree or finely chopped tomatoes and cook the mixture for another 2-3 minutes.
• Then add soaked black eyed peas ,red chilli powder, turmeric powder ,coriander powder ,salt and mix well.
• Then add water and give a stir.
• Close the lid place a whistle and cook for 3-4 whistles on medium flame.
• Switch off the flame and let the pressure from the cooker release naturally.
• Open lid and add garam masala powder, lime juice and garnish with cilantro.Mix well.
• Black eyed peas curry  is ready, serve with hot with rice ,pooris, chapatis, roti & parathas.

Tips & Variations

• If the curry is not thick enough for your liking, press the cancel button then press Saute Mode and allow to cook, stir until you get the desired thickness.You can also mash few peas using back of the ladle to make the gravy thick and creamy.
• You can add spinach ,kale or collard greens to make this dish more hearty.
• If you don’t have fresh tomato on hand, you can use canned crushed tomatoes too.

Recipe FAQs

IS BLACK EYED PEAS CURRY VEGAN & GLUTEN FREE?
Yes. This black eyed peas curry is vegan and gluten free.

CAN I FREEZE BLACK EYED PEA CURRY?
Yes ,you sure can! You can either refrigerate or freeze this curry.In the refrigerator, curry will good up to 2-3 days.If you freeze it in to freezer safe containers ,you can easily freeze upto 3 months.Just defrost overnight and reheat before serving.

CAN I USE CANNED BLACK EYED PEAS FOR THIS CURRY?
If you are using canned black-eyed peas, make sure to drain and rinse them with water.You should reduce the water for cooking ie 1:1 canned black-eyed peas to water ratio .It will take 5 minutes followed by Natural Pressure Release.

HOW TO SERVE BLACK EYED PEAS CURRY (LOBIA MASALA CURRY)?
Black eyed peas curry are often served with hot steamed basmati rice ,indian flatbread or puris. Pair it with raita and a salad on the side for a wholesome dinner or lunch.

More Curry Recipes

• Lauki Chana Dal
• Zucchini Besan Sabzi
• Rajma Masala
• Beetroot & Chickpeas Stir Fry
• Channa Masala
• Potato Peas Curry

If you love Lentils & Beans and looking for more Instant Pot Indian Recipes ? Here are my 22+ Instant Pot lentils & Beans Recipes you must try.

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