Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas Curry (Indian Lobia Masala)

Black Eyed Peas Curry or Indian Lobia Masala recipe is a popular Punjabi curry that is healthy and delicious made using the onion-tomato base and few spices in an Instant Pot Pressure cooker or Stovetop. It is perfect to enjoy with some steaming basmati rice. This is 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. 

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 in Instant Pot

Firstly, 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 to the POT. Once POT is hot add cumin (jeera) seeds, let them splutter.

Add onions, green chilies, 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 chili 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 the timer to 12 minutes for firmer beans & 14 minutes for softer beans.

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

Lastly, remove the 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.

Stovetop 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 to the pan. Once hot add jeera seeds, let them splutter.
• Once the 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 chili 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 the lid and add garam masala powder, lime juice, and garnish with cilantro. Mix well.
• Black-eyed peas curry recipe is ready, serve with hot with rice, poori's, chapatis, roti & parathas.

How to serve Black Eyed Peas Curry?

Black Eyed Peas Curry (Lobia Masala) is often served with hot steamed basmati rice, Jeera Rice, Indian flatbread, or puris. Pair it with raita and a salad on the side for a wholesome dinner or lunch.

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 the 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

Looking for More Indian Curry Recipes

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• Rajma Masala
• Beetroot & Chickpeas Stir Fry
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