Dried green peas cooked soft & seasoned with spices to create a simple, yet comforting stew/curry – Vegan + Gluten free too!
While chickpeas will forever be my most favorite legume, if I had to pick a close second, these dried green peas would take home the prize. Chaat is the most popular kind of street food in India, but growing up I was not very fond of it. It was way too messy for me to enjoy, and I wasn’t equipped to handle all the basic tastes (sweet, sour,bitter, salty & umami) in a single dish. So I steered clear of it well past my teens. But when forced into my local chaat stall, I always made an exception to the peas masala chaat. Although I’ve now come to appreciate the mingling of the flavors in each chaat dish, the peas masala chaat will always be my favorite.
This Easy Peasy Peas Masala is inspired by my childhood experiences – not only is it good enough to eat as a side to rice/roti, I sometimes make it slightly runny to drink as soup! And leftovers can be re-purposed into a kick-ass fried rice!
Besides, it comes together very quickly with very few ingredients, most of which you probably already have, making it a perfect weeknight meal. Just remember to soak the dried green peas overnight to speed up cooking time. And cooking lentils/legumes is always easier if you have a pressure cooker.
Each spoonful brings back so many memories to me! But even without the side of nostalgia, you can enjoy the warm comfort this curry provides.
When you make these (which I really think you SHOULD!), be sure to SHARE YOUR PHOTOS with me through Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. I’d love to see what you cook from here and will share it with pride on my social media feeds.
Debra C. says
The meal looks absolutely amazing as do your pictures, wow! Somebody hand me a spoon! 😀
Tina Dawson says
Aww thanks so much Debra! Let me know how you like it!
swayam says
This looks soo good Tina!! Love the color of the gravy 🙂
Tina Dawson says
Thanks so much Swayam!!! <3
Platter Talk says
I don’t know that I’ve ever cooked dry, whole peas before but this recipe sounds as tho I should try.
Tina Dawson says
Please do, Dan! It’s really delicious!
Raia Todd says
Sounds delicious. I’ve got to get myself some garam masala so I can give this a try!
Tina Dawson says
Yes please! Thanks Raia!
Erren says
I love this vegan recipe!
Tina Dawson says
Thanks Erren!
Karen @ Seasonal Cravings says
I am in love with curry this winter and I’ve been eating in so many different dishes. It’s perfect for the cold weather. I can’t wait to give this one a try. Gorgeous photos!
Tina Dawson says
Thanks so much Karen!
Dannii says
I love peas, but sadly my husband is allergic and I can’t even cook them when he is in the house. But I will definitely be making this next time he is it.
Tina Dawson says
Danni, these are dried green peas – it tastes a lot different than fresh peas. Try it, you’ll love it!