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.
Peas Masala
- Prep Time:5m
- Cook Time:30m
- Total Time:30m
- Serves: 2
- Yield: About 3 cups
Ingredients
To cook the peas
- 1 c dried green peas (green vatana)
- 2 c water to soak + cook
- Salt to taste
For the curry
- 1 tsp. oil
- 1/4 cinnamon stick
- 1 small bay leaf
- 1/2 c onion, chopped
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 2 cloves of garlic, grated
- 1 c tomato, chopped
- 1/4 tsp. turmeric powder
- 1 tsp. (heaped) red chilli powder
- 1/2 tsp. garam masala
- 1/2 c water (as needed)
- a handful of fresh coriander, chopped
Optional garnish
- 1/2 lemon, sliced
- 1/4 c onions, chopped
Instructions
- Soak the dried green peas overnight. Pressure cook the soaked peas in the water it soaked in with 1/4 tsp salt until soft.
- Heat oil in a pan and once warm, add cinnamon stick and bay leaf.
- Then add the chopped onion, grated ginger+garlic and a pinch of salt. Sauté until the onions are soft.
- Add the powdered spices (turmeric, red chilli powder, garam masala) and cook for a minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes, cover and cook over medium heat until the tomatoes are soft and can be mashed to a pulp with a spoon.
- Add the cooked green peas + cooking liquid. Add more water to make the curry as runny as you prefer. Cover and let it come to a rolling boil.
- Remove from heat, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Optionally, just before serving, top with a little chopped onion (for crunch) and a quick squeeze of lemon juice.
- Serve hot!
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!