Brown Black-Eyed Beans Curry / Chavalichi Usal

The variety that you find in Indian lentils is mind-boggling. Generally, I have always bought black-eyed beans (Kaaramani) in white (colour). This time, the store also had the brown variety and that reminded me of the colour of Usal that I used to have in Mumbai. I instantly knew that I wanted to work with this ingredient. Black-eyed beans are a great source of protein and commonly used in Maharashtrian and Konkani cooking. This recipe tastes awesome with rotis and gets done in no time.

Recipe Details :
Serves: 3-4 pax
Time: 30 mins
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients :

• 1 cup brown black-eyed beans (soaked overnight)
• 2 medium-sized onions, finely chopped
• 2 tsp goda masala (This is a Maharashtrian specialty masala). If you do not have this, use 2 tsp of Garam masala.
• 2 tsp chilli powder
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 3 tbsp roasted coconut paste
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 cup freshly chopped coriander
• 1/2 tsp asafoetida (optional)
• 2 bay leaves (optional)
• 4 tbsp oil

• Soak the brown black-eyed beans in warm water for minimum 6-8 hrs.



• Strain all the water from the beans as shown above. They should have fluffed up well.
• Roast the grated coconut on medium flame till the coconut turns slightly brown.
• Grind this into a smooth paste using some water.
• Heat oil in a pressure cooker. Add the bay leaves and the onion and sauté till golden brown.
• Then add the asafoetida, turmeric powder, the coconut paste, all the masala, and ginger-garlic paste and sauté well.
• Now add the brown black-eyed beans, salt, around 1.5 cups of water and mix well.
• Close the lid of the pressure cooker and give it 5 whistles on low flame. Then switch off the flame.
• Once the pressure is released completely, open the cooker and mix it well. If the water is less, add some water and mix.
• Garnish the curry with coriander leaves before serving. Serve it hot with rotis.

Tips:

• It is important to soak the daal for at least 6-8 hours.
• Once the daal is cooked, adjust the consistency by adding some water.
• For those staying in Singapore, the beans are available in Mustafa or most of the Indian grocery stores.