Lobia Curry Recipe: Lobia Curry, also known as black-eyed beans curry or choli nu shaak, is a delightful dish from North Indian cuisine. It’s a simple yet delicious curry typically served with roti or rice for lunch. This versatile curry can be made using two methods: boiling the soaked beans and then cooking them with spices, or cooking the soaked beans with spices and then boiling them until soft. In this recipe, we’ll use the second method, where soaked beans are cooked with onion and tomato-based masala in a pressure cooker.
Lobia Curry Recipe Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup Libia (black-eyed peas), soaked in water for 4-6 hours or overnight
- 1 tablespoon Oil
- 1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon grated Ginger (or ginger paste)
- 4-5 Curry Leaves (optional)
- 1 Green Chilli, chopped
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 medium Tomato, finely chopped or pureed (about 1/2 cup)
- 1/2 teaspoon Red Chilli Powder
- 1 teaspoon Cumin-Coriander Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
- 1 1/2 cups Water
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons Coriander Leaves, for garnishing
Lobia Curry Recipe Directions:
- Rinse the soaked lobia (black-eyed peas) 2-3 times and drain them.
- Heat oil in a pressure cooker over medium flame. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle. Then, add grated ginger, curry leaves, and chopped green chilli. Sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Add chopped tomato and cook until soft, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add red chilli powder, cumin-coriander powder, and turmeric powder. Mix well and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add soaked and drained lobia (black-eyed peas) along with salt. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in water (use double the amount of water compared to beans), mix well, and close the lid of the pressure cooker. Cook for 6-8 whistles or until the beans are soft.
- Once done, let the pressure release naturally. Open the lid and check if the lobia are soft.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, mash a few beans with the back of a spoon and cook for another 2-3 minutes until desired consistency is reached.
- Turn off the flame and transfer the curry to a serving bowl. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
Lobia Curry Recipe Tips and Variations:
- If you’re short on time, you can skip soaking the lobia and cook them directly with more water (3/4 cup extra) for 8-9 whistles until soft.
- Adjust the gravy thickness according to your preference.
- Serve the lobia curry with steamed rice or chapati for a satisfying meal.
Taste: Mildly Spicy
Serving Ideas: Enjoy lobia curry with steamed rice or chapati along with papad for a fulfilling lunch.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Lobia Curry Recipe is a versatile and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as a wholesome meal with roti or rice. Whether you choose to soak the beans beforehand or not, this curry is easy to prepare and perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks alike. With its ability to stay fresh in the refrigerator for a few days, it’s also a convenient option for meal prep. By following the step-by-step recipe provided, you can recreate this delicious curry at home and delight your taste buds with its rich and aromatic flavors.
FAQs About Lobia Curry Recipe
What is Lobia Curry?
Lobia Curry, also known as black-eyed beans curry or choli nu shaak, is a popular dish from North Indian cuisine. It is a delicious curry made with black-eyed peas cooked in a flavorful onion and tomato-based gravy.
How is Lobia Curry typically served?
Lobia Curry is typically served with roti (Indian flatbread) or rice for lunch. It can also be enjoyed with other Indian breads like chapati or naan.
Can I make Lobia Curry without soaking the beans?
Yes, you can make Lobia Curry without soaking the beans. In this case, you’ll need to add more water (about 3/4 cup extra) and cook the beans for a longer time until they are soft.
How long does Lobia Curry stay fresh in the refrigerator?
Lobia Curry can stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container.
Can I adjust the spiciness of Lobia Curry according to my preference?
Yes, you can adjust the spiciness of Lobia Curry by increasing or decreasing the amount of red chilli powder and green chillies according to your taste preferences. Additionally, you can also add spices like garam masala for extra heat and flavor.
