It is said that eating black-eyed peas on New Years Day brings a person prosperity. Well I love these lovely nutritious legumes and I know my "windfall" will come someday. I curried these peas so they a bursting with flavor. Enjoy them with any style of rice or Indian style flat bread.
2 cans of black-eyed peas (rinsed well)
4-5 cloves of garlic grated
2 inches grated fresh ginger
2 serrano/jalapeno chilies sliced (seeded if you want to reduce the heat)
2 bay leaves
1 cup of tomatoes diced. (You can used any style fresh tomato or even can tomatoes)
1 tsp cumin seed
1 tsp mustard seed
1 tsp garam masala
1 piece of cinnamon stick
1 tsp of red chili flakes (or to taste)
1/2 tsp of turmeric
10-15 curry leaves
Salt (to taste)
1/2 cup of coconut milk
1/2 cup of water
squirt of lime juice (optional)
Directions:
In a large pan heat around 1 Tbs of canola oil on medium high heat. Once oil is hot add the cumin and mustard seeds, cinnamon stick, curry and bay leaves. Allow to fry for 30-45 seconds. Then add your onions and green chilies. Fry for another minute.
Now add your tomatoes, garlic and ginger. Fry for another 1-2 minutes.
Then add your dry spices and saute for another 1-2 minutes.
Next add your black-eyed peas and salt to taste. Then add 1/2 a cup of water and allow to simmer for 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally and gently smash some of the peas and fresh tomatoes to thicken the gravy. Add the ½ cup of coconut milk to the pan and stir well. Cook for another minute. Turn off the stove and add a squeeze of lime juice (about 1 tsp) for a little freshness. You can also stir in some fresh cilantro or parsley to give it some more fresh flavor.
Serves 4-6 people. Serve with Rice or Flat bread and enjoy.
