A quick Indian inspired Black Eyed Peas Curry with Greens to eat on New Years Day!
This Indian inspired black eyed peas curry recipe is family friendly, Instant Pot cooked, and packed with subtle healing spices like turmeric, mustard seeds, and garlic. It is enjoyed by my family on New Years Day to bring good health and wealth for the year ahead.
Black Eyed Peas and Greens
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I can't tell you guys how excited I am to share this recipe with you. This is one thing I have convinced all of my friends to eat on New Years Day for one superstitious reason or another. It is a tasty and comforting Indian inspired recipe that is enjoyed by everyone in the family. Memories upon memories are tied behind this recipe and I hope it does the same for you and yours! Hope you all have a wonderful New Year!!!
How this recipe came about
I am so thankful to have been brought up my parents who value other cultures and traditions. We celebrated almost every holiday under the sun in our very own way, and this particular one did not slip away any given year. Growing up, I do not remember a New Year Day when we didn't eat Black-Eyed Peas and Greens. It was a tradition my Dad had learned about before I was even born from a fellow employee. Since, then the tradition has lived on in our household with Indian inspired spices of course. With that said...
This southern gal can't forget black-eyed peas and greens on New Year's Day and neither should you!
Why eat black eyed peas on new years day?
The tradition says black eyed peas and greens are a mix of wealth and health for the given year. Exactly 365 beans are eaten with some greens (usually in a form of collard or turnip greens). The beans are there to symbolize great health for 365 days and the greens are there to symbolize wealth or as we like to see it "money".
What type of greens can I use in this New Years Black Eyed Peas Curry?
I love to make it with spinach because it goes well with Indian Food. However, you can also use collard or turnip greens which are tougher to cook and will need to be added with the black eyed peas to tenderize the leaves.
Where to buy Black Eyed Peas?
There are many variations of black eyed peas available throughout the world. In the US, you can readily find them available at any grocery store, Indian Grocery store, or even online. Click here to order via amazon.
How long does it take to cook black eyed peas?
Depending on soak time, the cooking time can vary. It has been said that soaking beans can help absorption and prevent digestive issues. However, if you are crunching on time, then use the "bean" mode on an Instant Pot. It cooks the Black Eyed Peas perfectly.
Black Eyed Peas for Diabetes
Black Eyed Peas have a low glycemic index which means they are a great legume to eat. However everything in moderation considering the sides eaten with this dish include either rice, tortillas, or in the Indian culture roti.
Black Eyed Peas and Rice
I love to eat this black eyed peas curry with plain white rice if I am not eating it straight out of a bowl as is. It's very comforting and makes a complete meal with greens, protein, and a carb. The flavors of the curry mix well with plain rice and textures seem to hit every need when adding a side of papad to to make it a complete meal.
New Year's Black Eyed Peas and Greens Recipe
Black Eyed Pea and Greens
Ingredients
MAIN INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup dried black eyed peas
- 3 cups water
- 1 tablespoon garlic, grated (about 3 cloves)
- 1 teaspoon turmeric (fresh or powder)
- 1 teaspoon whole mustard seeds
- ½ teaspoon asafaetido (hing)
- ½ medium tomato, chopped
- ¼ medium onion, chopped
- 1 jalapeno, blended
- cilantro stems
- cilantro leaves, garnishment
- salt
- oil
- baby spinach, chopped (optional)
ONE OF THE FOLLOWING
- 2 cups baby spinach, chopped
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 2 cups collard greens, chopped
- 2 cups turnip greens, chopped
Instructions
INSTANT POT INSTRUCTIONS
- Turn Instant Pot on sauté mode and add some oil. Once it is heated, add mustard seeds and wait for them to pop. Immediately add asafaetido.
- Add the black eyed peas and water. Then add the remaining ingredients which include onion, tomato, turmeric, jalapeno, garlic, salt, and cilantro stems (if using kale, collard greens, or turnip greens then add at this point too).
- Close the Instant Pot with the lid and set to bean mode (30 minutes high pressure). Put vent on sealing to prevent steam from releasing.
- Once the IP timer turns off let it naturally release pressure and cool down on its own.
- Open the lid but do not mix yet. Add cilantro leaves and baby spinach at this point (optional)
- Mix and serve.
Notes
- If you want to kick it up a notch then saute some chopped tomatoes + red chilli powder for a few minutes in a little bit of oil. Top it once the black eyed peas have been cooked.
- Enjoy as is, with roti, or plain white rice.
WISH YOU ALL NOTHING BUT THE BEST IN THE UPCOMING YEAR!