Lemon and Ginger Spicy Black Eyed Beans
An Indian-inspired, zesty side dish that combines the goodness of Black Eyed Beans with the bold flavors of ginger and lemon. Perfectly spicy with a tangy twist, this dish is sure to brighten up any meal.
Cuisine: Mexican
Course: Side Dish
Diet: High Protein Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Black Eyed Beans (Lobia) | 1 cup, soaked in water overnight |
| Onion | 1, chopped |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced |
| Bell Pepper (Red, Yellow, or Green) | 1, finely chopped |
| Tomatoes | 2, blanched, skin removed, and finely chopped |
| Ginger | 2 inches, julienned (fine) |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 2 teaspoons |
| Red Chilli Powder (or Red Chilli Flakes) | 1 teaspoon or to taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 4 sprigs, chopped |
| Lemon Juice | 1 teaspoon, adjustable |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 |
| Protein | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Fiber | 7g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Sodium | 300mg |
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions
-
Cook the Beans:
Begin by pressure cooking the soaked Black Eyed Beans with 2-3 cups of water until they are tender but still retain a slight bite. Once cooked, drain the beans and set aside the cooking water for later use. -
Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pan, heat the Extra Virgin Olive Oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing them for about 1 minute or until the onions soften and become translucent. -
Add the Vegetables:
To the softened onions and garlic, add the finely chopped bell pepper and sauté for another minute, allowing the peppers to soften slightly. -
Infuse the Spices:
Next, add the julienned ginger (saving a few pieces for garnish) to the pan and stir for about 30 seconds to release its fragrant aroma. Sprinkle in the cumin powder and red chili powder (or red chili flakes), stirring well to coat the vegetables in the spices. -
Cook the Tomatoes:
Add the blanched and finely chopped tomatoes to the pan. Pour in a ladleful of the reserved bean cooking water and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and the flavors to meld together. -
Combine the Beans:
Stir in the cooked Black Eyed Beans and sprinkle salt to taste. Mix everything together thoroughly, ensuring the beans are well coated with the spiced mixture. -
Final Cooking:
Allow the beans to cook for another 2 minutes, letting the flavors combine and the beans soak up the deliciously spicy sauce. -
Garnish and Serve:
Remove the pan from the heat and transfer the beans to a serving dish. Garnish with the reserved julienned ginger and fresh chopped coriander leaves. Finish by squeezing a teaspoon of lemon juice over the dish for an extra zesty kick. -
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these flavorful Lemon and Ginger Spicy Black Eyed Beans as a side dish alongside a bowl of Spinach and Tortellini Soup for a balanced and satisfying meal.
Tips and Variations
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots, peas, or spinach to the beans for extra texture and nutrition.
- Adjust the Spice Level: The level of spiciness can be adjusted by varying the amount of red chili powder or chili flakes according to your taste.
- Vegan Option: This dish is naturally vegan when prepared with olive oil.
- Serving Ideas: These beans pair wonderfully with a warm flatbread like naan or as a hearty side to rice-based dishes.
Conclusion:
Lemon and Ginger Spicy Black Eyed Beans is a bold and flavorful side dish that will add a spicy, tangy twist to your meal. Packed with plant-based protein and bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors, it’s a dish that will surely become a favorite in your kitchen! Enjoy it with your loved ones for a healthy and delicious meal that’s as satisfying as it is nutritious.
