Lobia Masala Recipe (Black Eyed Bean Curry) – A Flavorful North Indian Delight
Lobia Masala, also known as Chora nu Shaak in Gujarati, is a warm, flavorful curry made from black-eyed beans that are slow-cooked with aromatic spices and fresh ingredients. This dish is a family favorite, offering a balance of flavors and nutrients. Black-eyed beans are incredibly versatile and absorb the spices beautifully, making them succulent and savory. Packed with proteins, dietary fiber, and micronutrients, Lobia Masala is a delicious and healthy choice for anyone looking to enjoy a high-protein vegetarian dish.
Lobia Masala is perfect for dinner, especially when served with parathas or roti. With its hearty texture and deep flavors, it’s a meal that satisfies the taste buds while providing essential nutrients for a balanced diet.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Black-eyed beans (Lobia) | 1 cup |
| Homemade tomato puree | 1/2 cup |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 large |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Ginger, peeled and grated | 1 inch |
| Garlic, finely chopped | 3 cloves |
| Green chilli, finely chopped | 2 |
| Cinnamon stick (Dalchini) | 1-inch piece |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Coriander powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Red chilli powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam masala powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Jaggery | 1 teaspoon |
| Lemon juice | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander leaves (Dhania), chopped | For garnish |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Protein | 9g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fiber | 7g |
| Fat | 4g |
| Saturated fat | 0.5g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 250mg |
Preparation Time
| Time | Duration |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 35 minutes |
| Total Time | 45 minutes |
Instructions
-
Soak the Beans:
Begin by thoroughly washing the black-eyed beans. Soak them in water for about 2 hours to soften them. Once soaked, drain the beans and set them aside. -
Pressure Cook the Beans:
Transfer the soaked beans to a pressure cooker. Add the water they were soaked in, plus an additional 2 cups of fresh water. Cook the beans on medium heat until they are soft but not mushy. The cooking time may vary depending on your pressure cooker, but it typically takes around 10-12 minutes after the first whistle. Once done, set the beans aside. -
Prepare the Masala Base:
Heat 1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds and cinnamon stick. Let them splutter for a few seconds to release their flavors. -
Sauté Aromatics:
Add the grated ginger, finely chopped garlic, onions, and green chilies to the pan. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions turn translucent and the mixture becomes fragrant. -
Cook the Tomato Puree:
Stir in the homemade tomato puree and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Continue stirring until the oil begins to separate from the masala, indicating that the base is well-cooked. -
Add Spices and Beans:
Add the turmeric powder, coriander powder, garam masala powder, and red chili powder to the pan. Stir well to combine all the spices. Then, add the cooked black-eyed beans along with a small amount of the water in which they were cooked. -
Simmer and Adjust Consistency:
Stir everything together and reduce the flame to low. Let the Lobia Masala simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. You can adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed. If you prefer a thicker curry, let it cook a bit longer without adding extra water. -
Add Sweetness and Acidity:
Once the curry has cooked and reached your desired consistency, add 1 teaspoon of jaggery to balance out the heat from the spices. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon of lemon juice for a fresh burst of acidity that will brighten up the dish. -
Garnish and Serve:
Turn off the heat and garnish the Lobia Masala with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Serve the curry hot with parathas, roti, or steamed rice for a satisfying meal.
Tips for the Perfect Lobia Masala:
-
Soaking Beans: If you’re short on time, you can skip soaking the beans for 2 hours and use a pressure cooker to cook them directly, but soaking helps to reduce the cooking time and ensures even cooking.
-
Spice Level: Adjust the level of green chilies and red chili powder to your preferred spice level. You can reduce the heat for a milder curry.
-
Consistency: If you prefer a thinner curry, feel free to add more water or vegetable broth during the cooking process. For a richer, thicker curry, let it simmer longer on low heat.
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Serving Suggestions: Lobia Masala pairs wonderfully with warm, soft parathas, roti, or even a side of basmati rice for a complete meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Lobia Masala is a healthy, delicious, and easy-to-make curry that’s perfect for dinner. It’s rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a wholesome addition to your high-protein vegetarian meals. The combination of spices like cumin, coriander, garam masala, and cinnamon gives the curry a warm, comforting flavor that’s perfect for any season.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this Lobia Masala recipe will become a family favorite that you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy the blend of flavors and the nutritional benefits of black-eyed beans in this vibrant curry!
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