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Sarah

Black-Eyed Peas Curry (Instant Pot or Stovetop)

Creamy Indian-style black-eyed peas simmered in a tomato-ginger masala with coconut milk. Includes Instant Pot and stovetop directions for dried or canned peas.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8 cups
Course: Dinner, Main
Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Calories: 265
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp neutral oil or ghee
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 1 Tbsp garlic, minced
  • 1 Tbsp ginger, minced
  • 2 medium tomatoes, grated (or 14 oz crushed)
  • 1–2 pieces green chiles, minced (optional)
  • 2 tsp ground coriander
  • ½ tsp turmeric
  • 1–2 tsp Kashmiri chili powder or paprika (to taste)
  • 1 lb dried black-eyed peas, rinsed (or 3×15-oz cans, drained)
  • 4 cups water or low-sodium broth (Instant Pot with dried peas)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • ½–1 cup coconut milk (to taste)
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1–2 Tbsp lemon juice
  • cilantro, chopped, for serving

Equipment

  • Instant Pot or pressure cooker
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • ladle

Method

  • Set Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Heat oil or ghee, then add cumin seeds and let them sizzle until fragrant.
  • Add onion and a pinch of salt. Cook 6–7 minutes until golden and soft. Stir in garlic, ginger, and chiles; cook 30–60 seconds until aromatic.
  • Add coriander, turmeric, and chili powder. Toast for 30 seconds. Stir in tomatoes and a pinch of sugar, then cook 2–3 minutes until thick and paste-like.
  • Add dried peas, 4 cups water or broth, and 1 tsp salt. Stir well, seal the Instant Pot, and cook on High Pressure for 15 minutes. Let naturally release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
  • Stir in coconut milk, garam masala, and lemon juice. Simmer on Sauté (Low) for 2–3 minutes to blend flavors. Adjust salt, acid, and consistency as needed.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan.

Nutrition

Calories: 265kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 12gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 520mgPotassium: 620mgFiber: 9gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 750IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 70mgIron: 3.1mg

Notes

Soaked peas (IP): High Pressure 7 min + Natural Release 10 min. Canned peas: Add 1–2 cups broth and simmer 12–15 min. No coconut: substitute broth or water, finishing with 1 Tbsp ghee or olive oil for richness. Internal links: try Southern Black-Eyed Peas, Black-Eyed Pea Salad, or Marry Me Tortellini.
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