Malvani Kala Vatana Sambar / Usal ( Black Peas Curry)

Ingredients:

1. Kala vatana (black peas) – 1 cup
2. Onion (medium size)  – 1 sliced and 1 chopped
3. Tomato (chopped) – 1 small
4. Coconut (fresh/dry) – 3 to 4 tbsp
5. Ginger garlic paste – 1/2 tsp (optional)
6. Malvani masala – 1.5 tbsp
7. Chilly powder – as per your requirement
8. Turmeric powder – a dash
9. Tamarind – tiny piece (optional)
10. Oil – 2 tbsp
11. Baking soda – a pinch
12. Corriander leaves – for garnishing
13. Salt to taste

Procedure:

• Soak kala vatana for at least 8 hrs.
• Pressure cook by adding a pinch of baking soda till they soften.
• Heat 1 tbsp oil in a kadai and stir fry sliced onion till it turns golden brown.
• Add coconut and stir fry till it turns golden brown.
• Grind it to a fine paste by adding tamarind, 2 tbsp cooked peas and sufficient water, keep  aside.
• Heat oil in a pan and add chopped onion, stir fry till it turns translucent.
• Add ginger garlic paste, tomato, turmeric powder, chilly powder and malvani masala. Strif fry for 5 seconds.
• Add cooked peas, salt and water if necessary.
• Bring it to boil.
• Add ground paste , stir well and simmer for 3 to 5 min.
• Garnish with corriander leaves.
• Serve hot with rice/ rice wada/ rice bhakri/ chapati.