Chavali Usal..(Black Eyed Beans Curry)

Diwali snacks and treats were always accompanied by Chavali Usal at my grandmothers house.

My mother too followed the same tradition. There is really no significance attached to it, except that chavali usal was always served along with Kande-Pohe, Sweet Pohe and all other traditional diwali snacks.

Chavali Usal is a favorite at my house, specially loved by my husband, Salil. It can be eaten with Rice or Chapati ( Indian Bread). My friend and her family are visiting us for dinner this Saturday. With Diwali coming up next week, I thought this is the best time to actually make it and post it on my blog.

 

CHAVALI USAL (Black Eyed Bean Curry)

       Ingredients

• 2 cups Chavali (Black Eyed Beans) - Soak in warm water for 4-6 hours
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 1 1/2 tsp Mustard seeds
• 1 Whole dried red chili
• 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
• A pinch of Asafetida
• 5-6 Curry leaves
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 2 tbsp Goda Masala or Garam Masala
• 1 tbsp Jaggery (you can use sugar if jaggery is not available)
• Salt according to taste. ( I use about 1 1/2  tsp) 
• 2-3 tbsp Coriander leaves (Cilantro), chopped 
• 2 tbsp fresh shredded coconut

       Directions

• Soak the chavali in warm water overnight or for atleast 4-6 hours. Rinse under water a few times. Add 2 cups water and cook in the pressure cooker.
• Heat oil in a saucepan. Add mustard seeds and wait until they splutter.
• Add whole red dried chili, curry leaves, asafetida and  turmeric powder.
• Add onions and cook until they are translucent. Add chili powder and goda masala or garam masala. Then add the cooked chavali, salt and jaggery or sugar and mix well. Add some water (about 1/2-1 cup), depending upon the consistency you prefer. Let it boil and simmer for about 10 minutes. Add coriander leaves and shredded coconut. Serve with hot rice or chapati.

PS : You can add 1 cup coconut milk if you like instead of the shredded coconut for a gravy. You can also add one chopped tomato and 1 diced potato after adding the onions and let it cook for a while before adding the chavali.

My neice Salome, made a request for some chinese or italian recipes. My daughter, Riya makes the best Italian Shrimp ever. Its her own recipe. So next time I will see you with the recipes for Riya's Italian Shrimp, Pasta and Italian Vegetables.

Fino alla prossima volta   (Translates to 'Until next time...' in italian)