How to Cook North Indian Home Style Lobiya Chaat

To cook North Indian home-style Lobiya Chaat:

A popular street food snack in India, lobiya chaat is made by mixing cooked black-eyed peas with chopped onions, tomatoes, green chilies, and spices like chaat masala, served with a drizzle of tamarind chutney and yogurt.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried black-eyed peas (lobiya), soaked overnight
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon chaat masala
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped, for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Oil for cooking

Instructions:

1. Rinse the soaked black-eyed peas thoroughly and drain them.
2. Heat oil in a pressure cooker or a large pot over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
3. Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
4. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and green chili (if using). Sauté for a minute until the raw aroma disappears.
5. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and mushy.
6. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, ground coriander, and chaat masala. Stir well to combine.
7. Add the drained black-eyed peas to the pot along with salt to taste. Mix everything thoroughly.
8. Pour enough water to cover the peas and bring it to a boil.
9. If using a pressure cooker, close the lid and cook for about 4-5 whistles or until the peas are tender. If using a pot, cover and simmer until the peas are cooked through, adding more water if necessary.
10. Once the peas are cooked, mash some of them with the back of a spoon to thicken the mixture slightly.
11. Adjust seasoning if needed and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
12. Serve hot Lobiya Chaat with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.

Enjoy your delicious North Indian home-style Lobiya Chaat!