Lobia (Black-eyed Peas in Ginger and Tamarind Sauce)

Ingredients (use vegan versions):

• 1 cup dried black-eyed peas
• 2 teaspoon grated ginger root
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon tumeric
• 1-2 green chilis, chopped
• 1 tablespoon tamarind pulp
• 2/3 cup sliced onion
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 4-5 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon garam masala
• 2-3 tablespoon cilantro leaves

Directions:

Rinse and soak beans for a couple of hours in at least 3 1/2 cups of water in a medium saucepan. Bring beans to a boil over medium heat, add half the ginger, the chili powder, and the tumeric. Reduce heat, cover the pan and cook slowly for 45-50 minutes Add remaining ginger, chilis, tamarind pulp, mix it well and let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes. Meanwhile, SLOWLY dryfry onion to gradually carmelize it, as it begins to color add cumin seeds and garlic (add a little H2O to prevent burning if necessary). Remove pan from heat just as garlic darkens. Pour mixture into beans, together with Garam masala, stir and cook another 5 minutes. Before serving, stir in cilantro leaves and serve hot.