Maharashtrian Chawlichi Usal, A Simple Lentil Dish For A Traditional Dinner

By Shreya Goswami

September 15, 2023

A lentil-based dish made with black eyed peas, called Chawli in Marathi, Chawlichi Usal is a protein-packed dish that is eaten with rice or rotis. Try this recipe for your next Indian meal.

Ingredients

1 cup black eyed peas, soaked 2 cups water 1 cup onions, chopped ½ cup tomato, chopped 1 tsp red chilli powder ½ tsp turmeric powder 1 tsp garam masala   2 tbsp oil Salt, to taste For the spice blend: ½ onion, chopped 3 tbsp coconut, grated 2 tbsp fennel seeds 1 tbsp coriander seeds 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste

Image Credit: Unsplash

Step 1

Place the ingredients for the spice blend in a mixer jar and grind to a fine paste.

Step 2

Heat oil in a pressure cooker, then add the onions. Cook until the onions turn translucent.

Step 3

Add the tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, garam masala and salt. Mix well and cook for 5 minutes.

Step 4

Now add the spice paste and continue cooking until the raw smell of spices dissipates.

Step 5

Add the soaked black eyed peas, water, adjust the salt, mix well and cook for 2-3 whistles or until done.

Step 6

Serve the Chawlichi Usal while hot with steamed rice or freshly made rotis.