Green Vatana Curry Recipe – Spicy Dried Green Peas Masala for Pav, Rice, or Roti

Green Vatana Curry Recipe
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Total Time 40 mins
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Beginner
Cooking Temp: 350  F
Servings: 4
Estimated Cost: 3
Calories: 210
Best Season: Winter
Description

A hearty, spicy Indian-style curry made from dried green peas, simmered in a fragrant onion-tomato masala, and perfect for pairing with pav, roti, or rice.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup dried green peas (vatana)
  • 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or mustard)
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 green 1–2 chilies, slit or chopped
  • 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
  • Salt, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (coriander leaves)
  • Water, as needed
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, for balance)
Instructions
  1. 1
    Rinse 1 cup of dried green vatana under running water. Soak them overnight (8–10 hours) in enough water. They will swell and become soft.
  2. 2
    Drain the soaked peas and place them in a pressure cooker with 2.5 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Cook for 3–4 whistles on medium heat or until they are soft but not mushy. If using an Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 12 minutes with natural release.
  3. 3
    In a deep pan or kadai, heat 2 tablespoons of oil. Add mustard seeds and let them crackle. Then add cumin seeds.
  4. 4
    Add chopped onions and cook until golden brown. Then stir in ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Sauté for 2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
  5. 5
    Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften. Then mix in turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Sauté until the oil separates from the masala.
  6. 6
    Add the boiled green vatana along with cooking water. Adjust consistency by adding more water if needed. Let it simmer for 10–12 minutes, uncovered, to absorb all the flavors.
  7. 7
    Stir in garam masala, sugar (optional), and chopped cilantro. Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes. Turn off heat and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 210kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 6g10%
Sodium 430mg18%
Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
Dietary Fiber 9g36%
Sugars 4g
Protein 11g22%
Vitamin C 20 mg
Calcium 6 mg
Iron 15 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.