Reunion Island curry with "large peas", or Cape peas

The black-eyed pea originates from South Africa. Black-eyed pea curry is a common side dish in Réunion cuisine. Traditionally, a Réunion meal consists of a meat or fish curry or rougail, accompanied by rice, rougail (a cold condiment such as tomato rougail), brèdes (green vegetables), and "grains" (dried legumes such as black-eyed peas). This dish contributes to the culinary diversity of Réunion Island. This simple and delicious recipe is sure to please lovers of Creole cuisine.

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 2 hours

Rest time: 8 hours

Total time 10 hrs 5 mins

Difficulty: Beginner

Servings: 4

Special diet: naturally gluten-free

Ingredients

250g of Cape peas, soaked in water for 8 hours, or a can of cooked peas. ( or a can of Cape peas)
1 medium onion, sliced
2 cloves of garlic, crushed
1 piece of fresh ginger (1 cm)
1 tsp of turmeric
1 tsp ground cumin
1 teaspoon of thyme
2 leaves of Kaloupilé (curry)
1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh coriander for garnish (optional)

Preparation

1
Cooking the broad beans: Drain the soaked broad beans and cook them in twice their volume of water for about 90 minutes, or until tender. Drain and set aside. Alternatively, use canned black-eyed peas (available in Asian grocery stores).
2
Curry preparation: In a large pan or pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent.
3
Add the garlic and ginger: Stir in the crushed garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes to release the aromas.
4
Add the spices: Add the turmeric and cumin. Mix well and simmer for 5 minutes.
5
Incorporate the peas: Add the pan-cooked peas, along with the thyme and curry or bay leaves. Mix well to coat the peas with the sauce.
6
Simmer: Add a little water to reach the desired consistency and simmer gently for 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
7
To finish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve the chickpea curry with white rice for a vegetarian version or as a side dish with another Creole meal.

Keywords: Cape peas, large pea recipe, Réunion Island recipe, Réunion Island curry recipe