What is kala vatana, dried black peas, kala matar?

Kala vatna, also known as black peas are dark green black coloured dried peas which are small, round and looks like black coloured pearls. When you want to enjoy a starchier, hardier flavoured legume, kala vataana are the perfect choice as they are available any time of the year. Although they belong to the same family as beans and lentils, they are usually distinguished as a separate group because of the ways in which they are prepared. Dried peas are produced by harvesting the peapods when they are fully mature and then drying them. Once they are dried and the skins removed, they split naturally.

How to select kala vatana, dried black peas, kala matar

Kala vatana are generally available in prepackaged containers as well as bulk bins. Regardless of packaging, check the peas as best as possible to ensure that they are not cracked and that they are free of debris.

Culinary Uses of kala vatana, dried black peas, kala matar in Indian Cooking

In Indian cooking kala vatana is most commonly used to make Maharashtrian Kala vatana usal and sabzi. It is also used to make South Indian Pumpkin Kootu Curry.

How to store kala vatana, dried black peas, kala matar

Kala vatana will keep for several months if stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry, dark place. If you need to store them for longer, you can keep them in the refrigerator.

Health benefits of kala vatana, dried black peas, kala matar

Kala vatana has more good amount of fibre and is also higher protein content with virtually very less fat. Thus it is a wise choice for heart disease, weight loss and diabetics too. Being rich in Magnesium it further improves insulin response by lowering insulin resistance. They are a good source of potassium, which may decrease the growth and development of blood vessel plaques and is also good for managing high blood pressure. The good amount of iron in it helps to build hemoglobin levels. With fair amounts of calcium and phosphorus, kala vatana will also aid in maintaining bone health.

soaked kala vatana

To soak kala vatana, first wash them thoroughly, check for any stones and then soak in warm water for 6 to 8 hours. Drain and use as per the recipe requirement.