Eggs on Spiced Cowpeas
A classic Parsi "per eeda" dish where eggs are steamed over a savory, spiced bed of coarsely ground cowpeas (black-eyed peas). The legumes are soaked and crushed to a mince-like texture, then sautéed with caramelized onions, fresh herbs, and green chilies to create a rich, nutty base. This hearty breakfast or brunch option offers a delightful textural contrast between the spicy bean mixture and the soft, creamy eggs.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup Dried cowpeas (black-eyed peas) (Originally '5 tolas'. Soaked and ground.)
- 4 tablespoons Ghee (Originally '5 tolas'.)
- 1 large Onion (Originally '0.25 seer'. Finely sliced.)
- 1 teaspoon Ginger (Originally '0.5 tola'. Minced.)
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic (Originally '0.25 tola'. Minced.)
- 1 cup Fresh coriander leaves (Originally '2 bunches'. Chopped.)
- 2 whole Green chilies (Large variety, finely chopped.)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or Lemon juice (Originally 'Velati sauce' or chutney or lemon juice.)
- 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds (Crushed.)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Or to taste.)
- 4 whole Eggs (Originally '3 to 4'.)
Instructions
- 1Soak the dried cowpeas in water for 1.5 to 2 hours. After soaking, drain the water and wash them. Grind or pulse them coarsely (like thick mince) using a food processor or mortar and pestle.
- 2Peel the ginger and garlic. Finely chop them along with the fresh coriander and green chilies. Peel the onion and slice it very finely (like vermicelli/sev).
- 3Heat the ghee in a skillet or kadhai. Add the sliced onions and fry until they turn a golden brown color. Add the chopped ginger, garlic, coriander, green chilies, and crushed cumin. Sauté briefly until aromatic.
- 4Add the coarsely ground cowpeas to the pan. Stir constantly with a spoon and fry well until the mixture is cooked through. Stir in the salt and your choice of Worcestershire sauce, chutney, or lemon juice.
- 5Spread the cooked mixture evenly in the pan. Crack the eggs carefully over the top of the mixture. Cover the pan and cook on low heat until the egg whites are set and the yolks are cooked to your preference. Serve hot.