Goan White Peas Usal (Chanyachi Usal)
White Peas Usal, also known as Vatana Usal or Chanya Usal, is a traditional Goan dish prepared especially during Diwali. It is also sometimes served as prasad in certain temples in Goa.
This flavourful white peas usal is commonly enjoyed alongside different varieties of Goan poha (flattened rice) during Diwali. Made with white peas, freshly grated coconut and a simple tempering of aromatic spices, this traditional Goan recipe is delicious and extremely easy to prepare.
Whether served as a Diwali special dish, a side dish with your everyday meal or enjoyed on its own, this homemade White Peas Usal is sure to delight your taste buds.
Ingredients for Goan White Peas Usal
White peas: 200 grams
Freshly grated coconut: 1 cup
Dried red chillies: 7–8
Coconut oil or any cooking oil: 1 tablespoon
Mustard seeds: 1 teaspoon
Cumin seeds: 1 teaspoon
Curry leaves: 10–15
Asafoetida (hing): ¼ teaspoon
Garam masala: ½ teaspoon
Salt: To taste
How to Make White Peas Usal – Step-by-Step Recipe
1. Soak the white peas in water for approximately 6–7 hours.
2. Heat oil in a pressure cooker.
3. Add mustard seeds to the hot oil. Once they start spluttering, add cumin seeds, curry leaves and asafoetida. Break the dried red chillies into pieces and add them to the tempering.
4. Add the soaked white peas to the prepared tempering and mix well.
5. Now, add a generous amount of freshly grated coconut and mix everything together.
6. Add garam masala and salt. Mix well until all the ingredients are combined.
7. Add enough water to cover the peas properly. Close the pressure cooker lid and cook for 3–4 whistles.
8. Once the pressure cooker has cooled down, open the lid. If there is any excess water remaining in the usal, simmer it over medium heat until the water evaporates.
Traditional Goan White Peas Usal Is Ready!
Your hot and delicious Goan White Peas Usal is ready to serve!
This traditional white peas preparation tastes absolutely delicious even when eaten on its own. You can also serve it as a side dish with your regular meals or enjoy it with chapatis.
It is particularly enjoyable as part of a traditional Goan Diwali breakfast, served alongside different varieties of poha.
