Description

As the name suggests, boiled safed vataana refers to the dried peas which are boiled. You can use two cups of water per cup of peas. These proportions are based on cooking with the pot cover on. This way, it will cook a little faster, use less energy, and perhaps retain more vitamins.

Pressure cook the soaked vataana with or without salt in boiling water. Bring the concoction to a boil, then turn the down the flame to medium-low. If it gets too thick, add more water. The beans are cooked when they burst and the water turns syrupy. At this point , you may add spices, vegetables or even boiled rice as per your preference and recipe requirements. Whole peas generally take about an hour to become tender while split peas only take about 30 minutes. Foam may form during the first 15 minutes of cooking, which can simply be skimmed off.

How to select

Dried peas to be boiled are generally available in prepackaged containers as well as bulk bins. They are available as whole peas or split peas. 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

" Use safed vataana to make dhal, the classic Indian dish.
" Safed vataana soup, whether homemade or from a container, is a delicious way to enjoy this nutritious legume.
" Purée cooked peas with your favorite herbs and spices and serve as a side dish.
" Boiled safed vataana can be made into a tangy chaat with chopped onions, green chilies and tomatoes.

How to store

Dried peas or safed vataana 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. Boiled safed vataana woulsd howver stay only for 3-4 days in refrigerator.

Health benefits

" Dried peas, a small but nutritionally mighty member of the legume family, are a very good source of cholesterol-lowering fiber. Not only can dried peas help lower cholesterol, they are also of special benefit in managing blood-sugar disorders since their high fiber content prevents blood sugar levels from rising rapidly after a meal.
" Dried peas also provide good to excellent amounts of four important minerals, two B-vitamins, and protein--all with virtually no fat.
" Dried peas, like other legumes, are rich in soluble fiber.
" They are a good source of potassium, which may decrease the growth and development of blood vessel plaques and is also good for lowering high blood pressure.