Pigeon Peas Substitutes

Substitute For Pigeon Peas

Pigeon peas, also known as Toor dal or Arhar dal, are a popular ingredient in many cuisines, especially in South Asian and Caribbean dishes. However, if you’re unable to find pigeon peas in your local grocery store or simply want to try something new, there are plenty of substitutes available. In this article, we will explore 10 pigeon pea substitutes that you can use in your cooking.

Pigeon Peas Substitutes

1. Split peas

Split peas are a great substitute for pigeon peas. They are high in protein and fiber and have a similar taste and texture to pigeon peas. Split peas are commonly used in soups and stews and can also be used in curries and other Indian dishes.

2. Lentils

Lentils are another great substitute for pigeon peas. They come in various colors and sizes and can be used in a variety of dishes. Red lentils, in particular, have a similar texture and taste to pigeon peas and are commonly used in Indian dal dishes.

3. Black-eyed peas

Black-eyed peas are a great substitute for pigeon peas in Caribbean dishes. They have a slightly sweet flavor and a creamy texture that works well in stews, soups, and rice dishes.

Black-eyed peas, also known as black-eyed beans, are a subspecies of cowpeas and it is native to Africa where the plant was domesticated. They are known for having a very dark color around the hilum of the seed, this seems to be the reason it is called “black-eyed”.

Black-eyed peas are medium-sized beans. It has a nutty and earthy flavor with a dense and meaty texture when it is cooked as opposed to the fluffy texture of cannellini beans. Over the years, black-eyed peas have been used when making recipes like soups, salads, stews, etc.

As for health benefits, black-eyed peas are known to help with digestive health due to their high fiber content. They are good at helping one to control their weight. They are also known to help reduce the amount of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the body. 

4. Chickpeas

Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans or Egyptian pea, or Bengal gram, are a yearly legume from the family of Fabaceae and are a versatile substitute for pigeon peas. It was one of the first legumes to be cultivated in the world. It is also a common ingredient used in parts of Asia, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean with India being responsible for the majority of global chickpea production.

Chickpeas have a creamy feel and a slightly nutty flavor when eaten. They are also a bit grainy just like cooked potatoes. One good thing to note is that the beans can absorb flavor from other ingredients that they are cooked with, making them a great replacement for other beans like pigeon peas.

When fresh, chickpeas have a cooking time of around 30 hours with dried beans having a cooking time of around 2 hours. If you soak the dried chickpeas for about 24 hours, you can help to reduce the cooking time to about 1 hour. Check out some excellent substitutes for peas that are actually good.

5. Cannellini beans

Cannellini beans are another great substitute for pigeon peas. They have a creamy texture and a mild flavor that works well in soups, stews, and salads. Cannellini beans can also be mashed and used as a spread or dip.

Cannellini beans, also known as white kidney beans, are a variety of common beans it originates from Argentina, however, it is now a popular ingredient used when cooking in other parts of the world. Cannellini beans are also as nutritious as being nutritious goes. They are a great source of fat-free protein which a lot of people will appreciate. They are also a good source of other useful minerals and vitamins like calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, folate, and many more.

6. Green peas

Green peas are a great substitute for pigeon peas in dishes like samosas and other Indian snacks. They have a sweet and slightly nutty flavor and can be used fresh or frozen. Green peas are a versatile vegetable that can be used as a substitute for pigeon peas in many recipes. They have a sweet flavor and a soft, starchy texture that makes them ideal for dishes such as soups, stews, and curries. Green peas are also a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins, making them a nutritious alternative to pigeon peas.

7. Lima beans

Lima beans are a great substitute for pigeon peas in Caribbean dishes. They have a buttery texture and a mild flavor that works well in stews and rice dishes.

Butter beans are also known as Lima beans and they originated in Peru and were named after the capital city of the country. They have a color that varies from white to pale yellow. 

Lima beans are a great source of fat-free protein, dietary fiber, calcium, iron, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, and vitamin B6. Butter beans have a mild buttery flavor with a velvety texture.  It does not taste or feel similar to pigeon peas but the fact that butter beans can easily absorb flavors when cooked well makes them a good enough substitute.

8. Soybeans

Soybeans, also known as edamame, are a versatile substitute for pigeon peas. They have a slightly sweet and nutty flavor and can be used in a variety of dishes, including stir-fries, salads, and stews. Soya beans are one of the best substitutes for black beans. The Soya bean is a species of legume native to East Asia, the soybean, or soya bean is commonly cultivated for its edible bean, which has a variety of purposes. Soybeans are typically used to make non-fermented foods like tofu and tofu skin, as well as soy milk.

9. Navy beans

Navy beans are another great substitute for pigeon peas. They have a mild flavor and a creamy texture that works well in soups and stews. Navy beans can also be mashed and used as a spread or dip. Navy beans are a species of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), which was domesticated first in the Americas. It is a dry white bean with an oval, somewhat flattened shape that is smaller than most other varieties of white beans

10. Kidney beans

Kidney beans are a type of common bean is the kidney bean. It is called after the human kidney because of the resemblance. Other red beans, such as adzuki beans, should not be mistaken for kidney beans. Kidney beans have a meaty, dense texture that is similar to black beans. It is a great substitute for Black beans in any recipe.

Instead of being bland like black beans, kidney beans have a stronger flavor and a hint of sweetness. Kidney beans differ from black beans in flavor profile in addition to color and shape but it is a great substitute for pigeon peas.

In conclusion, there are plenty of substitutes for pigeon peas that you can use in your cooking. From split peas to lentils to chickpeas, these substitutes can add depth and flavor to your dishes and help you experiment with different flavors. Whether you’re unable to find pigeon peas in your local grocery store or simply want to try something new, these substitutes will surely elevate your dishes to the next level.