Sev Usal is a crunchy, savory Indian snack seasoned with aromatic spices, perfect for tea time. This addictive vegetarian nibble is a family pantry staple and a crowd-pleaser at gatherings.
Soak dried white peas overnight, then drain. Boil peas with water in a saucepan over medium heat until soft, about 20 minutes; keep aside.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, around 3 minutes.
Stir in ginger-garlic paste and chopped green chilis. Cook for 1 minute to release aroma, stirring gently.
Add chopped tomatoes and diced potatoes. Sprinkle ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, and red chili powder. Cook on medium heat until tomatoes are soft and potatoes are just tender, about 8 minutes.
Mix in boiled peas, garam masala, and salt. Add 1 cup water, then simmer uncovered over low-medium heat for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and thicken the curry slightly.
To assemble, spoon hot pea curry into serving bowls. Top generously with sev and chopped cilantro just before serving for crunch. Serve immediately to prevent sev from soaking up liquid.