Asha is a type of Cowpea or yardlong bean, or Vigna unguiculata, is an indeterminate yard-long bean with dark green pods. Cowpea has been cultivated and domesticated in Africa for centuries! Unlike green beans, yardlong beans become waterlogged and bland when treated with water. Try sauteeing, stir frying or deep drying this bean, or put it in your Pooriyal. Or try it Sajoer Lodeh, an Indonesian green bean recipe with coconut milk!