Green gram Usal recipe with step by step photos . Usual is generally referred to a dry lentil preparation with good tempering of curry leaves , mustard seeds and Hing. Each region has their own style of making this usal . I usually make Usal without Onions and Garlic , as it is often distributed as prasadam during many festivals.
There are many types of Usal | usali prepared at home , but most common are Green Gram usal , Chickpeas Usal , Kabuli Chana Usal , Avarekalu Usal , Green Peas Usal and Matki(mothi seeds) Usal. Green gram Usal and Avarekalu Usual are mainly prepared during Makar Sankranti Festivals.
Recipe of Usal remains same for all lentils . It’s only difference in soaking hours and cooking time of lentils. All types of Usal are rice in protein and is one of the best way to include in our lunch menu . It’s always recommended and essential to soak lentils overnight , it releases phytic acid , which is referred antinutrient . Also soaking lentils / beans for long hours prevents bloating. Hence soak these beans and use it for better absorption and assimilation of nutrients in the body.
Ingredients:
Green Gram :11/2 Cups
Green chillies : 6-8
Fresh Coconut grated: 1/2 Cup
Turmeric:1/2 Tsp
Mustard Seeds : 1/2 Tsp
Oil:2 Tsp
Asafoetida big pinch
Salt to taste
Step By Step Directions:
Wash Green grams thoroughly and Soak Green Grams Overnight ( You can soak it for 4-5 hours also).
Take a pressure cooker add the soaked green grams along with water and add 1/2 tsp of salt and steam cook for one whistle.
Meanwhile grind the grated coconut,green chillies and turmeric without adding water,it should be coarse.
After 3 minutes remove the pressure from the pressure cooker manually so that green grams does not become mushy or over cooked.
Now strain the water and reserve the water for doing sambar( Bas Saaru – you can refer to my post ).
Take a wok add oil,mustard seeds and asafoetida to this add cooked green grams saute and finally add grinded coconut chilly paste,salt as per taste mix thoroughly saute and serve .
