Moong Bean Curry ( Usal )

Tweet

Pin It

Usal is a dish that originated in Maharashtra, a state in the western region of India.It is traditionally served with pav,a type of bread which is closest in texture and taste to the ciabatta bread.It is very tasty,nutritious,low fat and protein rich,Well what more can we ask from a dish really.Did I mention it is very tasty ............hmm yes I did.

The other day this dish made a re entry into my kitchen after a long hiatus.There was no reason for the absence of this dish except probably that I got side tracked with a lot of other dishes and did not get around to making this.I made this to go with phulka style rotis.There are many variations to this dish and this is the way I make it.

Click here for a printable view of this recipe

Ingredients and method to make the Usal
2 cups whole green moong (mung bean,green gram) soaked overnight
1 medium onion chopped finely
2 tomatoes chopped finely
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 inch piece ginger grated or minced
1/2 tsp coriander powder
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
salt to taste about 1 1/2 tsp
1 tsp goda masala ( available in the Indian groceries)
2 cups water
1 1/2 tbsp oil
3-4 tsp coconut grated for garnish ( optional)
cilantro for garnish

Cook the soaked green moong in the pressure cooker until done,soft but not mushy.

Heat oil in a pan,put in the cumin seeds,when it splutters add the onion and saute until tranparent.

Add the ginger,the coriander powder,the turmeric and saute for a minute.

Add the tomatoes,the chilli powder and saute until the tomatoes are cooked.

Add the cooked green moong,the goda masala,the water and the salt and simmer for a few minutes.

Finally add the coconut scrapings and the cilantro and serve hot with bread or roti.

Serves about 5

This is my third entry to the Eat healthy-Protein rich contest being hosted by Sangeeth

This is also my entry to SWC-Maharashtra hosted by Neha