Usal is a common form of curry in Maharashtrian cuisine. It is usually made with pulses such as Moong, Matki etc that are sprouted. The process of sprouting increases their nutrition value. This vegetarian dish is a no onion no garlic recipe.
Moong Usal preparation is similar to Matki Usal recipe that I have shared earlier. The sprouting process takes a day or two. So plan accordingly when you want to make this Usal. Serve this with rice or chapati or bread. It can be a base for spicy and flavorful Misal Pav which is another popular street food of Maharashtra.
Below is my version of Moong Usal:
Moong Usal is a semi-dry curry made of sprouted green gram.
- 2 cups Moong Beans sprouted
- 2 tsp Oil
- 1/4 tsp Mustard Seeds
- 6-7 Curry leaves
- 1 inch Jaggery
- 2-3 Kokum
- 1 tsp Red chili powder
- 1/4 tsp Turmeric
- 1 tsp Garam/Goda Masala
- Coriander leaves finely chopped
- 1/4 cup Water
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Steps for sprouting beans:
Soak 1 cup of moong beans in water overnight or for 5-6 hours. After that drain the water, wash the moth beans and tie them in a muslin cloth. Keep it covered in a warm place. Sprouts will be ready after 20-24 hours.
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In a pressure cooker, add sufficient water and sprouted beans. Add little turmeric and pressure cook for 3-4 whistles.
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Heat kadhai or pan on a medium flame and add oil. Once hot, add mustard seeds.
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Once mustard seeds crackle, add curry leaves, ginger chili paste, turmeric and saute.
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Add boiled moth beans and mix well. Cook for some time.
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Now add jaggery, kokum and salt. Mix and cook for 5-10 minutes.
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Add chili powder, garam/goda masala and bring to boil.
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Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot with chapati/rice/bread.
Steps for sprouting beans at home:
Start sprouting process a day in advance.
- Take a cup of moong beans and soak in water for 5-6 hours or overnight.
- Drain the water and wash the soaked beans. Transfer them into a muslin cloth.
- Keep the wet muslin cloth in a container and cover with a lid. Keep it in warm place for sprouting. I usually place it in oven with light ON for a day or two.
- Moong Sprouts are ready.
Step by Step Recipe of Moong Usal:
- In a pressure cooker, add sprouted green grams, water and little turmeric. Pressure cook for 3-4 whistles.
- In a kadhai/pan, heat oil on a medium flame. Make a tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, turmeric, asafoetida powder (hing) and green chilies.
- Add boiled moong beans and saute.
- Now add jaggery, kokum, salt, chili powder and mix well. Cook for another 5-10 minutes.
- Add goda/garam masala and bring it to boil.
- Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot with chapati or rice.
Koda masala? Give us a recipe how to make at home? Please…
Hello Ravichandran,
Thank you for stopping by. Goda Masala is an authentic Maharashtrian spice blend. I will try to share the recipe soon.