Ulavacharu
A horse gram-based lentil curry or rasam popular in Andhra Pradesh, India.
Ulavacharu is a traditional thick lentil soup from the Andhra and Telangana regions of India. It is made using horse gram (ulava in Telugu), a highly nutritious legume, along with a blend of spices and herbs. The name Ulavacharu is derived from the Telugu words ulava (horse gram) and charu (rasam or soup).
Ingredients[edit | edit source]
- 1 cup horse gram (ulava)
- 1 medium-sized onion, chopped
- 2 medium-sized tomatoes, chopped
- 4-5 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 2 green chilies, slit
- 1/4 cup tamarind extract
- 1/4 cup chopped coriander leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 2 cups water
- Curry leaves
Recipe[edit | edit source]
Step 1: Soak and cook horse gram[edit | edit source]
- Soak the horse gram in water for 6-8 hours or overnight. Drain the water and rinse the horse gram thoroughly.
- In a pressure cooker, add the soaked horse gram with 2 cups of water. Cook until the horse gram is tender but not mushy (usually 4-5 whistles on medium heat).
- Once the pressure cooker cools down, separate the cooked horse gram and the stock. Keep both aside.
Step 2: Prepare the spice mix[edit | edit source]
- In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they are soft.
- Add the crushed garlic and slit green chilies. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and black pepper powder. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool down. Once cooled, blend it into a smooth paste.
Step 3: Make the Ulavacharu[edit | edit source]
- In a deep pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and asafoetida. Let them splutter.
- Add curry leaves and sauté for a few seconds.
- Add the spice paste and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cooked horse gram and mix well.
- Add the horse gram stock and tamarind extract. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Lower the heat and let the Ulavacharu simmer for 10-12 minutes.
- Add salt to taste and garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
Serving[edit | edit source]
Ulavacharu is best served hot with steamed rice or roti. It can also be enjoyed as a standalone soup.
Variations[edit | edit source]
Ulavacharu Biryani: A popular variant of the dish, Ulavacharu Biryani, is made by combining cooked rice with the Ulavacharu and additional spices. Ulavacharu with Vegetables: You can add vegetables like drumsticks, radish, or carrots to the Ulavacharu for added nutrition and flavor.
Health Benefits[edit | edit source]
Horse gram is known for its numerous health benefits, which include:
- High protein content: Horse gram is a rich source of plant-based protein, making it an ideal ingredient for vegetarian and vegan diets.
- Low glycemic index: Horse gram has a low glycemic index, making it suitable for people with diabetes.
- Weight management: The high fiber content in horse gram aids digestion and helps in weight management.
- Antioxidant properties: Horse gram contains powerful antioxidants that help in reducing inflammation and preventing various diseases.
Note: you can also add vegetables like drumsticks, bottle gourd, and eggplant to make it more nutritious.
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See Also[edit | edit source]
Diet | Weight loss | Obesity | Metabolic syndrome | Glossary of dietary supplements
Also see[edit source]
External links[edit source]
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