Ulava Charu Recipe – Spicy Andhra Horse Gram Rasam
An Authentic South Indian Comfort Dish to Soothe the Soul
The Ulava Charu, a classic Andhra dish, is a rich and aromatic rasam made with horse gram (Kollu), a hearty legume that is naturally high in protein and perfect for vegetarians. Infused with the robust flavors of onions, tomatoes, and freshly grated coconut, this recipe is elevated with the perfect amount of heat from green and dry red chillies. The result is a fragrant and comforting rasam that is both healthy and delicious.
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: High-Protein Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Horse Gram Dal (Kollu / Kulith) | 1 cup (uncooked) |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 medium |
| Tomato (chopped) | 1 medium |
| Green Chillies | 1-2 (slit) |
| Dry Red Chillies | 3 whole |
| Fresh Coconut (grated) | 1/3 cup |
| Curry Leaves | A handful |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | 1 tablespoon |
For the Tadka (Tempering):
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai / Kadugu) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Curry Leaves | 2 sprigs |
| White Urad Dal (Split) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Dry Red Chilli | 1 whole |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 4
Instructions
Step 1:
Begin by washing and soaking the horse gram (Kollu) overnight in enough water. Soaking overnight helps the horse gram cook faster and evenly.
Step 2:
The next morning, transfer the soaked and drained horse gram into a pressure cooker. Add 1 cup of water and cook for 4-5 whistles. Make sure the horse gram is boiled well and soft to the touch. Once the whistles are done, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally.
Step 3:
Once the pressure has fully released, open the pressure cooker and set the boiled horse gram aside.
Step 4:
Now, it’s time to prepare the base for your Ulava Charu. In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook them until they soften and break down.
Step 5:
Add the slit green chillies, dry red chillies, grated coconut, and curry leaves to the pan. Stir everything well, allowing the coconut to lightly roast. Add the turmeric powder and salt, then cook the mixture for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 6:
Once the mixture is cooked and aromatic, transfer it into a blender. Add a small amount of water to make a smooth paste, and blend it into a thick, flavorful masala paste.
Step 7:
Now, add the boiled horse gram (along with the water it was cooked in) to the masala paste. Stir everything together and adjust the consistency with more water if needed. Bring the mixture to a boil and then simmer for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend together and the rasam to thicken slightly.
Step 8:
Prepare the tadka (tempering) to enhance the flavor of your Ulava Charu. In a small pan, heat 1 teaspoon of oil. Add the mustard seeds and let them crackle. Then add the curry leaves, white urad dal, and a dry red chilli. Sauté for a few seconds until the dal turns golden brown.
Step 9:
Pour the prepared tadka into the simmering Ulava Charu. Give it a good stir and let it cook for a couple of minutes to absorb all the flavors.
Step 10:
Taste the rasam and adjust the salt and spice levels as needed. Once you’re satisfied with the taste, turn off the heat.
Serving Suggestions
Ulava Charu is best served hot, accompanied by steamed rice or even as a soup. The hearty and spicy nature of the dish makes it perfect for a cozy lunch, especially on a rainy or cool day. Pair it with a side of crispy papad or fried vegetables for a complete meal experience.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 8 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
Why You’ll Love Ulava Charu
- High in Protein: Thanks to the horse gram, which is loaded with protein, this dish is perfect for vegetarians and anyone looking to boost their protein intake.
- Packed with Flavor: The blend of onions, tomatoes, coconut, and spices creates a rich, aromatic rasam that will leave you craving more.
- Versatile: You can adjust the spiciness to suit your taste, making it a versatile dish for every palate.
- Comforting and Hearty: The addition of horse gram makes this dish thick and satisfying, ideal for a fulfilling lunch.
Try making this traditional Andhra Ulava Charu at home and indulge in the bold, spicy flavors of South India!
