Green Beans Paruppu Usili Recipe – Iyengar Style (Green Beans Lentil Usili Recipe – Iyengar Style)
Cuisine: Tamil Nadu
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green beans (French Beans), finely chopped | 200 grams |
| Gingelly oil (sesame oil) | 1 tablespoon |
| Mustard seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| White Urad Dal (Split) | 1 teaspoon |
| Curry leaves | 2 sprigs |
| Asafoetida (hing) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Arhar dal (Split Toor Dal) | 1 cup |
| Dry Red Chillies | 4 |
| Salt | To taste |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
Instructions
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Soak the Dal: Begin by soaking the toor dal (Arhar dal) in water for about 1 hour to allow the dal to soften. After soaking, drain the excess water from the dal.
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Prepare the Paruppu Usili Mixture: In a food processor or mixer, combine the soaked toor dal, turmeric powder, and dry red chillies. Grind these ingredients to create a coarse mixture. The texture should remain coarse so that the paruppu usili has the perfect consistency once steamed.
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Steam the Paruppu Usili: Grease the steamer plates or idli plates with a bit of oil. Spoon the prepared coarse paruppu usili mixture into the plates. Place the filled plates into a steamer and steam on high heat for about 10 minutes. After steaming, turn off the heat and set the plates aside to cool.
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Crumble the Steamed Paruppu: Once the paruppu usili has cooled down, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Crumble the steamed dal into smaller pieces using your hands. This crumbled dal mixture is what’s called paruppu usili. Set it aside.
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Cook the Green Beans: In a pressure cooker, add the finely chopped green beans along with 2 tablespoons of water. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt, and pressure cook the green beans for 2 whistles on high heat. Once the cooking time is done, release the pressure immediately by running the cooker under cold water. This ensures the beans remain green, tender, and nutrient-rich.
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Tempering the Mixture: Heat a wok or kadai over medium heat and add a teaspoon of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and urad dal. Allow them to crackle, and let the dal turn golden brown. This will release the fragrant oils and flavor.
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Add Asafoetida and Curry Leaves: After the mustard seeds and urad dal have crackled, add the asafoetida (hing) and curry leaves to the wok. Stir for a few seconds to infuse the flavors.
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Combine Paruppu Usili and Green Beans: Now, add the crumbled paruppu usili into the wok. Mix thoroughly, sautéing the dal in the oil for about 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture reaches a nice crumbly texture.
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Finish the Dish: Once you’ve achieved the perfect crumbly texture, stir in the cooked green beans. Give it a final mix, and turn off the heat. Taste the dish and adjust the salt if needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Green Beans Paruppu Usili hot, alongside Sundakkai / Manathakkali Kai Vathal Kuzhambu and steamed rice for a wholesome, satisfying meal. This is an ideal dish for a weekday lunch, combining the nutritional goodness of green beans with the rich flavors of spiced lentils. Perfect for anyone seeking a healthy, vegetarian comfort food option!
Tips for Perfect Green Beans Paruppu Usili:
- Coarse Texture: Ensure that the toor dal is ground to a coarse texture for an authentic paruppu usili. This adds a wonderful bite to the dish.
- Fresh Green Beans: Freshly chopped green beans give the dish a vibrant color and fresh taste. Avoid overcooking the beans to retain their crunch.
- Spices: Adjust the amount of dry red chillies based on your heat preference. You can also use fresh chillies if desired.
This flavorful and wholesome Tamil Nadu-style dish is a perfect addition to your vegetarian recipe collection!
