Ulava Charu Recipe – Horse Gram Rasam (South Indian Style)
Description:
Ulava Charu is a delicious and nutritious South Indian dish made with Kulith dal (horse gram), a legume known for its high protein content and numerous health benefits. This dish is rich in flavor, thanks to a blend of onions, tomatoes, coconut, and aromatic spices. Often enjoyed as a comforting stew or rasam, it’s not only a perfect complement to rice but also a health booster, ideal for those seeking a wholesome, vegetarian option for lunch. This recipe comes from the state of Karnataka and is as flavorful as it is simple to prepare.
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: High Protein Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Kulith dal (Horse Gram) | 1 cup |
| Coconut | 1/4 cup |
| Onion, chopped | 1 |
| Tomato, chopped | 1 |
| Green chilli | 1 |
| Dried red chillies | 3 |
| Curry leaves | A few |
| Turmeric powder | 1/4 tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | 1 tbsp |
Preparation Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
30 minutes
Instructions
-
Prepare the Kulith dal (Horse Gram):
Begin by thoroughly washing the Kulith dal. Soak the lentils in water overnight to soften them. Once soaked, drain the water and cook the dal with 2 cups of fresh water. Let it cook for about 15 minutes on medium heat. Once cooked, remove it from the stove and allow it to cool slightly. -
Separate the Lentils and Water:
After cooling, use a sieve to separate the cooked lentils from the water. Keep both the lentils and water aside. The water will be used later to make the flavorful broth. -
Prepare the Masala Paste:
In a blender or mixer grinder, add the coconut, chopped onion, chopped tomato, green chilli, dried red chillies, and a few curry leaves. Grind everything together into a smooth paste. -
Cook the Masala:
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the freshly ground masala paste to the pan. Stir well and allow it to cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning. The paste should cook down and release its rich flavors. -
Add the Lentil Water:
After the masala has cooked, pour in the reserved lentil water. Add turmeric powder and salt to taste. Stir everything together and let it simmer for another 5 minutes. The flavors will blend together to create a rich, aromatic rasam. -
Final Touches:
Once the broth has cooked to your desired consistency and the flavors have melded together, turn off the heat. Your Ulava Charu is now ready to serve! -
Serving Suggestion:
Serve this delicious and health-packed Ulava Charu hot with steamed rice. For an extra flavor boost, pair it with a side of Tamil Nadu-style broccoli poriyal. This makes for a nutritious, filling, and delicious lunch that will leave you satisfied and energized.
Tips & Variations
- Consistency: If you prefer a thicker consistency, feel free to adjust the amount of water used in the cooking process.
- Add Vegetables: For a more hearty dish, you can also add vegetables like carrots or spinach to the broth.
- Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of green chilli and dried red chillies based on your preference for spice.
This Ulava Charu recipe is a true celebration of traditional South Indian flavors, offering a satisfying combination of protein-rich lentils and aromatic spices, perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner.
