Hurali Kalu Chutney Recipe – Horse Gram Chutney Recipe
Hurali Kalu Chutney, also known as Horse Gram Chutney, is a nutritious and flavorful South Indian chutney made with horse gram (Kollu or Kulith) and a blend of aromatic spices. This chutney is typically enjoyed with steaming hot idlis or dosas and is a perfect addition to your South Indian breakfast spread. It’s rich in proteins and is diabetic-friendly, making it a healthy choice for anyone looking to enjoy a tasty, wholesome dish.
This chutney is a fantastic way to incorporate the healthy horse gram into your diet, packed with dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The spicy, tangy flavors combined with the richness of fresh coconut and the sweetness of jaggery make it a perfect accompaniment for savory breakfast dishes.

Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Horse Gram Dal (Kollu/ Kulith) | 1/2 cup |
Pearl Onions (Sambar Onions) – peeled | 1 cup |
Garlic | 2 cloves |
Curry Leaves | 2 sprigs |
Dry Red Chilli | 4 whole |
Ajwain (Carom Seeds) | 2 teaspoons |
Coriander Seeds (Dhania) | 1/2 teaspoon |
Jaggery | 1/2 teaspoon |
Fresh Coconut, grated | 2 tablespoons |
Tamarind Water | 1 tablespoon |
Sunflower Oil | 2 teaspoons |
Salt | To taste |
For Tadka | |
Sunflower Oil | 1 tablespoon |
Curry Leaves | 2 sprigs |
Dry Red Chilli | 2, cut into pieces |
White Urad Dal (Split) | 1 teaspoon |
Mustard Seeds | 1 teaspoon |
Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/2 teaspoon |
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Karnataka (South Indian)
Course: Breakfast
Diet: Diabetic Friendly
Instructions
1. Sautéing the Ingredients
Begin by heating a kadai (a traditional Indian wok) over medium heat. Add a little sunflower oil, and once it warms up, add the cumin seeds (jeera), curry leaves, dry red chilies, and coriander seeds. Let these ingredients splutter and release their fragrance, which takes about 2-3 minutes.
2. Cooking Onions and Garlic
Once the spices have spluttered, slowly add the peeled pearl onions and garlic. Sauté the mixture until the onions turn translucent and the garlic becomes soft, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the ingredients from burning.
3. Adding Horse Gram
Add the horse gram dal (Kollu) to the sautéed onions and garlic. Continue to sauté for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the dal to puff up and become lightly golden. This step is crucial for enhancing the flavor of the chutney. Once the horse gram is toasted, turn off the heat and let the mixture cool down completely.
4. Grinding the Chutney
After the sautéed ingredients have cooled, transfer them to a blender. Add jaggery, fresh coconut, and tamarind water. Grind everything into a smooth paste, adding a little water if necessary to achieve a consistent texture. Set this chutney mixture aside.
5. Preparing the Tadka (Tempering)
In a small pan or tadka pan, heat 1 tablespoon of sunflower oil. Once the oil is hot, add mustard seeds and allow them to splutter. Next, add the white urad dal and sauté until the dal turns golden brown. Be careful not to burn the dal, as this will give a bitter taste to the chutney.
6. Final Touches
Add the curry leaves, dry red chilies (cut into small pieces), and asafoetida (hing) to the tadka. Sauté for a few seconds until the curry leaves become crisp. Turn off the heat.
7. Combining the Tadka and Chutney
Pour the prepared tadka (tempering) over the chutney. Gently mix everything together, allowing the flavors to meld. Your Hurali Kalu Chutney is now ready to serve!
Serving Suggestions
This Hurali Kalu Chutney pairs wonderfully with steamed idlis or dosa, making it an ideal accompaniment for a traditional South Indian breakfast. You can also enjoy it with appams, uttapams, or rice as a healthy side dish. Its bold flavors will enhance the taste of any dish it accompanies, adding a spicy, tangy kick to your meal.
Health Benefits
- Diabetic Friendly: Horse gram is known for its low glycemic index, making it an excellent choice for people managing their blood sugar levels.
- High in Protein: Horse gram is rich in plant-based protein, making it a great addition to a vegetarian or vegan diet.
- Rich in Fiber: It aids in digestion and helps regulate bowel movements.
- Packed with Nutrients: Full of iron, calcium, and antioxidants, this chutney provides a wealth of nutrients in each serving.
Tip: To make the chutney milder, you can reduce the number of dry red chilies used or replace them with milder green chilies. Adjust the jaggery to suit your preference for sweetness.
Hurali Kalu Chutney is not only a delicious and flavorful treat but also a great way to embrace the goodness of traditional South Indian ingredients. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a healthy breakfast or spice up your meals, this chutney is a wonderful addition to your recipe collection. Enjoy the taste of Karnataka right in your kitchen!