Ulava Charu Recipe – Spicy Andhra Horse Gram Rasam
Ulava Charu, a traditional and flavorful Andhra dish, is a delicious and aromatic horse gram rasam known for its richness in protein. It’s typically served as a comforting soup-like dish with steamed rice or paired with Ragi Mudde (finger millet dumplings). This recipe is not only packed with nutritious ingredients but also provides a perfect balance of flavors with the richness of spices and tang from the horse gram. Ulava Charu is a perfect lunch dish for those who enjoy a hearty, healthy meal with a South Indian flair.
Ingredients for Ulava Charu (Serves 2)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Horse Gram Dal (Kollu/ Kulith) – uncooked | 1 cup |
| Onion – chopped | 1 medium-sized |
| Tomato – chopped | 1 medium-sized |
| Green Chillies | 1-2 whole |
| Dry Red Chillies | 3 whole |
| Fresh coconut – grated | 1/3 cup |
| Curry leaves | A handful |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sunflower Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Mustard seeds | 1/2 teaspoon |
| White Urad Dal (Split) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Dry Red Chilli | 1 whole |
Preparation Time:
10 minutes
Cooking Time:
30 minutes
Total Time:
40 minutes
Cuisine:
South Indian
Course:
Lunch
Diet:
High Protein Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Prepare the Horse Gram (Kollu/ Kulith)
- Begin by washing the horse gram thoroughly under running water. Soak the dal overnight in plenty of water to ensure it softens and cooks well.
- The next morning, drain the water and transfer the soaked horse gram into a pressure cooker. Add about 1 cup of fresh water and cook the dal for 4-5 whistles. Ensure the dal is cooked soft but not mushy.
- Once cooked, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally. Set the cooked horse gram aside, retaining the water for later use.
-
Prepare the Masala Paste
- In a mixer grinder, add the grated fresh coconut, chopped onions, tomatoes, curry leaves, green chillies, dry red chillies, salt, and turmeric powder.
- Grind the ingredients into a smooth paste, adding a little water as necessary to facilitate blending.
-
Cook the Masala
- Heat a tablespoon of sunflower oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the freshly ground masala paste to the pan.
- Cook the masala for 6-8 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning. You’ll notice the oil starting to separate from the paste when it’s cooked thoroughly.
-
Combine with Horse Gram
- Once the masala is well-cooked, add the boiled horse gram (with its cooking water) into the pan. Stir to combine.
- Allow the Ulava Charu to come to a boil. Let it simmer for another 5-6 minutes, and taste for salt, adjusting as needed.
-
Prepare the Tempering (Tadka)
- In a small tadka pan, heat 1 teaspoon of sunflower oil on medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds. Let them splutter for a few seconds, then add the white urad dal. Fry the dal until it turns light brown.
- Add the curry leaves and a whole dry red chilli to the pan. Once the curry leaves crackle, remove the pan from heat and immediately pour this tempering over the Ulava Charu.
-
Serving Suggestions
- Transfer the Ulava Charu to a serving bowl.
- Serve it hot with Ragi Mudde (finger millet dumplings) and a dollop of ghee for a traditional Andhra meal. Alternatively, you can serve it with steamed rice and a side of Carrot and Beans Poriyal for a complete and nutritious meal.
Tips for Making Perfect Ulava Charu:
- Soaking the Horse Gram: The soaking time for horse gram is crucial as it softens the dal, making it cook faster. Ensure you soak it overnight for the best results.
- Consistency: If the Ulava Charu becomes too thick, you can add extra water to achieve a consistency you prefer. Some people like it a bit runny, while others prefer it thick.
- Tempering: The tempering (tadka) step is important for adding flavor to the dish. Donβt skip it, as it enhances the aroma and taste of the dish significantly.
- Vegan Variation: This recipe can be made vegan by skipping the ghee and using oil for the tempering.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Fiber | 8g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5g |
| Sodium | 300mg |
| Potassium | 500mg |
This Ulava Charu is a deliciously spicy and protein-packed rasam that is deeply satisfying. Its traditional South Indian flavors bring a hearty, savory element to any meal, whether enjoyed with steamed rice, Ragi Mudde, or even as a comforting soup. Rich in nutrients from horse gram, coconut, and aromatic spices, this dish is perfect for those seeking healthy and fulfilling meals.
