Mixed lentils Curry/ Maharastrian Usal

Usal is a curry made with lentils and coconut based gravy. At my home, we do not mix lentils often and usually have each kind of lentil cooked differently in terms of the quantity of ingredients. For e.g. the moth or whole green grams would be cooked with on only fresh coconut while the black peas, green dal will be cooked with more of dried coconut. Also a few ingredients like black pepper and others vary for different types.
However, this week I had a pack of mixed sprouts which is usually eaten by DH for breakfast. But since it was sitting in fridge for couple  of days, I planned to make a quick fix usal for us.
Normally I'd use the pressure cooker only to cook the lentils and then temper them later in a pan but when time is not a luxury I have my own methods...the end result may vary in taste for the people who have tasted the real thing but then, I am sure it is only transitional..like they say about how good it was cooking in clay pots or brass utensils. Making use of my BM theme to the hilt, presenting you another lipsmacking pressure cooker dish



Ingredients
1 cup mixed sprouts (green gram, black chana, green peas, white peas)
1 onion finely chopped
1 tbsp dried coconut grated
1 tbsp fresh coconut grated (optional)
1 inch ginger finely sliced
4-5 garlic cloves crushed
3 tbsp coriander 
1 tspn garam masala
1 tspn coriander cumin powder
1 tspn red chilli powder
2 tspn Oil
salt to taste

To garnish
mixed farsan (optional)
finely chopped onions and tomatoes
1 lemon wedge
Method
1) Saute the onions using 1 tspn oil until it is lightly colored. Remove and set aside
2) Dry roast the dried coconut and fresh coconut until it changes color and starts releasing oil
3) Now grind the onions, coconut, coriander, ginger and garlic to make a fine paste
4) In a pressure cooker, add some oil.
5) When the oil is hot, add the onion paste and saute for a minute
6) Add the sprouts and all dry masalas and stir well.
7) Add about 2.5 cups of water and stir again.
8) Cover the pressure cooker and let it till full pressure (or 3-4 whistles).
9) Let the cooker release pressure naturally
10) Open the pan and let it simmer on medium stove for 1-2 min. Garnish with more coriander at this stage
11) Serve with chopped onions, tomatoes and lemon wedge

Comments

Priya Suresh said…
Wat a protein packed curry, would love to have simply with a bowl of rice and few papads..
Chitra said…
it looks great. wish to have with rice :)
Gajus kitchen said…
Gravy looks too good and like the lentil and coconut combination.
Anonymous said…
Nice recipe! and instant.. all the more good. :)
Jayanthi said…
Have heard of Usal from my Maharashtrian friend...this one looks so tempting and comforting.
Anonymous said…
I love Usal but have never tried them at home. Also, I've never added fresh and dried coconut both in a gravy
Unknown said…
Nice flavorful curry... Nice clicks too... So tempting...
Chef Mireille said…
perfect comfort food - looks so delicious
Sravs said…
Nice nutritious curry !! Goes well with rotis !!
sushma said…
Very healthy...gravy looks awesome
Unknown said…
a very different curry!! new to me and very nicely done!
Sowmya
Ongoing Event - CWF - Whole Wheat Flour
Rajani S said…
Bookmarking! Loved the picture very much :)
Pavani said…
Healthy & nutritious usal.. Looks perfect and comforting.
Srivalli said…
That's really one comfort meal

Popular Posts