Ulavacharu

A horse gram-based lentil curry or rasam popular in Andhra Pradesh, India.

Horse gram seeds

Ulavacharu is a traditional thick lentil soup from the Andhra and Telangana regions of India. It is made using horse gram (ulava in Telugu), a highly nutritious legume, along with a blend of spices and herbs. The name Ulavacharu is derived from the Telugu words ulava (horse gram) and charu (rasam or soup).

Ingredients

• 1 cup horse gram (ulava)
• 1 medium-sized onion, chopped
• 2 medium-sized tomatoes, chopped
• 4-5 cloves of garlic, crushed
• 2 green chilies, slit
• 1/4 cup tamarind extract
• 1/4 cup chopped coriander leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 2 cups water
• Curry leaves

Recipe

Step 1: Soak and cook horse gram

• Soak the horse gram in water for 6-8 hours or overnight. Drain the water and rinse the horse gram thoroughly.
• In a pressure cooker, add the soaked horse gram with 2 cups of water. Cook until the horse gram is tender but not mushy (usually 4-5 whistles on medium heat).
• Once the pressure cooker cools down, separate the cooked horse gram and the stock. Keep both aside.

Step 2: Prepare the spice mix

• In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
• Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they are soft.
• Add the crushed garlic and slit green chilies. Cook for 2 minutes.
• Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and black pepper powder. Cook for another 2 minutes.
• Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool down. Once cooled, blend it into a smooth paste.

Step 3: Make the Ulavacharu

• In a deep pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and asafoetida. Let them splutter.
• Add curry leaves and sauté for a few seconds.
• Add the spice paste and cook for 2-3 minutes.
• Add the cooked horse gram and mix well.
• Add the horse gram stock and tamarind extract. Bring the mixture to a boil.
• Lower the heat and let the Ulavacharu simmer for 10-12 minutes.
• Add salt to taste and garnish with chopped coriander leaves.

Serving

Ulavacharu is best served hot with steamed rice or roti. It can also be enjoyed as a standalone soup.

Variations

Ulavacharu Biryani: A popular variant of the dish, Ulavacharu Biryani, is made by combining cooked rice with the Ulavacharu and additional spices. Ulavacharu with Vegetables: You can add vegetables like drumsticks, radish, or carrots to the Ulavacharu for added nutrition and flavor.

Health Benefits

Horse gram is known for its numerous health benefits, which include:

• High protein content: Horse gram is a rich source of plant-based protein, making it an ideal ingredient for vegetarian and vegan diets.
• Low glycemic index: Horse gram has a low glycemic index, making it suitable for people with diabetes.
• Weight management: The high fiber content in horse gram aids digestion and helps in weight management.
• Antioxidant properties: Horse gram contains powerful antioxidants that help in reducing inflammation and preventing various diseases.

Note: you can also add vegetables like drumsticks, bottle gourd, and eggplant to make it more nutritious.

See Also

• Sambar
• Rasam
• Pappu charu
• Tulugu cuisine
  • Andhra Cuisine
  • Telangana Cuisine

Diet | Weight loss | Obesity | Metabolic syndrome | Glossary of dietary supplements

Also see

• Food
• Nutrition

External links

• USDA's nutrition info on Ulavacharu

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