Authentic Maharashtrian Usal Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup Sprouted Moong Beans
1 Onion, finely chopped
2 Tomatoes, finely chopped
1 tablespoon Oil
1 teaspoon Mustard Seeds
1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds
1 tablespoon Ginger-Garlic paste
2 Green Chillies, finely chopped
1 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
2 teaspoons Red Chilli Powder
2 teaspoons Garam Masala
1 teaspoon Coriander Powder
2 tablespoons Grated Coconut
2 tablespoons Fresh Coriander Leaves, finely chopped
Salt to taste
2 cups Water

Steps and instructions

Rinse the sprouted moong beans thoroughly and set them aside.
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Let them crackle.
Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
Add the ginger-garlic paste and green chillies. Sauté for a couple of minutes until the raw smell goes away.
Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft.
Add turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder, and garam masala. Mix well and cook for a minute.
Add the rinsed sprouted moong beans to the pan and mix well. Cook for a couple of minutes.
Add salt and water. Cover the pan and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the beans are fully cooked.
Once the beans are cooked, add grated coconut and fresh coriander leaves. Mix well and cook for a couple more minutes.
Usal is ready to be served. Enjoy it with bread or rice.

Tools for making

Pan - A medium-sized cooking pan to sauté the ingredients and cook the Usal.
Stove - A stove or cooktop to provide heat for cooking the Usal.
Spatula - A spatula or cooking spoon to stir and mix the ingredients while cooking.
Chopping Board - A chopping board to chop the onions, tomatoes, and coriander leaves.
Knife - A knife to chop the vegetables and herbs.
Measuring Cup - A measuring cup to accurately measure the sprouted moong beans and water.
Grater - A grater to grate the coconut.

Recipe variations

Add chopped vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or peas to make it more nutritious.
Replace sprouted moong beans with other legumes like black-eyed peas or chickpeas.
Add some grated coconut or coconut milk to make it more creamy.
For a spicier version, increase the amount of red chilli powder or add a dash of hot sauce.
Include some chopped spinach or kale for added greens.
For a tangy twist, squeeze some lemon juice or add tamarind pulp.
Garnish with a handful of crushed peanuts or roasted sesame seeds for extra crunch.
Make it vegan by using oil instead of ghee and omitting any dairy-based garnishes.
Experiment with different spices like fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) or fennel seeds for unique flavors.
If you prefer a thicker consistency, mash a portion of the cooked beans to create a creamy texture.

Recipe overview

Usal is a delicious and nutritious traditional Indian dish made with sprouted moong beans and a blend of aromatic spices. Savory, hearty, and packed full of protein, it's perfect for a comforting lunch or dinner. The moong beans are simmered in an aromatic tomato and onion sauce, brightened with a hint of coconut, and garnished with fresh coriander leaves for a delightful mix of flavors. This recipe will guide you through the simple steps to prepare Usal at home, offering a satisfying and healthy vegetarian dish that can be enjoyed with bread or rice. Whether you're new to Indian cuisine or a seasoned expert, this recipe for Usal is sure to become a favorite.

Common questions

How do I sprout moong beans?
To sprout moong beans, rinse them well and soak them in water for about 6-8 hours. Drain the water and keep the soaked beans in a covered container. Rinse them 2-3 times a day with fresh water until sprouts appear, which usually takes around 24-48 hours.
Can I use canned moong beans instead of sprouted moong beans?
Yes, you can use canned moong beans if you don't have sprouted moong beans. Rinse the canned beans well before using them in the recipe.
Can I adjust the spice level in Usal?
Yes, you can adjust the spice level according to your preference. Increase or decrease the amount of red chilli powder and green chillies to make it spicier or milder.
What can I serve with Usal?
Usal can be served with bread, pav (Indian bread rolls), chapati (Indian flatbread), rice, or even as a filling for wraps and sandwiches.
Can I make Usal ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Usal ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2-3 days. Reheat it before serving.
Can I freeze Usal?
Yes, you can freeze Usal for up to 2-3 months. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - Used for mixing the ingredients together.
Pan - Required for cooking the usal.
Spatula - Used for stirring and flipping the ingredients while cooking.
Knife - Needed for chopping onions, tomatoes, and coriander leaves.
Cutting Board - Provides a surface for chopping and preparing the vegetables.
Measuring Cups - Used to measure the ingredients accurately.
Grater - Required to grate the coconut for garnishing.
Serving Bowl - Used for serving the usal.
Serving Spoon - Helps in serving the usal onto plates or bowls.
Garnish Picks - Optional, but can be used to add a decorative touch while serving.

Origin stories

Usal, a quintessential part of Maharashtra’s culinary heritage, is a delicious and nutritious dish beloved by locals and visitors. Rooted in the everyday cuisine of India's western coastal state, Usal is often served for breakfast, but it's versatile enough to be enjoyed any time of the day. It is traditionally made with sprouted beans, demonstrating the age-old Indian practice of sprouting legumes to enhance their nutritional value. This humble dish is a testament to the resourcefulness of the region's cooks, who maximized the flavor from simple, locally available ingredients. It showcases the typical Maharashtrian flair for balanced spice profiles, with warmth from the garam masala, heat from the chillies, and a delightful tang from the tomatoes. It's not just a treat for the palate, but also a beautiful embodiment of Maharashtra's rich cultural fabric, woven together over centuries of gastronomic tradition.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.