Recipe: Moth Beans Usal

 

🌱 Matki Usal (Sprouted Moth Beans Curry)

🕰 Prep Time:

8–10 hours (for sprouting)
15 minutes (active prep)

🍳 Cook Time:

20–25 minutes

---

🧺 Ingredients

• 1 cup matki / moth beans (sprouted)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 small tomato, chopped (optional)

• 2–3 garlic cloves, crushed or finely chopped

• 1 green chilli, slit or chopped

• 1/2 inch ginger, chopped or grated (optional)

• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder

• 1/2 to 1 tsp red chilli powder (adjust to taste)

• 1 tsp goda masala (or garam masala if unavailable)

• Salt to taste

• 1 tsp jaggery (optional, but traditional)

• 2 tsp oil

---

🌿 For Tempering (Tadka)

• 1/2 tsp mustard seeds

• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds

• A pinch of asafoetida (hing)

• A few curry leaves

---

🌱 Garnish

• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped

• Fresh grated coconut (optional but delicious)

• A dash of lemon juice (optional)

---

🥣 Method

🌞 1. Sprouting the Matki

1. Wash 1 cup moth beans well and soak overnight in plenty of water.

2. Next morning, drain, rinse again, and place in a sprout box, sieve, or muslin cloth to sprout for 8–10 hours.

3. Once sprouted, rinse lightly and keep ready.

🍲 2. Cooking the Usal

1. Heat oil in a kadhai or heavy-bottomed pan.

2. Add mustard seeds. When they splutter, add cumin seeds, asafoetida, curry leaves.

3. Add garlic, green chilli, and ginger (if using). Sauté until fragrant.

4. Add chopped onions. Sauté till golden.

5. Add tomatoes (if using), turmeric, red chilli powder, and a pinch of salt. Cook till soft.

6. Now add the sprouted matki. Mix well.

7. Add about 1 to 1.5 cups water to cover the sprouts. Add salt and jaggery. Mix.

8. Cover and cook on medium heat for 10–15 minutes, or until matki is tender but not mushy.

9. Add goda masala (or garam masala). Simmer uncovered for 2–3 minutes to let flavors meld.

---

🌿 3. Garnish and Serve

• Top with chopped coriander and fresh coconut.

• Serve hot with chapatis, bhakri, or plain rice.

---

💡 Tips

• Add a spoonful of ground roasted peanut powder for a richer, nutty taste.

• If you like it tangy, add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

• For a thinner consistency, add a little more water and let it simmer.