Matki Chi Usal

Matki Chi Usal Recipe - Vegetarian Food from India

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: overnight | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Matki Chi Usal is a traditional Maharashtrian dish made with sprouted green grams cooked in a flavorful and spicy gravy. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a healthy and satisfying meal option.

History

Matki Chi Usal has been a popular dish in Maharashtra for generations. It is often served as a part of a traditional Maharashtrian meal and is enjoyed by people of all ages. The dish is known for its rich flavors and comforting taste, making it a staple in many households.

Ingredients

2 cups green grams
2 chopped onions
0.5 cup chopped tomatoes
1 tsp coriander leaves
1 tsp mustard seeds
0.5 tsp asafoetida
1 tsp turmeric powder
2 tsp red chilli powder
0.5 tsp "Goda" masala
2 tsp grated coconut
1 tsp jaggery
1 tsp peanut powder
2 tsp oil
0.5 tsp salt
2 cups water

How to prepare

Soak green grams overnight.
Boil for five minutes with 0.5 tsp of turmeric powder and 0.5 tsp of salt. Set aside.
Heat oil in a pan.
Add mustard seeds, asafoetida, and onions. Wait until onions turn translucent.
Add tomatoes, turmeric powder, and red chilli powder.
Stir for 0.5 a minute.
Add the parboiled green grams.
Add salt to taste.
Add 0.5 tsp of goda masala or garam masala.
Add grated coconut.
Add jaggery and peanut powder.
Garnish with coriander leaves and desiccated coconut.
Serve with jawaar roti or bread.

Variations

Add chopped vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or potatoes for added texture and flavor.
Use sprouted lentils like moong or chana instead of green grams for a different twist.
Adjust the spice levels according to your preference by adding more or less red chilli powder.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soaking the green grams overnight helps in sprouting them and makes them easier to cook.

- Parboiling the green grams before adding them to the gravy ensures that they are cooked through and tender.

- Adding a pinch of jaggery balances out the flavors and adds a hint of sweetness to the dish.

- Garnishing with fresh coriander leaves and desiccated coconut enhances the presentation and adds a burst of freshness to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Matki Chi Usal can be served with jawaar roti, chapati, or bread. It can also be enjoyed with steamed rice or as a side dish with dal and rice.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the green grams before adding them to the gravy ensures that they are cooked through and tender.

- Stirring the spices and tomatoes well helps in developing the flavors and creating a rich and aromatic gravy.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use canned green grams instead of soaking and sprouting them overnight.

- Substitute jaggery with brown sugar or honey for a similar sweetening effect.

- Use garam masala instead of goda masala if it is not available.

Make Ahead Tips

Matki Chi Usal can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Matki Chi Usal in a traditional Maharashtrian thali with assorted accompaniments like pickles, papad, and salad. Garnish with a sprinkle of desiccated coconut and a drizzle of ghee for an authentic touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Matki Chi Usal with a refreshing glass of buttermilk or a sweet lassi to balance out the spicy flavors. You can also serve it with a side of cucumber raita or mint chutney for a cooling effect.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Matki Chi Usal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 30g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 8g per serving

Saturated Fat: 2g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 12g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Iron: 2mg per serving

Calcium: 50mg per serving

Vitamin C: 10mg per serving

Alergens

Contains peanuts and coconut

Summary

Matki Chi Usal is a nutritious dish that is rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a wholesome meal option that provides energy and nourishment.

Summary

Matki Chi Usal is a delicious and nutritious Maharashtrian dish made with sprouted green grams cooked in a flavorful and spicy gravy. Packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, this dish is a wholesome meal option that can be enjoyed with roti, rice, or bread. Try this recipe for a taste of authentic Maharashtrian cuisine at home!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a hot summer day, and I had decided to visit my dear friend Meera for a cup of tea. As soon as I walked through her front door, the aroma of spices and herbs greeted me like an old friend. Meera was in the kitchen, her hands busy at work, a smile on her face.

"Come, sit down, I have something special to share with you today," she said, motioning for me to take a seat at the small wooden table in her cozy kitchen. I watched as she expertly chopped vegetables, measured out spices, and stirred a pot of simmering lentils on the stove.

"What are you making?" I inquired, my curiosity piqued.

"It's a traditional Maharashtrian dish called Matki Chi Usal. It's a spicy sprouted moth bean curry that's perfect for hot summer days like today," Meera explained, a twinkle in her eye. "Would you like to learn how to make it?"

I nodded eagerly, grateful for the opportunity to learn a new recipe from my talented friend. Meera took me under her wing, guiding me through each step of the cooking process with patience and precision. She shared stories of her childhood in Maharashtra, where her mother and grandmother had taught her how to cook traditional dishes with love and care.

As we cooked together, I absorbed every detail, from the importance of soaking and sprouting the moth beans to the precise combination of spices that would elevate the dish to new heights. Meera's hands moved with grace and confidence, her laughter filling the kitchen with warmth and joy.

After hours of cooking and tasting, the Matki Chi Usal was finally ready. Meera ladled steaming hot servings into bowls, garnishing them with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice. The aroma was intoxicating, the flavors bold and vibrant on my tongue.

We sat down at the table, our bowls of curry steaming in front of us. Meera watched me take my first bite, a look of anticipation on her face. My taste buds exploded with flavor, the tangy tamarind, fiery green chilies, and earthy coriander dancing on my palate.

"This is incredible, Meera! I never knew vegetarian food could be so satisfying and flavorful," I exclaimed, my heart full of gratitude for my friend's generosity and culinary expertise.

Meera smiled, her eyes twinkling with pride. "Cooking is an art, my dear. It's all about infusing love and passion into every dish you create. I'm so happy that you enjoyed this recipe. It's been passed down through generations in my family, and now I pass it on to you."

And so, that day marked the beginning of my love affair with Matki Chi Usal. I made it for my family and friends, sharing the story of how I learned the recipe from Meera, the master chef who had opened my eyes to the wonders of traditional Indian cooking.

Years passed, and as I grew older, I continued to hone my skills in the kitchen, experimenting with new ingredients and techniques, but always coming back to the comforting embrace of Matki Chi Usal. It became a staple in my household, a dish that brought joy and warmth to our table on countless occasions.

Now, as I sit here reminiscing about that fateful day in Meera's kitchen, I can't help but feel grateful for the gift of friendship and culinary knowledge that she bestowed upon me. The recipe for Matki Chi Usal will forever hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of food to connect us to our roots, our traditions, and the people we love.

And so, I urge you, dear reader, to seek out the flavors and aromas of your own heritage, to explore the world of cooking with an open heart and a curious mind. Who knows what treasures you may uncover, what stories you may unearth, and what delicious memories you may create along the way. Bon appétit!