Moong Dal Usli

Moong Dal Usli Recipe - Authentic Indian Dish | Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Mustard Seeds, Green Gram, Grated Coconut

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Moong Dal Usli is a traditional South Indian dish made with split husked moong dal, flavored with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and coconut. It is a simple and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal.

History

Moong Dal Usli has its origins in South India, where it is a popular dish served as part of a traditional meal. It is often prepared during festivals and special occasions, as well as for everyday meals.

Ingredients

2 tbsp coconut oil or any oil
1 tsp mustard seeds
1 dry red chili broken into bits
1 tsp finely chopped or grated ginger
2 green chilies slit
0.5 tsp asafoetida powder
1 sprig curry leaves
2 cups split husked green gram (dhuli moong dal) washed well
2 cups hot water or as required
0.5 tsp sugar
salt to taste
0.5 tbsp grated coconut

How to prepare

Heat the coconut oil in a pan. Add the mustard seeds and the dry red chili bits.
Fry until the mustard seeds splutter fully. Add the ginger, green chili(es), and stir-fry on medium/low heat for about 2 minutes.
Drop in the asafoetida powder and the curry leaves. Fry briefly.
Stir in the green gram and mix well. Add hot water so that it is about an inch above the level of the green gram. Stir in the sugar and salt to taste.
Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for about 5 minutes or until the water has been absorbed and the grams are cooked but the grains are separate. If they are not cooked, then add some more hot water and cook.
Stir in the grated coconut and remove from the heat. Keep covered for 5 minutes for the flavors to blend well.

Variations

You can add vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers to the dish for added flavor and nutrition.
For a spicier version, you can increase the amount of green chilies or add red chili powder.

Notes

Split husked green gram is yellow in color.
Chillies can be increased or decreased as per taste.
Traditionally the grams are cooked soft and mushy.
Serve hot with: buttered slices of bread

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to wash the moong dal well before cooking to remove any impurities.

- Adjust the amount of water based on the desired consistency of the dish.

- Be careful not to overcook the moong dal, as it can become mushy.

- For added flavor, you can also add chopped vegetables like carrots or peas to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Moong Dal Usli can be served as a side dish with rice or roti.

- It can also be enjoyed on its own as a light and healthy meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Moong Dal Usli is to cook the dal until it is soft but still retains its shape.

- Stirring in the grated coconut at the end adds a rich and nutty flavor to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have coconut oil, you can use any other cooking oil of your choice.

- You can also use ghee instead of oil for a richer flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Moong Dal Usli can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Reheat the dish in a microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Moong Dal Usli with fresh cilantro leaves or a sprinkle of grated coconut for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Moong Dal Usli pairs well with rice, roti, or even as a filling for dosas or sandwiches.

- Serve it with a side of yogurt or raita for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Moong Dal Usli in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

- Reheat the dish in a microwave or on the stovetop until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Each serving of Moong Dal Usli contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

- Moong dal is a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy for the body.

- Each serving of Moong Dal Usli contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

- The coconut oil used in this recipe adds healthy fats to the dish.

- Each serving of Moong Dal Usli contains approximately 8 grams of fats.

Proteins

- Moong dal is a rich source of plant-based proteins.

- Each serving of Moong Dal Usli contains approximately 12 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Moong dal is high in vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and vitamin B6.

- Each serving of Moong Dal Usli provides a good amount of these essential nutrients.

Alergens

This recipe contains coconut, which may be an allergen for some individuals.

Summary

Moong Dal Usli is a nutritious dish that is high in proteins, vitamins, and minerals, making it a healthy choice for a balanced diet.

Summary

Moong Dal Usli is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make and perfect for a light and healthy meal. With its simple ingredients and flavorful spices, it is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Moong Dal Usli. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl eager to learn the art of cooking from my mother. We lived in a small village in India, where food was not just a means of sustenance but a way of life. My mother was a talented cook, and I would often watch her in awe as she prepared delicious meals for our family.

One day, a neighbor came over to our house and brought with her a dish that I had never seen before. It was a simple yet flavorful dish made with moong dal, a type of lentil that is commonly used in Indian cooking. The dish was called Moong Dal Usli, and it quickly became one of my favorites.

I asked my mother where she had learned to make such a delicious dish, and she told me that she had learned the recipe from her own mother, who had learned it from her mother before her. It was a recipe that had been passed down through generations, each cook adding their own unique touch to it.

My mother graciously shared the recipe with me, and I set out to recreate the dish in my own kitchen. The first time I made Moong Dal Usli, it was a disaster. I had forgotten to soak the lentils overnight, and they turned out hard and crunchy. Undeterred, I tried again, this time following the recipe to the letter. The second time was a success, and I was overjoyed at being able to recreate the dish that had captivated me since the first time I tasted it.

As the years went by, I continued to perfect my recipe for Moong Dal Usli, adding my own twists and variations to make it truly my own. I experimented with different spices, vegetables, and cooking techniques, always striving to improve upon the dish that had become a staple in my household.

I learned to make Moong Dal Usli for special occasions, such as festivals and family gatherings. It became a dish that was synonymous with celebration and togetherness, a dish that brought joy to all who tasted it.

Over the years, I shared my recipe for Moong Dal Usli with friends and family, passing on the tradition of this delicious dish to the next generation. It became a part of my culinary legacy, a dish that would forever be associated with me and my love for cooking.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the aromas of spices and lentils, I can't help but feel a sense of pride and satisfaction. The recipe for Moong Dal Usli may have been passed down through generations, but it is my own unique interpretation of it that makes it truly special.

I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow as a cook, to experiment and create dishes that bring joy and comfort to those I love. And as I continue to cook and share my recipes with others, I know that the tradition of Moong Dal Usli will live on, a reminder of the rich culinary heritage that has shaped me into the cook I am today.