Vatana Usal

Vatana Usal Recipe - Vegetarian Indian Dish with Peas and Coconut

Region / culture: India | Servings: - 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Vatana Usal is a traditional Maharashtrian dish made with tender peas, coconut, and a blend of spices. This flavorful and nutritious dish is perfect for a quick and easy meal.

History

Vatana Usal has been a popular dish in Maharashtra for generations. It is often served as a side dish or as a main course with rice or roti. The combination of tender peas and coconut gives this dish a unique and delicious flavor that is loved by many.

Ingredients

5 cups of tender peas, boiled in an open vessel
3 minced green chillies
1 cup of grated coconut
1 cup of chopped coriander leaves
2 tbsp of oil
0.5 tsp of cumin seeds
salt and sugar to taste

How to prepare

Heat the oil and add the cumin seeds.
Once the seeds start to pop, add the green chillies and peas.
Stir well and add salt and sugar. Cook until dry.
Sprinkle with coconut and coriander.
Serve with slices of lemon.

Variations

Add diced potatoes or carrots for added texture and flavor.
Substitute green peas with black-eyed peas or chickpeas for a different twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use tender peas for this recipe to ensure a soft and creamy texture.

- Adjust the amount of green chillies and sugar to suit your taste preferences.

- Make sure to cook the peas until they are dry to enhance the flavors of the dish.

- Garnish with fresh coriander and coconut for a vibrant and aromatic finish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Vatana Usal with steamed rice or roti for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the peas in an open vessel to ensure they are tender and cooked through.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use frozen peas if fresh peas are not available.

- Substitute fresh coconut with desiccated coconut if needed.

Make Ahead Tips

Vatana Usal can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve with lemon wedges for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Vatana Usal with a side of cucumber raita or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

200 per serving

Carbohydrates

25g per serving

Fats

10g per serving

Proteins

5g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains coconut.

Summary

Vatana Usal is a nutritious dish that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Vatana Usal is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. With its blend of tender peas, coconut, and spices, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy this flavorful Maharashtrian dish with rice or roti for a satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in India. My grandmother, who was known for her delicious cooking, had passed down many recipes to my mother and me. But this particular recipe for Vatana Usal was something special.

I remember the day like it was yesterday. My grandmother and I were sitting in the courtyard, shelling peas for dinner. As we worked, she began to tell me about the history of the dish. She explained that Vatana Usal was a traditional Maharashtrian recipe that had been passed down through generations in our family.

The key to making the perfect Vatana Usal, she told me, was to use fresh ingredients and to cook it slowly, allowing the flavors to develop over time. She showed me how to sauté the onions and garlic until they were golden brown, and then add the spices - turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili powder - to create a fragrant base for the dish.

Next, she added the peas and a little water, and let the mixture simmer until the peas were tender. Finally, she sprinkled in some freshly grated coconut and chopped cilantro, giving the dish a burst of freshness and color.

As we sat down to eat, I took my first bite of the Vatana Usal and was blown away by the combination of flavors. The sweetness of the peas, the heat of the spices, and the freshness of the coconut all melded together in perfect harmony. I knew then that this recipe was something special, something that I would cherish and pass down to future generations.

Over the years, I have made Vatana Usal countless times, each time tweaking the recipe to suit my own tastes. I have added extra chili for a bit of heat, or swapped out the peas for other vegetables like carrots or potatoes. But no matter how I change it, the essence of the dish remains the same - a humble, comforting meal that brings joy to all who taste it.

I have shared this recipe with friends and neighbors, who have all raved about its deliciousness. I have even entered it into cooking competitions, where it has won me awards and accolades. But for me, the true joy comes from knowing that I am carrying on a family tradition, honoring the generations of women who came before me and passing on their knowledge and love through the simple act of cooking.

As I sit here now, in my kitchen surrounded by the aromas of garlic and spices, I am filled with gratitude for all that I have learned from my grandmother. She may no longer be with us, but her spirit lives on in every dish I create, especially in the beloved recipe for Vatana Usal. And as I take my first bite of the steaming hot curry, I can't help but smile, knowing that her legacy will continue to inspire and nourish for generations to come.