Usal Recipe: Usal is an authentic dish widely popular in specialty restaurants and commonly served in street-side eateries across Maharashtra. Here’s how to make Maharashtrian Usal Recipe:
- Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds. Once they crackle, add asafoetida and curry leaves.
- Sauté onions until translucent or golden brown. Then, add tomatoes and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add usal paste, goda masala, red chili powder, and cook until the oil separates.
- Incorporate the sprouts, turmeric, salt, and 2½ cups of water. Mix well and add jaggery.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until the sprouts are tender.
- Garnish with coriander and chopped onions. Serve Usal with lemon wedges and ladi pav (bread).
Maharashtrian Usal is a traditional recipe of spicy pulses in a thin, watery gravy, usually eaten with bread. Commonly used pulses include moong, safed vatana, and matki, which can be sprouted if desired. Here, we’ve used mixed sprouts.
An array of ingredients, from onions and tomatoes to spice powders like goda masala and chili powder, contribute their unique flavors to this rich gravy, making traditional Kolhapuri misal an unforgettable culinary experience.
The coconut-based paste adds an extra flavor boost, a characteristic feature of Puneeri misal. The well-balanced blend of green chilies, ginger, garlic, coriander, and dry coconut in this preparation is a delight to the palate.
Tips for Usal: Usal Recipe
- Use dry coconut for the masala, not fresh coconut.
- Select green chilies according to your preferred spice level. Light green chilies are spicier than the dark green variety.
- Mixed sprouts can be replaced with solely moong sprouts or matki sprouts.
- Goda masala can be substituted with malvani masala.
- As a variation, you can top it with some gathiya (savory Indian snacks).
Ingredients: Usal Recipe
For Usal:
- 1 cup mixed sprouts
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/4 tsp asafoetida
- 5 to 10 curry leaves
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1 tsp goda masala
- 2 tsp red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1/2 tsp chopped jaggery
For the Usal Paste:
- 3/4 cup grated dry coconut
- 5 green chilies
- 3 small pieces ginger
- 10 garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp coriander
For Garnish:
- 2 tbsp chopped coriander
- 3/4 cup chopped onions
For Serving:
- 4 to 6 lemon wedges
- 8 ladi pavs (small squares of white bread)
Method: Usal Recipe
- Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds. Once they crackle, add asafoetida and curry leaves.
- Sauté onions until translucent or golden brown.
- Add tomatoes and sauté for another 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the Usal paste, goda masala, red chili powder and cook till the oil separates.
- Mix in the sprouts, turmeric, salt, and 2½ cups of water. Add jaggery.
- Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until the sprouts are tender.
- Garnish with coriander and chopped onions.
- Serve the Usal with lemon wedges and ladi pav.
Nutrient values (per serving):
- Energy: 222 cal
- Protein: 4.7 g
- Carbohydrates: 15.2 g
- Fiber: 6.1 g
- Fat: 15.8 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 16.7 mg
Conclusion:
Usal Recipe is a delicious and nutritious dish that showcases the rich flavors of Maharashtrian cuisine. Whether enjoyed as a street food snack or as a wholesome meal at home, Usal offers a delightful culinary experience with its aromatic spices, hearty pulses, and flavorful gravy. By following traditional recipes or adding your own twists, you can create a satisfying dish that’s sure to please your taste buds.
FAQs about Usal Recipe
What is Usal?
Usal is an authentic Maharashtrian dish made with spicy pulses cooked in a thin, watery gravy. It’s a popular street food and often served with bread like ladi pav.
What are the common ingredients used in Usal?
Usal typically includes mixed sprouts, onions, tomatoes, mustard seeds, cumin seeds, curry leaves, spices like goda masala and red chili powder, along with grated dry coconut for the paste.
Can I customize Usal according to my preferences?
Yes, you can customize Usal by adjusting the spice levels, choosing different sprouts or pulses, and adding additional vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or peas based on your taste preferences.
What is goda masala and where can I find it?
Goda masala is a special spice blend used in Maharashtrian cuisine, known for its distinct flavor profile. It’s typically made with various spices like coriander seeds, cumin seeds, sesame seeds, cinnamon, cloves, etc. You can find it in Indian grocery stores or prepare it at home.
How is Usal traditionally served?
Usal is traditionally served hot, garnished with chopped coriander and onions, along with lemon wedges on the side. It’s accompanied by ladi pav (small squares of white bread) or can be enjoyed on its own as a main dish.
