Matki Usal / Moth Bean Dry Curry

Usal is a very popular Maharastrian recipe. Usal Pav (Usal with Pav bread) is a very common breakfast dish in Maharashtra in almost all its regions. The method of preparation may vary from region to region like Kolhapuri Usal, Malwani Usal etc. Generally it is made as thin spicy gravy prepared with one or other lentils.  It is available in all roadside eateries and the dish is so popular that one can get this in great restaurants also.   It is a very cost effective dish for the common man. We will see a Usal prepared with Moth Bean. If you cannot get the Pav, you can relish it with ordinary bread also.

Ingredients:

Moth Bean (Matki) – ½ cup (soaked in water for 8 to 10 hours)

Oil – 2 tbsp

Cumin Seeds – 1 tsp

Curry Leaves – from 1 twig

Onion – 1 (finely chopped)

Red Chilli Powder – ½ tsp

Coriander Seed Powder – 1 tsp

Garam Masala – ½ tsp

Turmeric Powder – 1 tsp

Grated Coconut – 3 tbsp

Chopped Cilantro (Dhania) Leaves – 2 tbsp

Lemon Juice – ½ tsp

Salt – to suit one’s taste

Method:

Cook the Moth Beans in a pressure cooker with a pinch of salt and 3 to 4 tbsp of water in medium flame for one or two whistles till the beans get cooked soft, but not mushy.

Heat the Oil in a pan. Add Cumin Seeds. When they crackle, add Curry Leaves and Onion. Sauté till the Onion become translucent. Add Chilli Powder, Coriander Seed Powder, Garam Masala, Turmeric Powder and Salt. Cook them for 2 to 3 minutes in low flame.

Add the cooked Moth Beans. Sprinkle very little water and stir well. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes in low flame stirring often.

Add the grated Coconut and chopped Cilantro. Mix well.

Transfer to a serving bowl.