Moong Dal Usal: A Traditional South Indian Dish You Have to Try

Aloo Jeera

CategoryDifficultyBeginner

Yields1 Serving
Prep Time10 minsCook Time20 minsTotal Time30 mins

 ½ cup Moong Dal
 1 tbsp Grated Coconut (Fresh/Frozen)
 3-4, Green Chilies
 ½ tsp Mustard Seeds
 A Pinch, Asafoetida (Hing)
 ½ tsp Sugar
 5-6, Curry Leaves
 Cooking Oil
 Salt, To Taste

1

Heat oil in a pan.

2

Once the oil is hot, add mustard seeds and let them crackle.

3

Add the curry leaves, sliced green chilies, and asafoetida, and fry for a few seconds.

4

Add the moong dal and fry for about 5 minutes.

5

Pour in 2 cups of water and add salt.

6

Cover the pan with a lid and cook the dal until tender but not mushy.

7

Stir in the sugar and mix well.

8

Garnish with grated coconut before serving.

Ingredients

 ½ cup Moong Dal
 1 tbsp Grated Coconut (Fresh/Frozen)
 3-4, Green Chilies
 ½ tsp Mustard Seeds
 A Pinch, Asafoetida (Hing)
 ½ tsp Sugar
 5-6, Curry Leaves
 Cooking Oil
 Salt, To Taste

Directions

1

Heat oil in a pan.

2

Once the oil is hot, add mustard seeds and let them crackle.

3

Add the curry leaves, sliced green chilies, and asafoetida, and fry for a few seconds.

4

Add the moong dal and fry for about 5 minutes.

5

Pour in 2 cups of water and add salt.

6

Cover the pan with a lid and cook the dal until tender but not mushy.

7

Stir in the sugar and mix well.

8

Garnish with grated coconut before serving.

Notes

Moong Dal Usal

Tips

  • Use split green gram (moong dal) for best results, as it cooks quickly and evenly.
  • Make sure to rinse the moong dal thoroughly before cooking to remove any impurities.
  • Use enough water when cooking the dal to ensure that it does not become mushy.
  • Cook the dal until it is soft but still holds its shape. Overcooking will result in a mushy texture.
  • Use fresh spices, especially curry leaves, to enhance the flavor of the dish.
  • You can adjust the level of heat to your liking by adding more or fewer green chilies.
  • If you like your Moong Dal Usli to be sweeter, you can add a little more sugar.
  • Use freshly grated coconut as a garnish to add a burst of flavor and texture.
  • Serve the Moong Dal Usli hot for the best results.
  • Experiment with different variations by adding vegetables such as carrots or green beans to the dish.

FAQs

Q. What is Moong Dal Usli?
A. Moong Dal Usli is a traditional South Indian dish made with split green gram, spices, and coconut. It is a simple and nutritious dish that is often enjoyed as a breakfast or side dish.

Q. What are the main ingredients for Moong Dal Usli?
A. The main ingredients for Moong Dal Usli include moong dal, green chilies, mustard seeds, asafoetida, sugar, curry leaves, oil, and salt.

Q. How long does it take to cook Moong Dal Usli?
A. It takes approximately 20 minutes to cook Moong Dal Usli.

Q. Can the recipe be made without sugar?
A. Yes, the recipe can be made without sugar, but the sugar helps to balance out the flavors.

Q. What can be served with Moong Dal Usli?
A. Moong Dal Usli can be enjoyed on its own or with a combination of foods, such as chutneys, sambar, or coconut milk.

Q. Can fresh or frozen coconut be used in the recipe?
A. Either fresh or frozen coconut can be used in the recipe.

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