Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering journey through the vibrant flavors of South Indian cuisine with Beans Usili, a dish that transforms humble ingredients into a spectacular culinary masterpiece! This protein-packed, incredibly nutritious recipe is not just a side dish – it's a celebration of texture, taste, and traditional cooking techniques that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Tamil Nadu. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a curious food adventurer, this Beans Usili recipe promises to revolutionize your meal experience with its unique blend of steamed beans and ground pulse mixture.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup of usili beans
- 1/2 cup of ground pulses
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 green chilies, slit
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons of oil
Instructions
- Begin by thoroughly washing the beans and ground pulses separately under running water to remove any dirt or impurities.
- Steam the beans until they become tender but not mushy. This typically takes about 10-12 minutes. Once done, set aside and allow to cool slightly.
- Grind the ground pulses into a smooth, fine paste using minimal water. The consistency should be thick and uniform.
- Heat oil in a large pan or kadai over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and allow them to splutter and crackle.
- Add finely chopped onions and green chilies to the pan. Sauté until the onions turn translucent and golden brown.
- Incorporate the ground pulse paste into the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent sticking.
- Add the steamed beans to the mixture and gently mix, ensuring even coating of the ground pulse mixture.
- Season with salt to taste and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes on low heat.
- Ensure the mixture is well-combined and the beans are completely coated with the ground pulse mixture.
- Remove from heat and serve hot as a side dish or accompaniment to rice or roti.
Tips
- Pulse Perfection: When grinding the pulses, ensure a smooth, thick consistency without adding too much water. This is crucial for achieving the authentic texture of Usili.
- Steaming Secrets: Be careful not to overcook the beans. They should be tender but still retain their shape and slight firmness.
- Spice It Up: Feel free to adjust the green chilies according to your heat preference. For a milder version, remove the seeds before chopping.
- Oil Temperature: When adding mustard seeds, ensure the oil is at the right temperature – they should splutter immediately upon contact.
- Continuous Stirring: When cooking the ground pulse paste, constant stirring prevents burning and ensures even cooking.
- Serving Suggestion: This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, jeera rice, or soft rotis for a complete meal.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Beans Usili tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
