Paruppu Usili

Paruppu Usili, a popular Tam brahm veggie preparation is a deadly combo with Mor Kuzhambu … It is a lentil crumble that is added to vegetables like cluster beans (Kothavarangai) or French beans. (Variations: Capsicum, cabbage, carrot, kovakkai.Usili adds flavour and volume to the vegetables.

Paruppu or the lentils are soaked and ground with spices, steamed and then mixed with the cooked veggies. It is a delight to make as much as it is to eat. (Especially with a microwave around!).. My mom was an expert in making this, and over the years, I have perfected and found short cuts to make this dish, and yes, she says that I prepare it better than her!

Ingredients

3/4 cup toor dal
1 tsp chana dal
5-6 dried red chillies, 1 green chilli (for extra pep)
1/2 tsp asafoetida powder
1 tsp rock salt
1 sprig curry leaves
1 small piece ginger
1/4 kg vegetables – finely chopped

For tempering :

1/2 tsp mustard seeds, ½ tsp white split urad dal for tempering
2 tbsps coconut oil ( this makes all the difference..)
A sprig of curry leaves
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
1/4 tsp of asafoetida


Step 1 - Preparation of the lentil mixture




1. Soak dal (toor + chana) for one hour along with red chillies.
2. Drain the water, grind this mixture to a coarse paste, along with the rest of ingredients, without adding any water.
3. In a microwaveable dish, steam this paste (cook it covered), for 4 mins. Turn it around after 2 minutes. Allow this mixture crumble to cool. (If you do not want to use the microwave, you can steam this in an idli thattu or steamer for 10 minutes). This steamed lentil mixture can be freezed and stored for sometime to cut down the time during your next preparation…
4. The last part is the secret for the fluffy usili (years of experience in perfecting the usili, ha ha) is to put the cool mixture in a mixi and whip it anti-clock wise ( Just one round), so that air gets in a makes the usili mixture fluffy. This way the mixture will be granular and also light and so it can mix well with the vegetables.


Step 2 - For making the Paruppu Usili with vegetables

1. In a microwave safe bowl, place the finely chopped vegetables, sprinkle some water and cook for 4-5 mintues. (Except for capsicum, which can be added to the usili directly last)
2. In a kadai, heat 2 tbslps of coconut oil, add the tempering. Add the cooked vegetables, toss over for 3 minutes and finally added the lentil mixture. Mix it well along with the cooked vegetables.
3.Over low heat, stir it around for 5-7 minutes. Finally when it is done, add 1-2 tsp of coconut oil before switching of the flame.

The delicious aroma of Usili will make your mouth water! Best served with hot rice, Mor Kuzhambu and Appalam or papadam.




I hope the picture makes you to drool over..