Paruppu usili (lentil crumble with veggies) is one of the most popular south Indian sides served with rice. For people on weight-loss diet a bowl of usili can be taken as a mid-morning meal; it makes them feel full and it contains protein, fiber, vitamins & minerals. Also it can be packed as a healthy snack for children.

Usili may be prepared with vegetables like carrots, plantain flowers, beans & cluster beans or a combination of more than one vegetable. We can serve usili as a side for rice with any kuzhambu, it goes well particularly with mor-kuzhambu.

Here is the recipe for carrot & beans usili.

Time Taken: 30 min

Serves : 4

Ingredients:

1. Carrot – 1 No. (large)
2. Beans – 15 Nos.
3. Oil – 1 tsp
4. Mustard seeds – 1/2 tsp
5. Curry leaves – 2 sprigs
6. Coconut – 3 pieces (2 inch each)
7. Lentils – 1/2 cup
8. Cumin seeds – 1 tsp
9. Green chillies – 2 Nos
10. Ginger – 1 inch piece
11. Salt – 1 tsp
12. Asafoetida (hing) – 1/2 tsp

Cooking Method:

• Wash & soak lentils in a bowl of water for half an hour .
• Wash carrots & beans and chop them into small cubes.
• Steam vegetables in a steamer until they become soft & keep aside.

• Grind soaked lentils, green chillies, cumin seeds and ginger into a smooth paste without adding water.
• Transfer lentil paste to a greased bowl, close it with a plate and pressure cook (simmer for 10 min after bringing to high pressure).
• When lentils return to room temperature, chop them roughly.
• Grind coconut into a coarse powder without adding water.
• Add cooked lentils and whisk together and keep aside.

• Heat a pan with oil, add mustard seeds, when they start to splutter add curry leaves.
• Add steamed vegetables, asafoetida & half a teaspoon salt and saute for a minute.
• Add lentil mixture & remaining salt and mix them well.
• Now colorful usili is ready to serve.

Please Note:

• I prefer cooking lentil mixture rather than stir frying as it does not require oil.
• I used green gram as it is light to take than adding red gram or Bengal gram.
• If you use other lentils, you may have to soak longer and follow the same cooking method.