Paruppu Usili/Cluster Beans Stir Fry

Much of what I have witnessed of the food cooked by my grand mother,I have always felt that it was made with a pure mind and heart and that was applicable to the simple tea she made.Her hands were what we could say “gifted” and she made a stir fry or curry taste ethereal!One of her daily cooking recipes I always loved and do so is the versatile Paruppu Usili.”Paruppu” means “Lentil” and Usili means “partly mashed and stir fried” like Scrambled Eggs.Here we are “scrambling” lentil along with any kind of beans – I used Cluster Beans also called Guar Phalli in Hindi and Kothavarakai in Tamil!

Cluster Beans

After chopping them for the recipe..

This recipe is very healthy.Why because:

1.We use Beans which are a source of protein and millions of benefits!

2.We use Lentils again for their protein.

3.This delicious recipe can be paired with a Sambar – Rice or Roti for a full meal!

What more do you require?Also for the fact that I am super excited to post a totally different exclusively South Indian recipe after ages for the best reason!

Preparation Time : 1 hour(excluding soaking time)

Makes : 4-5 servings

INGREDIENTS

2 cups Cluster Beans/Guar Phalli/Kothavarkai – washed,stemmed and chopped

1 1/2 cups Tur Dal/Yellow Lentils

4 tsp Salt

2 tsp Asafoetida

4 tsp Refined Oil

2 tsp Turmeric Powder(Haldi)

1 1/2 tsp black Mustard Seeds(Rai)

3 dried red chillies

METHOD

Prepare the Lentils :

Soak Lentils in 3 cups of water for 5-6 hours or overnight.Drain the water and grind them with 1 dried red chilli to a coarse paste adding 3-4 tbsp water if required.Mix 2 tsp salt,1 tsp Asafoetida and 1 tsp Turmeric Powder.Mix well.Grease a cooker separator or a “Thali” or plate with a little oil and pour the paste into it.Steam for 15 – 20 minutes till firm.

The steamed lentil paste

Cool to room temperature and break up with hands into fine crumbs.Its not necessary that the crumbs should be perfect.

Heat 2 tsp Oil and add the Lentil crumbs.Saute for 3-4 minutes till the crumbs are a little firm and cooked.The raw taste will disappear and they would become delicious to eat just by themselves.Keep aside on a plate to cool.

The prepared and sautéed lentils

Preparing the Usili :

Heat 2 tsp Oil and add the mustard seeds and dried red chillies.When they start popping add the Asafoetida and stir for 1 minute then add the chopped beans.Stir for another minute and add remaining salt and turmeric powder.Stir to mix,cover and cook on the lowest heat for 4-5 minutes till beans are cooked.Now add the cooked lentils and mix well very gently.Cover and cook for 3-4 minutes further and then take off heat.

Serve warm with accompaniments of your choice!

Delicious Paruppu Usili shots :