Horse Gram/Kollu Curry

Introduction:

Horse gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum) is one of the lesser known beans.In India,it is also
known as Gahat, Muthira,Kulath or Kulthi or Hurali.The whole seeds of horse gram are
generally utilized as cattle feed.However,it is consumed as a whole seed,as sprouts,or as
whole meal by a large population in rural areas of southern India.

In Tamil Nadu,horse gram (kollu,கொள்ளு,in the southern districts it is called
Kaanam) is normally used to feed horses,though it is also commonly used in Tamil
dishes,including kollu porial,kollu avial,kollu sambar and kollu rasam.

In traditional siddha cuisine,horse gram is considered a food with medicinal
qualities.

In A.P,horse gram (Ulavalu, ఉలవలు) is prescribed for persons suffering
from jaundice or water retention,and as part of a weight loss diet.It is
considered helpful for iron deficiencies,and is considered helpful for
maintaining body temperature in the winter season.

In Maharashtra,and specifically the coastal Konkan region and Goa,
horse gram (Kulith) is often used to make Kulith Usal,pithla and laddu.

In Karnataka cuisine,ಹುರಳಿಸಾರು (hurali saaru), ಹುರಳಿ (hurali) is a main
ingredient.

In kerala,horse gram called മുതിര (Muthira) in Malayalam (which
almost sounds like കുതിര(kuthira),Malayalam word for horse ) is
used to feed horse and also used in special kind of dishes.

Horse grams are an oval shaped bean that is usually thin and relatively small.
In color,there is some variance.Horse grams are found in shared of brown,
red and black,with the hue ranging from a pale to a deep shade.When it
comes to the basic preparation of horse grams,the process is not unlike that
of many different types of beans.

The dried horse grams are soaked in water overnight,then put on to slow
cook for several hours.Just about any spices or meat drippings can be used
to season horse grams during the cooking process.Once the beans are fully
cooked,they may be served as a side dish or used as an ingredient in a more
elaborate dish.

The taste of horse grams is best described as earthy.With a natural flavor that
is somewhat like a cross between a black bean and a kidney bean,horse grams
lend themselves very well to absorbing the flavor of different types of seasonings.
Like chickpeas,horse grams can be served cold as well as hot.Also,horse grams
can be pulverized and used to make a paste that is somewhat similar to hummus.


Recipe For Kollu/Horse Gram Curry:

Ingredients:
Horse Gram/Kollu  - 1 Cup
Red Chillies - 5
Asafoetida - a pinch
Turmeric Powder - 1/4 tsp.
Tamarind Juice - 1 Cup
Mustard Seeds - 1 tsp.
Curry Leaves - Few
Sukku Powder - 1/2 tsp.
Salt - To Taste
Oil - 1 tbsp.

Method:

Soak tamarind in hot water for 30 mins.Then extract juice/pulp from the
tamarind and set it aside.

In a pan add the tamarind juice,turmeric powder,enough salt and water
and let it boil.

Heat another pan with some oil and add horse gram,red chillies
and asafoetida and fry till nice aroma arises.
Let it cool and grind it with some sukku powder and enough water.

When the tamarind juice is boiling add the ground powder and stir it well.

Heat a small pan with some sesame oil and when its hot add mustard
seeds and let it pop.

Add some curry leaves and fry for few seconds.

Add the above seasoning to the kollu/horse gram curry and serve it hot
with rice or dosa or chapathi.


Note : Horse Gram/Kollu is available in the Indian Stores.

For the health benefits of horse grams,please visit :

http://www.innovateus.net/food/what-are-health-benefits-horse-gram

http://sawaal.ibibo.com/alternative-medicine/medicinal-properties-uses-horse-gram-655146.html