Muthira (horse gram) thoran

Horse gram (Muthira in Malayalam and Hurali in Kannada) is a reddish brown legume with many health benefits. It is rich in proteins (It is the most protein-rich lentil found on the planet), vitamins and iron, and is believed to reduce the extra fats in the body, thus helping in weight reduction.

Regular consumption of cooked horse gram helps to expel small kidney stones. Scientific studies have shown that horse gram inhibits formation of calcium oxalate stones in kidneys.

Ingredients:

Horse gram      - 1 cup (100 gms)

Water   - 1 cup

Salt to taste

To season:

Oil        - 1 tbsp

Mustard seeds  - ½ tsp

Red chilli pieces            - 5

Finely cut onion            - ½ tbsp

Curry leaves     - a few

Grind together:

Coconut grated - ¾ cup

Garlic   - 4,5 flakes

Turmeric powder          - ½ tsp

Red chilli powder          - 1/3 tsp

Jeera    - ½ tsp

Method:

-         Soak horse gram overnight. Pressure cook it with one cup water and salt for eight minutes

-         Let the pressure cooker cool, open it. Add the roughly ground coconut with spices and mix well. Keep the pressure cooker over low flame.

-         In a thick bottomed pan, heat the oil and add mustard seeds.

-         When they splutter, add the red chilli pieces, cut onion and curry leaves.

-         When the onion turns dark brown, put the seasoning into the pressure cooker, cover with a lid and remove from the flame.

-         Open the pressure cooker, mix well and it is ready to be served with steamed rice.