Alsande Usli
A wholesome and savory stir-fry from Karnataka made with tender black-eyed peas, fresh coconut, and a fragrant tempering. This simple and protein-rich dish is perfect as a healthy snack or a side dish.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Soak and Cook the Black-Eyed Peas
- b.Rinse the dried black-eyed peas thoroughly under running water. Soak them in 4 cups of water for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight.
- c.Drain the soaking water and rinse the peas again. Transfer them to a pressure cooker.
- d.Add 3 cups of fresh water and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Secure the lid.
- e.Pressure cook on medium heat for 3-4 whistles, which should take about 10-12 minutes. The peas should be cooked until soft but still retain their shape.
- f.Allow the pressure to release naturally. Open the cooker, drain any excess water, and set the cooked peas aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Tempering (Oggarane)
- b.Heat the coconut oil in a wide pan or kadai over medium heat.
- c.Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and let them splutter completely, which takes about 30-45 seconds.
- d.Add the urad dal and sauté for about 1 minute until it turns a light golden brown.
- e.Stir in the hing, broken dried red chilies, and curry leaves. Sauté for another 30 seconds until the curry leaves are crisp and fragrant.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sauté the Aromatics
- b.Add the finely chopped onion and slit green chilies to the pan.
- c.Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and translucent.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Finish the Usli
- b.Add the cooked black-eyed peas, turmeric powder, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the pan.
- c.Mix gently to combine all the ingredients without mashing the peas. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- d.Stir in the fresh grated coconut and cook for one more minute.
- e.Turn off the heat. Squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the usli and garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves. Give it a final gentle mix.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve
- b.Serve the Alsande Usli warm as a nutritious snack or as a side dish with rice and sambar.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Do not overcook the peas; they should be soft enough to eat but firm enough to hold their shape.
- 2Using freshly grated coconut provides the best flavor and texture compared to desiccated coconut.
- 3For a quicker version, you can use canned black-eyed peas. Just rinse them well before using and skip the soaking and pressure cooking steps.
- 4Always let the mustard seeds splutter fully before adding other ingredients to release their full flavor.
- 5For a no-onion, no-garlic (Satvik) version, simply omit the onions.
- 6Adjust the number of green and red chilies to suit your spice preference.
Adapt it for your goals.
With Vegetables
Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped carrots, green beans, or bell peppers along with the onions for extra nutrition and color.
Different LegumesDifferent Legumes
This recipe works well with other legumes like green gram (moong), chickpeas (chana), or horse gram (huruli). Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Add 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder along with the turmeric powder for a spicier kick.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Plant-Based Protein
Black-eyed peas are an excellent source of protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function, making this a great dish for vegetarians and vegans.
High in Dietary Fiber
The high fiber content from the peas promotes healthy digestion, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and contributes to a feeling of fullness, aiding in weight management.
Good Source of Folate
This dish is a good source of folate (Vitamin B9), which is crucial for DNA synthesis and cell growth, making it particularly beneficial during pregnancy.
Heart-Healthy
Low in saturated fat and rich in soluble fiber, Alsande Usli can help lower cholesterol levels. The potassium in black-eyed peas also helps regulate blood pressure.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Alsande Usli (approximately 1 cup or 175g) contains around 260-280 calories, making it a filling and moderately low-calorie snack or side dish.