Beans Usili
A classic Tamil Brahmin dish featuring tender green beans tossed with a savory, spiced crumble of steamed lentils. This protein-packed poriyal is a wonderful side for sambar or rasam rice.
For 4 servings
Soak the Lentils
- Rinse the toor dal and chana dal under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Place the rinsed dals in a bowl and cover with ample water. Let them soak for at least 2 hours, or up to 4 hours.
Grind the Dal Paste
- Completely drain the water from the soaked dals.
- Transfer the dals to a grinder or food processor along with the dried red chillies, hing, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- Grind to a coarse, thick paste. Add only 1-2 tablespoons of water if absolutely necessary to help the blades move. The paste must be thick, not runny.
Steam the Dal Paste
- Lightly grease an idli plate or a small steel plate with a few drops of oil.
- Spread the ground dal paste onto the plate in an even layer.
- Steam in an idli cooker or a steamer over medium heat for 12-15 minutes. The dal cake is cooked when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the steamer and allow it to cool completely to room temperature. This is crucial for easy crumbling.
Prepare the Usili Crumble
- Once the steamed dal cake has cooled, break it into smaller chunks.
- Pulse the chunks a few times in the grinder or crumble them thoroughly with your hands to achieve a coarse, breadcrumb-like texture. Set this usili crumble aside.
Cook the French Beans
- While the dal cake is cooling, place the chopped french beans in a pan.
- Add the turmeric powder, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and about 1/2 cup of water.
- Cover and cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, or until the beans are tender but still have a slight bite. Drain any excess water and set aside.
Prepare the Tempering and Combine
- Heat the coconut oil in a wide pan (kadai) over medium-high heat.
- Add the mustard seeds and wait for them to splutter.
- Add the urad dal and sauté until it turns a light golden brown.
- Toss in the curry leaves and sauté for a few seconds until they become crisp and fragrant.
- Add the cooked french beans to the pan and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes to coat them with the tempering.
Finish the Dish
- Add the prepared usili crumble to the pan with the beans.
- Gently mix everything together, ensuring the crumble is evenly distributed without mashing the beans.
- Sauté on low-medium heat for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the crumble to heat through.
- Taste and adjust salt if needed. Serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a perfect crumble, ensure the dal paste is ground with minimal water. A watery paste will result in a sticky, pasty texture after steaming.
- 2Allow the steamed dal cake to cool completely before crumbling. A warm cake will be sticky and difficult to crumble.
- 3Do not overcook the beans; they should be tender-crisp to provide a nice textural contrast to the soft crumble.
- 4For a richer flavor, you can shallow fry the usili crumble in a teaspoon of oil until slightly golden before adding it to the beans.
- 5The usili crumble can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetable Variation
This recipe works wonderfully with other vegetables like cluster beans (kothavarangai), asparagus, bell peppers, or even finely shredded cabbage. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
Flavor VariationFlavor Variation
Add 1/2 teaspoon of sambar powder along with the turmeric while cooking the beans for a different flavor profile.
Garnish VariationGarnish Variation
For added texture and richness, garnish with 2 tablespoons of freshly grated coconut at the end.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Protein Powerhouse
The combination of toor dal and chana dal provides a high-quality source of plant-based protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
Both green beans and lentils are excellent sources of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, and promotes a feeling of fullness.
Boosts Energy Levels
The complex carbohydrates from the lentils offer a sustained release of energy, making this dish a great way to stay energized throughout the day without causing sharp spikes in blood sugar.
Packed with Micronutrients
This dish is a good source of essential minerals like iron, magnesium, and folate, which are vital for blood production, nerve function, and cell growth.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Beans Usili contains approximately 220-240 calories, making it a nutritious and moderately low-calorie side dish. The calories come mainly from the lentils and the oil used for tempering.