Are you craving a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful vegetarian meal? Look no further than Sev Usal, a beloved Gujarati street food that's surprisingly easy to make at home. This delicious dish is packed with protein and fiber, making it a perfect option for a satisfying lunch or dinner. Forget complicated recipes; this one is designed for busy weeknights and delivers restaurant-quality taste without the fuss. Let's dive into this easy-to-follow recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup split mung beans (moong dal), rinsed
- 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/4 tsp asafoetida (hing)
- 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
- 1/4 tsp cumin seeds
- 2 tbsp oil
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup sev (crispy chickpea flour noodles) for garnish
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Mung Beans: In a pressure cooker, combine the rinsed mung beans with 2 cups of water. Cook for 3-4 whistles or until the beans are soft and well-cooked. Let the pressure release naturally.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the oil in a pan or kadai over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Once they splutter, add the asafoetida and green chilies. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
- Add Vegetables: Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Then, add the potatoes and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened.
- Spice It Up: Stir in the turmeric powder and red chili powder. Cook for another minute, allowing the spices to bloom.
- Combine and Simmer: Add the cooked mung beans, chopped tomatoes, and salt to the pan. Mix well and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the Usal has thickened slightly, remove from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro and lemon juice (if using). Garnish generously with sev. Serve hot with roti, puri, or even as a side dish.
Cooking Tips for the Best Sev Usal:
- Don't overcook the potatoes: You want them to be tender but still hold their shape.
- Adjust the spice level: Feel free to add more or less chili powder based on your preference.
- Fresh cilantro is key: It adds a vibrant freshness to the dish.
- Use good quality sev: The crunch of the sev is an important part of the experience.
Variations:
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, peas, or beans.
- Make it tangier: Add a squeeze of lime juice instead of or in addition to lemon juice.
- Spice it up further: Add a pinch of garam masala for a richer flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe provides a good source of protein and fiber, making it a healthy and filling meal. The exact nutritional values will vary depending on the ingredients used.
This quick and easy Sev Usal Gujarati recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave a delicious and healthy homemade meal. It's a delightful blend of flavors and textures, and the satisfying crunch of the sev elevates this simple dish to something truly special. Enjoy!