Creamy Horse Gram Curry
A hearty and wholesome vegan curry featuring tender horse gram simmered in a rich, aromatic coconut milk gravy infused with traditional South Indian spices, perfect for a comforting and nutritious meal.
For 4 servings
**Prepare Ingredients:** Finely chop the onion and tomato. Mince or paste the ginger and garlic. Slit the green chili lengthwise. Have all dry spices measured out and ready. Ensure your horse gram is already cooked and drained.
**Sauté Aromatics:** Heat the coconut oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the black mustard seeds and let them splutter (pop) for about 15-20 seconds. Then add the fresh curry leaves and slit green chili, sautéing for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
**Build Flavor Base:** Add the finely chopped onion to the pot and sauté until it becomes translucent and lightly golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the ginger paste and garlic paste, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until their raw aroma disappears.
**Add Spices and Tomatoes:** Reduce the heat to low. Add the turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and red chili powder. Sauté for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent the spices from burning. Immediately add the chopped tomatoes and a pinch of salt. Cook until the tomatoes soften and release their juices, about 3-5 minutes, mashing them slightly with the back of your spoon.
**Combine and Simmer:** Stir in the cooked horse gram, full-fat coconut milk, and water (or vegetable broth). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the gravy to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
**Season and Finish:** Stir in the garam masala and adjust the salt to taste. If the curry is too thick, add a splash more water or coconut milk. If too thin, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes until desired consistency is reached.
**Garnish and Serve:** Remove the pot from heat. Garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve hot with steamed rice, dosa, idli, roti, or naan for a complete and satisfying meal.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1**Pre-soaking Horse Gram:** For faster cooking and better digestibility, soak dry horse gram overnight (8-12 hours) before cooking. Drain, rinse, and pressure cook for 4-5 whistles or boil until tender.
- 2**Adjusting Consistency:** If you prefer a smoother curry, you can blend a portion of the cooked horse gram and gravy before the final simmer, then return it to the pot. Alternatively, mash some of the horse gram against the side of the pot to naturally thicken the curry.
- 3**Spice Level Control:** For less heat, deseed the green chilies or omit them entirely. For more heat, add an extra green chili or increase the amount of red chili powder according to your preference.
- 4**Freshness is Key:** Using fresh ginger, garlic, and curry leaves makes a significant difference in the final aroma and taste of the curry. Avoid dried or powdered curry leaves if possible.
Adapt it for your goals.
Smoky Flavor
Add a pinch of smoked paprika along with other dry spices for a subtle smoky undertone, or for an authentic touch, temper with a small piece of charcoal (dum method) at the end.
Vegetable BoostVegetable Boost
Incorporate diced vegetables like carrots, potatoes, spinach, or bell peppers along with the horse gram for added nutrients, color, and texture. Add harder vegetables earlier to ensure they cook through.
Tangy TwistTangy Twist
A small amount of tamarind paste (1 tsp) or a squeeze of fresh lime juice at the very end can add a delightful tangy note, balancing the richness of the coconut milk and enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
Horse gram is an excellent plant-based source of protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function, making this curry a highly nutritious option for vegans and vegetarians.
High in Fiber
This curry, particularly from the horse gram, provides a significant amount of dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes satiety, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and contributes to gut health.
Packed with Micronutrients
Horse gram is abundant in essential minerals such as iron, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. These micronutrients contribute to bone health, energy production, and help prevent various deficiencies.
Frequently asked questions
While freshly cooked horse gram is ideal for flavor and texture, if using canned horse gram, rinse it thoroughly before adding to the curry to remove excess sodium and improve flavor. Adjust cooking time accordingly as it will already be tender.
