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A delightful sweet, spicy, and tangy curry from Karnataka, made using the leftover sweet lentil filling from holige. This unique saaru is the perfect way to create a second delicious meal, best enjoyed with hot rice.
For 4 servings
Prepare the Saaru Base
Simmer the Saaru
Prepare the Tempering (Oggarane)
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A delightful sweet, spicy, and tangy curry from Karnataka, made using the leftover sweet lentil filling from holige. This unique saaru is the perfect way to create a second delicious meal, best enjoyed with hot rice.
This south_indian recipe takes 25 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 92.44 calories per serving with 1.82g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for lunch or dinner.
Combine and Serve
Add 2-3 cloves of lightly crushed garlic to the tempering along with the cumin seeds for a pungent aroma and flavor.
For a spicier version, add 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper powder along with the rasam powder.
Blend 2 tablespoons of grated fresh coconut with a little water to a fine paste and add it to the saaru while it simmers for a richer, creamier consistency.
Spices like hing (asafoetida), cumin, and tamarind are traditionally known to stimulate digestive enzymes, reduce bloating, and promote overall gut health.
The base of the saaru is hoorna, made from lentils (like chana dal or toor dal), which are an excellent source of plant-based protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and satiety.
The tempering includes spices like mustard seeds and curry leaves, which are packed with antioxidants that help protect the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Holige Saaru is a traditional curry from Karnataka, India. It has a unique sweet, spicy, and tangy flavor profile and is cleverly made from the leftover sweet lentil filling (hoorna) of a festive sweet flatbread called Holige or Obbattu.
Yes. You can create a quick substitute by blending 1/2 cup of cooked toor dal (pigeon peas) with 3 tbsp of powdered jaggery, 1/4 tsp of cardamom powder, and 2 tbsp of grated coconut until smooth.
One serving, which is approximately 1 cup (245g), contains around 180-220 calories. The exact count can vary based on the sweetness of the hoorna and the amount of ghee used.
It can be part of a balanced diet. It's rich in plant-based protein from lentils and contains beneficial spices. However, it is also sweet due to the jaggery in the hoorna, so it should be consumed in moderation, especially for those monitoring their sugar intake.
Store the saaru in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen and taste even better the next day. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
It is traditionally served hot, poured over steamed white rice. Adding a dollop of ghee on top of the rice enhances the flavor beautifully. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a light, comforting soup.