Kulith Saaru
A rustic and hearty South Indian soup made from horse gram stock. It's tangy, lightly spiced, and packed with nutrients. Traditionally enjoyed with steamed rice for a comforting meal.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 40 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Soak and Cook Horse Gram (Soak: 6-8 hours, Cook: 25-30 mins)
- b.Wash the horse gram thoroughly under running water. Soak it in 3-4 cups of water for at least 6-8 hours, or overnight.
- c.Drain the soaking water. Transfer the soaked horse gram to a pressure cooker and add 4 cups of fresh water.
- d.Pressure cook on medium heat for 8-10 whistles, or for about 25-30 minutes, until the grams are very soft and can be easily mashed.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare Stock and Tamarind Water (5 mins)
- b.Allow the pressure cooker to cool down naturally. Open the lid and strain the contents through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl.
- c.Carefully collect all the cooking liquid (stock); this is the base for the saaru. Set the cooked horse gram aside for another dish (like Usli).
- d.In a small bowl, soak the tamarind in 1/2 cup of hot water for 10 minutes. Squeeze the pulp well to extract its essence, then strain the liquid and discard the solids.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Grind the Masala Paste (3 mins)
- b.In a small grinder or blender jar, combine the grated fresh coconut, cumin seeds, garlic cloves, and black peppercorns.
- c.Add 2-3 tablespoons of water and grind to a very smooth, fine paste.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Prepare the Tempering (2 mins)
- b.Heat the coconut oil in a medium-sized pot or kadai over medium heat.
- c.Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and let them splutter completely.
- d.Add the broken dried red chilies, curry leaves, and a pinch of asafoetida. Sauté for 30-40 seconds until the curry leaves are crisp and aromatic.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Combine and Simmer the Saaru (10 mins)
- b.Add the ground masala paste to the pot with the tempering. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously, until the raw smell disappears and it becomes fragrant.
- c.Pour in the reserved horse gram stock and the prepared tamarind water.
- d.Add the grated jaggery, turmeric powder, and salt. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- e.Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 7-8 minutes for the flavors to meld together. Do not boil it vigorously.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Garnish and Serve (1 min)
- b.Turn off the heat and garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves.
- c.Let the saaru rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve hot with steamed rice and a side of papad or the leftover horse gram usli.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Soaking the horse gram overnight is crucial for it to cook evenly and become soft.
- 2The cooked horse gram can be seasoned with salt, coconut, and a simple tempering to be served as a side dish called 'usli' or 'sundal'.
- 3Adjust the amount of jaggery and tamarind to achieve your preferred balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
- 4For a slightly thicker saaru, mash a tablespoon of the cooked horse gram and add it back into the simmering liquid.
- 5This saaru tastes even better the next day. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicier Version
Add 1-2 green chilies along with the coconut while grinding the masala paste for extra heat.
With VegetablesWith Vegetables
You can add chopped vegetables like drumsticks or yellow cucumber and cook them in the tamarind water before adding the horse gram stock.
Quick VersionQuick Version
For a faster version, use 1.5 teaspoons of a store-bought rasam powder instead of grinding the fresh masala paste. Add it along with the turmeric powder.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Plant-Based Protein
Horse gram is one of the richest vegetarian sources of protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Aids in Weight Management
High in fiber and protein, this saaru promotes a feeling of fullness, helping to curb appetite and manage weight effectively. It is also relatively low in calories.
Boosts Immunity
The combination of spices like black pepper, garlic, and turmeric provides powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, helping to strengthen the immune system.
Promotes Digestive Health
The high fiber content in horse gram aids in digestion and promotes regular bowel movements. Spices like cumin and asafoetida further support a healthy gut.
Frequently asked questions
Kulith Saaru, also known as Huruli Saaru, is a traditional South Indian soup or thin curry made from the stock of cooked horse gram (kulith/huruli). It's known for its unique tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor profile.