Paruppu Usili
A classic Tamil Brahmin dish featuring tender green beans tossed with a savory, steamed lentil crumble. This protein-packed side dish is wonderfully textured and pairs perfectly with sambar or rasam rice.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Soak and Grind the Dal
- b.Wash the toor dal and chana dal thoroughly. Soak them together in ample water for at least 2 hours.
- c.After soaking, drain the water completely. Transfer the soaked dals to a grinder jar.
- d.Add the dried red chilies, asafoetida, and 0.75 tsp of salt to the jar.
- e.Grind to a coarse, thick paste, adding only 2-3 tablespoons of water as needed to help the blades move. The paste should not be smooth or watery.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Steam the Dal Paste
- b.Lightly grease an idli plate or a small steel plate with oil.
- c.Spoon the ground dal paste into the idli molds or spread it evenly on the plate.
- d.Steam in a steamer or idli cooker for 10-12 minutes on medium heat.
- e.The dal is cooked when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the steamer and set aside to cool completely for at least 15-20 minutes.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Usili Crumble
- b.Once the steamed dal cakes are completely cool to the touch, break them into smaller chunks.
- c.Place the chunks in a blender or mixie jar and pulse a few times for just 2-3 seconds each time. This will break it down into a coarse, fluffy crumble (the 'usili'). Avoid over-grinding, which can make it pasty.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the French Beans
- b.While the dal is cooling, wash and finely chop the french beans.
- c.In a pan, combine the chopped beans, turmeric powder, the remaining 0.5 tsp of salt, and 1/4 cup of water.
- d.Cover the pan and cook on medium heat for 8-10 minutes, or until the beans are tender but still have a slight bite. Uncover for the last minute to ensure any excess water evaporates.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Temper and Assemble
- b.In a wide pan or kadai, heat the coconut oil over medium heat.
- c.Add the mustard seeds. When they begin to splutter, add the urad dal and curry leaves.
- d.Sauté for about 30-40 seconds until the urad dal turns light golden brown and fragrant.
- e.Add the cooked french beans to the pan and stir to coat with the tempering.
- f.Finally, add the prepared dal crumble (usili). Gently mix everything together.
- g.Sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and the crumble to get slightly toasted. Serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1The key to a fluffy usili is a coarse, thick dal paste. Do not add excess water while grinding.
- 2Ensure the steamed dal cake is completely cool before crumbling. A warm cake will turn mushy when pulsed.
- 3For a quicker version, you can sauté the ground dal paste in a little oil until it forms a crumble, instead of steaming.
- 4Do not overcook the beans; they should retain a slight crunch for the best texture.
- 5The prepared dal crumble can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetable Swap
This recipe works wonderfully with other vegetables. Try it with cluster beans (kothavarangai), cabbage, bell peppers, or even banana flower (vazhaipoo).
Add CoconutAdd Coconut
For extra flavor and a more traditional touch, stir in 2-3 tablespoons of freshly grated coconut along with the dal crumble in the final step.
With OnionsWith Onions
For a different flavor profile, you can sauté one finely chopped onion after the tempering, before adding the cooked beans.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Plant-Based Protein
The combination of toor dal and chana dal provides a high-quality protein profile, essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
High in Dietary Fiber
Both the lentils and green beans are rich in dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes gut health, helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, and contributes to a feeling of fullness.
Rich in Minerals
This dish is a good source of important minerals like iron, magnesium, potassium, and folate, which are vital for energy production, bone health, and preventing anemia.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Paruppu Usili (approximately 1 cup or 120g) contains around 165-180 calories, making it a nutritious and moderately low-calorie side dish.