Classic Tamil Nadu dry stir-fry with horse gram sprouts, tempered mustard seeds and fresh coconut.

Ingredients

Method

  1. Prepare horsegram: If using dried kollu (horsegram), soak in water overnight. Drain and pressure cook with fresh water for 4-5 whistles until tender. Drain and save the cooking water.
  2. Make tempering: Heat 2 tbsp oil. Add 1 tsp mustard seeds — when they pop add 1 tsp urad dal and fry golden.
  3. Add aromatics: Add 1 broken dried red chilli, 1 sprig curry leaves and a pinch of asafoetida. Fry 20 seconds.
  4. Add shallots: Add 5 sliced shallots and cook 4 minutes until golden.
  5. Add cooked horsegram: Add drained cooked horsegram. Toss to coat in the seasoned oil.
  6. Add spices: Add half tsp turmeric, half tsp red chilli powder and half tsp coriander powder. Toss and cook 3 minutes.
  7. Dry out: Cook on high heat 2-3 minutes until dry and slightly roasted.
  8. Add coconut: Add 3 tbsp freshly grated coconut. Toss on high heat 1-2 minutes.
  9. Adjust seasoning: Taste and add salt. Horsegram has a nutty, earthy flavour.
  10. Serve: Kollu poriyal is a nutritious protein-rich side dish. Serve with steamed rice, sambar and rasam.