In a kadhai/wok heat oil and splutter the mustard, add asafetida, green chillies and curry leaves and give a quick stir.
Add the potatoes stir a little then add the moong sprouts. Stir well and cooked covered for about 5 minutes on medium flame.
Add the tamarind pulp, jaggery, salt and pounded pepper and cloves, coriander seed powder and cumin seed powder. Mix well. Cook on medium flame.
Add some water to cook the mixture well. Once the water comes to a boil lower the flame. The reason is it saves your cooking gas. I needed about ¼ cup of water. The amount of water you will need will differ. Add as needed.
In about 15 minutes the Usali is done.
Keep covered and let the flavours mingle.
How to serve
This easy Goan curry is a staple and a regular staple when Goans are fasting. Usali and Chapati are the meal of the day, especially at night.
Rice is avoided while fasting but in case you make this as a regular everyday meal then serve it as a side with steam hot steaming rice.
If your teen is hungry and demands a snack why not serev this usal with some onion and farsan and some tamarind chutney? Tasty and nutritious.
Notes
Protips:
Moong or Green gram should be clean. Rinse them thoroughly before soaking for a good 6-8 hours.
Use lukewarm water if you live in a cold climate.
There are times I have forgotten to soak the beans. So early in the morning, I soak them in lukewarm water. In about 4 hours I have soaked beans.
Another trick is to use a casserole where the water will stay warm.
Use a clean kitchen towel to make sprouts.
Do check the sprouts every day.
If they have not sprouted the next day. And if the towel is too dry, sprinkle a little water on them and cover again.
If the beans do not sprout after 2-3 days they may be old beans. Discard them.
Again if you see fungus on the beans. Discard them.
Once sprouted, use as required or deep freeze it.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why include sprouts in your diet?
Think Protein! Sprouts can provide protein and nutrition. Cholesterol and calories are then not your worries. Sprouts have enzymes dense. These catalyse your body's functions and help your body to function better. Sprouts of any kind have more fibre plus they help your immunity.
How do sprouts help women?
Protein and nutrition-dense sprouts help in preventing osteoporosis or bone breakdown. In fact, they help bone formation. Include sprouts in your diet to control hot flashes and menopause problems. Sprouts also help in controlling PMS and fibrocystic breast tumours. everyone who eats can prevent gastritis, ulcers, stomach cancer, allergy and asthma.
Why are sprouts included in my weight loss diet?
Because they are low in calories. Make you feel full and take some time to digest. So your "hungry kya"? is postponed.
What precautions should I take to avoid food poisoning due to sprouts?
Smelly, slimy sprouts and fungal grown on them means bin the sprouts. Wash the sprouts before handling the sprouts and rinse them well. Last but not least if you are making them at home like I have made here take care. Wash and rinse the beans well. Lastly once the sprouts are ready deep freeze what you do not need. My suggestion is to make smaller packets of the sprouts. So you need not defrost the full lot