Kollu Rasam and Kollu Sundal
Kollu, horse gram in English, is the most protein-rich lentil found on the planet. It is very high-powered. That’s why race horses are fed with this gram.Being densely packed with vital nutrients, this minute natural seed offers some marvellous advantages for overall well-being. This superfood has been mentioned in ancient medicinal texts for curing asthma, bronchitis, urinary discharge,kidney stones, leukoderma (skin disease),heart diseases, etc. Along with that, this legume has diuretic and astringent properties. It is also highly beneficial for controlling fever and cholesterol levels. The seeds of horse gram have natural qualities that work as fat burners. It can reduce LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol. Thus, it promotes weight loss.
Horse gram generates heat in the body. So, it is best to consume it with cumin seeds or buttermilk.This will help balance/lower the effect of the heat produced by horse gram.
Kollu Saaru – To Be Used for the Kollu Rasam and Kollu Sundal
- To start with, take 1/2 cup ofhorse gram/ kollu.Wash it and soak for 4 hours.
- Pressure cook with enough water and a pinch of turmeric powder.
- Strain and use the broth to make the rasam/spicy soup and the cooked gram to make thesundal.
Rasam Ingredients:
- Tomato, finely chopped – 1
- Tamarind extract – 1 cup
- Salt to taste
To grind:
- Garlic cloves – 3
- Jeera/cumin – 1 tsp
- Pepper – ½ tsp
- Horsegram, cooked – 2 tbsp
For tempering:
- Oil – 3 tsp
- Mustard – 1 tsp
- Methi / fenugreek – ¼ tsp
- Cumin / jeera – ½ tsp
- Curry leaves
- Coriander leaves
Procedure for Rasam:
- Heat oil in a pan and add all the items listed under tempering.
- Add in the prepared masala paste and sauté for a minute.
- Pour in the tamarind water, chopped tomatoes and add salt.
- Cover and boil for 10 minutes on medium flame.
- Now add the kollu cooked water and mix well.
- Boil for 2 minutes to make sure the flavour is absorbed.
- Add coriander leaves and serve hot with rice or have it as a soup.
Sundal Ingredients:
- Oil
- Mustard seeds
- Curry leaves
- Slit red chillies
- Asafoetida
- Grated coconut
- Salt
The measure for all the above ingredients is according to personal preferences.
Procedure for Sundal:
- Heat oil in a pan and temper with mustard seeds, curry leaves, slit red chillies andasafoetida.
- Add the boiled horse gram. Mix well.
- Add salt. Add shredded coconut, mix and serve.
