Muthira (Horse gram) Thoran

  Muthira or horse gram is a kind of legume that is extremely healthy like the others. I had never eaten any kind of muthira dishes before my marriage. It was my MIL who introduced me to a few muthira dishes like muthira thoran (also known as muthira puzhukku in Mavelikkara), muthira charu, muthira-plantain puzhukku, chammanthi etc. I loved all the dishes and I have brought along a few packets of muthira from Kerala to try out all those yummy dishes to share with you all. This simple and healthy thoran  goes extremely well with kanji and rice.

Ingredients

1. Muthira / horse gram – 1.5 cups, dried
2. Grated coconut – 1/2 – 3/4 cup
3. Turmeric powder – 1/2 tsp
4. Chilly powder – 1/2 tsp
5. Pepper powder – 1.5 tsp
6. Garlic – 2 small, crushed
7. Curry leaves – 2 sprigs
8. Salt – To taste
9. Mustards – 1/2 tsp
10. Dry red chilies – 1 – 2
11. Coconut oil – 1 tbsp
12. Salt – To taste

Method

1. Roast the muthira in a cheena chatti/any pan at medium heat for about 5 – 6 mts, stirring continuously. Set aside to cool. Rinse and cook it in a pressure cooker adding enough water (around 2.5 – 3 cups) for about 5 – 6 whistles (I used a 2 litre pressure cooker) or until soft and done. When pressure releases, open the pressure cooker and drain excess water.

2. Crush the grated coconut with turmeric powder, chilly powder, crushed garlic and pepper powder with your fingers (njeruduka).

3. Heat oil in a pan. Splutter mustards and fry dry red chilies. Add the cooked muthira, enough salt, few curry leaves and the crushed coconut mixture. Stir fry for a few minutes until dry. Check for salt and switch off. Serve hot with rice / kanji.

Tips:

Garlic can be replaced with 3 – 4 pearl onions.