Lunch Box Series : LBS#54 ~ Beans Paruppu Usili!

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Beans Paruppu Usili is a crumbly protein-rich dish made with steamed dal. Paruppu Usili is a very popular Tamil Brahmin dish. Paruppu Usili has ground and steamed dal that is then sauteed with spices and can be made with vegetables like cluster beans, green beans, broad beans, plantain flower, cabbage, carrot, etc.

This traditional Tamil recipe is a dry saute with vegetable coated with steamed dal, that makes a perfect side dish for rice, and many times you can simply mix it with rice and enjoy it as well.

I have other paruppu usili shared like the Carrot Paruppu Usili, Beans Carrot Usili.  For step by step pictures to know how to make Beans Paruppu Usili, please check the Microwave Beans Paruppu Usili

Though I have made Vazhai Thandu Kootu here, the one I have shared is made with Moong dal. I Will have to make it with toor dal and share it soon.

Another recipe similar to this is the Andhra Style Cabbage Patoli.

Before getting to the recipe, let me share how the days have been! It's been raining all last week and through the weekend too. Naturally, there is nothing more beautiful than being welcomed by a rainy morning, forget about the fact of navigating your way through it to the office.

Konda's exams got over by Saturday and it also saw us being tensed over the boys' admission results. We were naturally excited seeing their names, though secretly I hoped they will be featured in the second list. Yes, it's one of those cases of having it best when it comes last too. By then, our school of choice will also announce and we need not worry about requesting refunds from this school, etc. But life never offers everything on a plate. And one look at the disappointed parents, we counted out blessings and came away.

Having one school confirmed, we still went to attend the interview at the third school, much against our wishes. We were not keen but just took them anyway. From the moment we got on, we sensed the boys were not in the right mood. But I was actually happy knowing I wasn't wrong in judging my boys wrongly!

Imagine being shocked out of your socks by such angelic expressions and correct answers in the previous two schools. I couldn't believe for a moment they were my boys..:)) I always knew it was the angel playing on these elves. Well, I finally had it confirmed after their performance in this final school.

The moment we went in for the interview, one teacher asked Peddu his name. He was giggling away and with his cheeks bolted nodded no for a reply. Chinnu openly said he is not going to answer! The teachers (much shocked, tried not to show it) then showed them a puzzle and asked them to assemble it, as defiant they took some other object and started playing with it.

Both of us were red with embarrassment on not knowing what to do with their behavior. Though the teachers were sweet and understanding to the fact that a 3-year-old can have loads of mood swings, this was taken to extremes. I was sad knowing that we missed a chance of getting admission to one of the best schools. Anyway, a bird in hand is worth a hundred on the fly, goes the adage!

Life can be unpredictable and it can offer many surprises. We learn from each of them. For the past few days, I have been in a philosophical vein, never more on my best. Whether I make myself understood or not, this is life!

Now let's see what was for lunch today!

Beans Paruppu Usili is my most favorite of all. Paruppu Usili which is typically made by Tamil Brahmins has always been my all-time favorite. I remember having this at the wedding feast and used to just love it. During childhood, Amma somehow never got around making this at home often. So the only occasion that we get a chance is the wedding feasts. So it was really a fun-filled affair for me.

Once I started cooking, I, of course, made sure to remember all those dishes and finally once got down preparing it. Then there has never been a stop. I now make it quite often not just for its taste but its protein-filled pack. The first time I made it, I ended up making so much that I forced everybody to eat saying it's good for health. This time round managed to make just enough.

Today's Lunch Box had

Valai Thandu Kootu
Beans Paruppu Usili
Curd Rice

Beans Paruppu Usili

Soaking Time : 30 - 40 mins
Preparation Time : 10 mins
Cooking Time : 30 mins

Ingredients needed:

150 gms Green Beans

For the Dal

100 gms Chana Dal / Bengal Gram
4 to 5 no Dry Red Chilies
Salt to taste

For Seasoning

1/2 tsp Mustard Seeds
1/2 tsp Urad Dal
Handful Curry Leaves
A Pinch Asafoetida

How to make Beans Paruppu Usili

Soak Channa dal in water for 30 mins.
Chop beans to fine pieces. Parboil it in a pan with half a glass of water.
Drain water from the channa dal and coarsely grind it with red chillis.
Heat a Kadai and add mustard, urad dal, curry leaves.
Once it splutters, add dal mix, cover, and cook in sim for 10 mins. Stirring frequently to ensure it doesn't get burnt. Sprinkle water if it gets dry.
Then add boiled beans and mix well. Simmer with a lid for few minutes.
Serve with Rice and Sambar.

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Beans Paruppu Usili

Beans Paruppu Usili is a crumbly protein rich dish made with steamed dal. Paruppu Usili is a very popular Tamil Brahmin dish. Paruppu Usili has ground and steamed dal that is then sauteed with spices and can be made with vegetables like cluster beans, green beans, broad beans, plantain flower, cabbage, carrot etc.

Course Main Dish - Dry Sautes

Cuisine Tamil Nadu

Keyword Poriyal Recipes

By Cook Method Steamed, Stovetop

Occasion Everyday Meal

By Diet Healthy Recipes

Dish Type Dry Side Dishes

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes

Servings 4 people

Author Srivalli

Ingredients

• 150 gms Green Beans

For the Dal

• 100 gms Chana Dal / Bengal Gram
• 4 to 5 nos Dry Red Chilies
• Salt to taste

For Seasoning

• 1/2 tsp Mustard Seeds
• 1/2 tsp Urad dal
• Handful Curry Leaves
• A Pinch Asafoetida / Hing

Instructions

• Soak Channa dal in water for 30 mins.
• Chop beans to fine pieces. Parboil it in a pan with half a glass water.
• Drain water from the channa dal and coarsely grind it with red chillis.
• Heat a kadai and add mustard, urad dal, curry leaves.
• Once it splutters, add dal mix, cover and cook in sim for 10 mins. Stirring frequently to ensure it doesn't get burnt. Sprinkle water if it gets dry.
• Then add boiled beans and mix well. Simmer with lid for few minutes.
• Serve with Rice and Sambar.

Tried this recipe?Mention @cooking4all or tag #cooking4all!

And this came to mind. I know Channa dal is something we use every day, yet this simple dish can bring me so much joy.