Muthira Thoran(Kerala Style) | Horse Gram Stir Fry

Muthira(horse gram) has the highest calcium among pulses and is one of the richest source of vegetarian protein. It also has considerable amount of iron. Its slow digestible starch makes it ideal for diabetics and obese patients. Muthira thoran(horse gram stir fry) is a Kerala style recipe that is often made in H's place. My mom used to make this thoran(stir fry)  once in a blue moon and we used to like it though. There is quite some difference in style in both mom's preparations. In my home,the cooked muthira(horse gram) remains untouched with one another and coconut is added in this preparation. I used to love that thoran(stir fry)  to be serves as a after school snack generally. On the contrary, my MIL cooks it very well,adds chilli powder alone (without coconut to make) and leaves the water as a thick gravy in the stir fry. Gradually I developed my own version of this thoran(stir fry)  and have come up with my own way of doing it. I cook it very well and add coconut too. Muthira(horse gram) is considered a hot pulse and so adding coconut brings down the heat considerably. Muthira thoran(stir fry) serves perfect with rice gruel and tastes yum with kadumanga side.

Soaking time~ 3-6 hours
Preparation time~ 10 minutes
Cooking time~ 25 minutes
Author~ Julie
Serves ~4 
Ingredients
horse gram /muthira 1/2 cup
shallots 5-6 sliced

*garlic cloves 5-6 sliced
hot chilly powder 3/4 tsp
turmeric powder 1/4tsp
salt to taste
coconut oil (or any neutral oil) 2tbsp
curry leaves a sprig

to coarsely grind
*grated coconut 1/2 cup
cumin seeds 1/4 tsp
garlic cloves 2-3

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Method

• Wash the muthira(horse gram) under running water and using sedimentation method,clear out any stones or impurities that settle down in the bowl. Usually muthira(horse gram) has lot of sand and stone impurities, don't ignore to sieve or clean before you make the thoran(stir fry) . OR these days we get cleaned packets of muthira(horse gram) in super markets which is free from all impurities.
• Soak the muthira(horse gram) ideally for 3 hours to over night (if possible). Drain the water and transfer the muthira in a pressure cooker with new added water, salt and turmeric powder. Pressure cook for 5-6 whitsles until its cooked(The number of whistles depends on the quality of horse gram used and the soaking time). Just make sure that there is enough water in the cooker each time before you pressure cook again if needed.
• Heat oil in a pan. Add the sliced shallots, garlic cloves and curry leaves. Saute until lightly wilted. Add the chilli powder on low flame an saute until the raw smell disappears. Add the cooked muthira(horse gram) and mix well(add reserve water too if any).
• In the mean time,coarsely grind the coconut,garlic cloves and cumin seeds.Add this mix to the muthira(horse gram) and mix well. Cook covered on low flame for two minutes until its well combined. If there is any moisture left out,then cook on high and dry up the moisture.
• Switch off flame and enjoy with steamed rice !

NOTES

* You can omit adding the coconut too.My MIL makes that way,tastes good but adding coconut reduces the heat of the horse gram and there by balances it.  In case if you are not adding coconut then, add the garlic cloves with sliced shallots and saute.

* You can prepare cherupayar(green gram) or vanpayaru thoran(cow peas) the same way.
* Muthira tastes good when its a little spicy and so I have used 3/4 tsp of chilli powder. Alter if you don't like spicy.

* Adding garlic cloves coarsely ground and sauteing adds flavour and reduces gas issues. Adjust as it suits your taste buds.

You may also be interested to check out other Kerala stir fry recipes, click here.