Methi Paruppu Usili

Ingredients :

• Methi keerai - 1 bunch [ cleaned and chopped ]
• Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
• Salt - as required
• Curry leaves - little

For the usili :

• Thuvar dhal - 1 cup
• Dry red chillies - 3 to 4
• ATsafoetida - 1/4 tsp
• Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
• Salt - as required

For seasoning :

• Mustard seeds - 1 tsp
• Oil [ coconut oil] - 1/4 cup

Method :

Soak the dhal in hot water [ enough to cover the dhal ] for about 20 minutes. Then drain the water and blend coarsely along with the other ingredients for the usili. Then steam for about 10 minutes in a rice cooker or flatten the usili and zap in the microwave for 2-3 minutes. Insert a wooden fork and when it comes out clean. The usili done. Cool the steamed and crumble without limps by grating it or in the blender using the pulse speed. Then heat oil and pop the mustard. Add the usili mixture and stir well for 3-4 minutes. Set aside. Then heat a teaspoon of oil and the chopped methi leaves. Add salt and turmeric, stir for few minute till the methi is crispy. Take care that it is crunchy and not over cooked. Then add crumbled usili, and gently stir for 2 minutes over a medium heat. Add more salt if required. Add curry leaves and stir.Serve as a side dish or mixed with  rice.

Tip : Make the usili  in bulk and freeze. Add to cooked vegetables like beans, avarakkai, kothavarangai, cabbage, snake gourd or even a leftover red or yellow pepper. Usili can prepared with equal portion bengal gram.