Brown Rice Usili


 


Dishes like these always reminds me of my grandma. Growing up, usili used to be a frequent lunch box menu for us. Usili is a kind of a dry pongal and I like this better than the original mushed up pongal.  The seasonings used here are just cumin seeds, peppercorns, and dried red chilies. My grandma usually makes this with moong dhal and my mom makes this with toor dhal. I like both the versions. If you want to try a different pongal, you can try this with toor dhal. The side dish for this usili is usually coconut chutney and sambar. Also any tamarind-based coconut chutney will work out great with this  usili in particular. 

Ingredients:
1. Brown rice or white rice, washed 1 cup.
2. Moong dhal, 1/2 cup, washed and soaked for an hour.
3. Peppercorns, 1/2 teaspoon.
4. Cumin seeds, 1/2 teaspoon.
5. Dried red chilies, 2.
6. Salt, as per taste.
7. Curry leaves, a handful.

Preparation:
This preparation works out great when cooked in a rice cooker. The dhal does not turn very mushy in the rice cooker. Alternate method is to cook the rice and the dhal separately and add the seasonings and salt and mix the usili gently under low temperature until all the flavors are absorbed in the dish.

Rice cooker version:
Add 2-1/4 cups of water to the rice and dhal along with salt and cook them in a regular way. Meanwhile, heat a small pan with a tablespoon of oil. When the oil turns hot, add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds and fry for a few seconds. Then add the curry leaves and broken red chilies and fry for a second and turn off the heat. Pour the seasonings over the usili, mix everything , and serve hot.

15 comments:

Shama Nagarajan said...

healthy one

Uma Anandane said...

I remember this recipe. I used to make these when my kids where toddlers. It tastes good, less spicy and easy to make. Thanks for sharing this recipe Gita :)

Harini said...

Simple healthy and quick,love this

Menaga Sathia said...

Never heard it before,sounds very interesting,will try it def...thxs for sharing!!

Unknown said...

Healthy one. I think toddlers will enjoy this dish. will try this for ishya.

Unknown said...

Absolutely healthy and delicious recipe!!

Priya Suresh said...


Am ready to finish that whole platter rite now, usili is just inviting me.Nutritious and health definitely.

www.mahaslovelyhome.com said...

Wow.its just delicious n very healthy ..

Unknown said...

Is the moong dal whole, or split? If split, is it skinned?

Unknown said...

I have some basic questions: Do you use whole mung dal, or split? If split, is it skinned?

Gita Jaishankar said...

Hi Sunil, I have used split moong dhal here. You can also use whole moong dhal here, if you want to increase the protein content of the dish. It does not alter the taste.

Vysyas recipes said...

healthy and yummy recipe.appetizing.

Suja Manoj said...

Healthy and filling, will surely try..thanks for sharing

Jayanthy Kumaran said...

yummm...neat presentation
Tasty Appetite

G3 said...

when to add peppercorns? with jeera in the seasoning or while cooking?