Cherupayar curry

Green gram curry or cherupayar curry is a very common dish among keralites as it is the favorite side dish to go with our staple breakfast item puttu. It is very easy to make and also tasty. This dish goes well with kanji also . Some like to have it with chappathy too. Basically green gram is very healthy as it falls under the legumes category. They can be used in the sprouted form also which is very healthy for diet conscious people. There is a tasty sprouted salad which uses green gram sprouts. It is filling as well as tasty and also healthy. This can be used for making the sundal which forms a festive favorite or to keep as prashad for God on special occasions. 

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS:

• Green gram - 1 cup
• Turmeric powder- 1/2 tablespoon
• Red chilly powder- 2 tablespoons
• Salt as needed
• Mustard seeds- 1 tablespoon
• Curry leaves- 5
• Whole red chilly- 3 
• Grated coconut- 1/4 cup
• Shallots/pearl onions/ cheriya ulli- 3 chopped
• Cumin seeds (Jeera) - 1/4 tablespoon

How to Prepare:

Step 1: Pressure cook green gram for four whistles (I like my green gram well cooked for this gravy dish ,For normal dry items you can reduce the number of whistles)

Step 2: Grind coconut with shallots and cumin seeds to a smooth paste adding little water .

Step 3: Add the blended paste to the cooked gram and with little more water cook the gravy well. 

Step 4: Heat oil in a small pan and add mustard seeds and whole red chilly. When the mustard splutters add the curry leaves and switch off flame. Add the seasoning to the gravy and mix well. 

Step 5: Serve hot with kanji or puttu. or even boiled rice.